Sri Lanka to participate in Gulfood 2009

The Sri Lanka Export Development Board will participate in the Gulfood Hotel 2009, from February 23-26, 2009. The EDB has already reserved an area of 54 sq miles for the Sri Lanka Pavilion and selected eight suitable companies for participation.

The Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) in collaboration with the Sri Lanka Consulate General in UAE organised Sri Lanka’s participation at the 13th Gulfood, Hotel and Equipment Exhibition and Salon Culinaire with nine Sri Lankan companies at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre from February 24-28. The Sri Lankan delegation comprised 20 members including an EDB official.

The products promoted through the EDB pavilion included tea, desiccated coconut, fresh fruit and vegetables, spices, cashew nuts, biscuits, cakes, chocolates, fruit juices, food ingredients, canned food and herbal products.

The EDB organised an information stall at the Sri Lanka pavilion where the information related to other exportable products of Sri Lanka which were not on display and contact details of Sri Lankan exporters were provided to interested parties.

Gulfood, the region’s largest food, drink and hospitality exhibition is the most effective and enduring trade shows in the Gulf which offers the international business community a strategic launch-pad to access the vibrant UAE market.

The 13th edition of this trade-only show featured more than 2500 companies from 65 countries covering more than 60,000 sq metres. of space of the Dubai International Exhibition and Convention Centre.

More than 86% of exhibitors were from outside the UAE and a record number of 70 country pavilions with new additions from Ecuador, Hungary, Lithuania, Malawi, Northern Ireland, Poland, Switzerland and Uruguay were organized in Gulfood.

Gulfood which has been running for more than a decade has become a landmark event for the region’s food and hospitality industries attracting visitors from a variety of sectors including food and beverage, hotel, retail, catering, equipment and technology.

The trade only event is open to business and trade visitors from within the industry only. The public and persons under 21 were not permitted entry into the exhibition. The Gulfood 2009 was attended by over 39,000 trade visitors from 140 countries of which 40% was from outside of the UAE.

Products such as nutmeg, pepper, desiccated coconut, biscuits and cakes promoted at the Sri Lanka pavilion organised by the EDB and received a good response from the visitors.

The total value of confirmed orders received was Rs. 85.4 million. Total value of orders under negotiation was recorded at Rs. 49.5 million. Some of the participants have already shipped consignments worth Rs. 40.3 million.