Industry celebrates Gulfood achievements at show’s 20th anniversary gala evening
The world’s best and brightest food, beverage and hospitality industry pioneers have been recognised at the sixth edition of Gulfood Awards, one of the region’s most highly-regarded industry accolades.
The spectacular evening event also hosted a unique and memorable celebration of Gulfood’s achievements over 20 editions dating back to 1987. More than 1,000 leading industry decision-makers, celebrity chefs, key exhibitors, customers, media and national groups attended the anniversary showcase.
Organised by Dubai World Trade
The Gulfood Industry Outstanding Achievement Award, in recognition of a company or personality demonstrating outstanding commitment and achievement within the Middle East’s food and beverage industry, was presented to His Excellency Essa Al Ghurair, Chairman, Al Ghurair Resources LLC.
“In a way, this award puts burden on me – I feel I have to do even more now,” said Al Ghurair. “This is not the end, this is the beginning. I’m entering a new era where I have to even work harder to achieve more and more for the community, the people and the industry. I hope to live up to this award by giving even more.”
With more than 80,000 international trade visitors attending this week’s historic 20th Gulfood showcase, Al Ghurair believes the DWTC fair keeps resetting its own benchmark for the regional food and hospitality industry.
“We have seen Gulfood grow from humble beginnings to what we have now – more than 120,000 square metre of exhibition space with 4,800 companies taking part. Gulfood is creating a benchmark for the industry and it is a win-win for everybody. Gulfood raises its standard every year and also develops the regional food industry across many categories.”
Trixie LohMirmand, Senior Vice President of Dubai World Trade Centre, added: “The Gulfood Awards are now firmly established as the region’s most sought-after accolade in the food, beverage and hospitality industries. The influence of the Gulfood Awards mirrors the growth and reputation of Gulfood itself and, as we celebrate the show’s 20th anniversary this year, the exceptional calibre of entries evidences the pioneering talent and innovation thriving both in the region and around the world.”
The full list of winners at the Gulfood Awards 2015 included:
Brands & Product Category – New Beverage Product Award
- Highly Commended – HFS Group GmbH
- Winner – Unilever Food Solutions
New Food Product Award
- Highly Commended – Al Ain Dairy
- Winner – Heidi Chef Solutions LLC
Best New Halal Food Award
- Highly Commended – Emirates Industry for Camel Milk & Product
- Winner – Dr Aishah Solution
Best Newcomer Brand or Business Award
- Highly Commended – Jashanmal National Company
- Winner – AB Zemaitijos Pienas
Food Service Category – Best New Food Service Innovation Award
- Highly Commended – Viessmann Kuhlsystemem
- Winner – Convotherm Elektrogerate
Marketing Category – Best Consumer Marketing Campaign Award
- Highly Commended – IFFCO
- Winner – Al Ghurair
Catering Equipment Category – Best New Catering Equipment Innovation Award
- Highly Commended – Technical Supplies & Services Co.
- Winner – Mercatus
- Winner – Vegeware
The best stand over 100sqm: Electrolux
The best stand under 100sqm: Vivel Patisserie
The Outstanding Achievement Award: H.E. Essa Al Ghurair, Chairman, Al Ghurair Resources LLC
Gulfood is the world’s largest and most important annual industry event. A strategic platform for buyers and sellers to conduct direct business with global contemporaries, the exhibition is a showcase for global finished foods and hospitality equipment suppliers, distributors and retailers across all key sectors of the international food and hospitality industry. For more information, please visit www.gulfood.com.