Grains to dominate GCC's food import list

DUBAI, 20th February, 2017 (WAM) -- As grains and cereals are forecast to dominate the GCC’s food import bill until 2019, the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) has made a strategic move to launch a pulses, grains and cereals segment as one of eight dedicated sectors at the world-leading Gulfood exhibition, which will run from 26 February to 2 March 2016. With consumers increasingly seeking ingredients that support healthy eating, many food producers are diversifying their ranges to include trendy pseudo grains, such as quinoa, amaranth and buckwheat, and pulses. The ‘GCC Food Industry’ report by Alpen Capital, the research advisory consultancy, forecasts that grains and cereals will remain the Gulf’s largest food consumption category, responsible for 46.5 percent of the region’s total food import bill. However, with consumers increasingly turning to ‘healthy’ alternatives, ‘trendy grains’ and pulses are likely to make strong headway. To satisfy this demand, some 371 exhibitors from 27 countries across Asia, the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Russia, Africa and the CIS have signed up to be part of the new sectorised Pulses, Grains and Cereals section, which is designed to ease accessibility and boost trade potential. "Gulfood is the most dynamic sourcing platform for all those involved in the business of food. It is a weathervane to emerging trends and it enables suppliers and procurers to adapt their business plans to meet consumer-driven developments," explained Trixie LohMirmand, Senior Vice President, Exhibitions & Events Management, DWTC. "The show’s new sectorised format enables operators in specific food categories get straight to business, with the relevant experts, products and services in close range." The Pulses, Grains and Cereals sector has also attracted some of the industry’s biggest importers and exporters. According to Euromonitor International, the market research provider, "Within fresh food, pulses were the best performer following a 7 percent increase in volume over the past year. The global success of pulses is largely attributed to 4 percent growth in India, where some 360 million vegetarians rely heavily on pulses for dietary protein. The growth of pulses in the Middle East and Africa region is supported by the popularity of pulses within the region as well as a steady influx of South Asian expatriates." As a cheaper alternative to meat among low-income workers, pulses provide an affordable source of protein and are particularly important across developing and emerging markets. Gulfood 2017 will feature 5,000 local and international exhibitors and 120 national pavilions, including first-time participants Azerbaijan, Finland, Malta and Somalia, while international heads of state, ministers, government officials and scores of national trade associations eager to ink lucrative bi-lateral trade agreements will be among tens of thousands of visitors. – Emirates News Agency, WAM - http://wam.ae/en/details/1395302598667