2008 PRESS RELEASES
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September 29, 2008
VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND CONSUMER SERVICES INVITES AGRICULTURAL PRODUCERS TO PARTICIPATE IN GULFOOD 2009 IN DUBAI
Contact: Elaine Lidholm, VDACS, 804.786.7686
The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) offers producers opportunities to showcase their products at Gulfood 2009 through partnership with the Southern United States Trade Association (SUSTA). This show, which occurs in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, February 23 – 26, 2009, is designed to promote food products from the southern United States.
Gulf Coast Countries (GCC) import much of their food, food services and food processing products. The countries have a high per capita income level, a taste for novel products and a keen interest in high quality food. GCC countries now import a total of approximately $10 billion in food and agricultural products a year. In 2006, $497 million of that total came from U.S. products.
The Gulfood show is the most important regional marketing platform and meeting point for manufacturers and buyers. Since it started in 1987, Gulfood has become the largest and most attended event in the Middle East. The show is open to trade visitors only. In 2008, the show attracted 1,955 exhibitors from 72 countries and 39,147 visitors from 148 countries.
Best candidates for importation to the GCC are fresh fruits, sauces and condiments, beef and poultry, honey, dried fruits and nuts, snack foods and juices and juice concentrates.
Information for participants:
- Participants will receive a 9 square meter booth per company for $500 or a corner booth for $700.
- SUSTA will display products for companies that are not able to attend the show. The companies will have to pay for shipment of sample products.
- Registration Deadline: November 27, 2008
Producers interested in taking advantage of this opportunity to introduce their products to importers and key buyers in the Middle East should contact Keith Long in VDACS’ Office of International Marketing. Call 804/371-8990 or e-mail keith.long@vdacs.virginia.gov. For information on additional domestic and international trade events, go to the VDACS Web site at http://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/news/t-events.shtml.