FOOD BUSINESS MAGAZINE OCT-DEC 2013

ISSN 1755-0939

WORLD OF PERISHABLES

WOP DUBAI

UAE

2013

OCTOBER-DECEMBER 2013

Editor Matt Matthews Associate Editors Jessie Jorge Andrew Thomas Sub Editor Megha Marie Matt Graphic Designer Aleena Susan John Sales Manager Paul Thomas

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Production Manager Abdul Shareef Contributors Neville J. Chandler P.K. James Shakeeb Kolakadan Head Office Matt Media International Ltd. Woodgreen, London N22 5AR, UK E-mail: gulfag@emirates.net.ae Web site: www.foodbusinessgulf.com

Middle East Office Al Saad Advertising & Publishing LLC. P O Box 25694,Sharjah, UAE Tel:+971 6 5639494 Fax:+971 6 5639449 E-mail: gulfag@emirates.net.ae Food Business Gulf & Middle East is designed to serve the fast growing Food, Fresh Produce, Ingredients, Bakery, Hotel, Hypermarkets, Restaurants & Catering industries in the Gulf and Middle East region by providing the expert information to our readers in our four comprehensive issues in a year. It is circulated through out Middle East region and world wide in addition to the extra distribution at various food, catering & hotel events, fresh and perishable shows. The magazine provides editorial coverage on a wide range of topics which are of interest to industry professionals.

NEWS WOP DUBAI PREVIEW SWEETS & SNACKS ME PREVIEW SIAL MIDDLE EAST PREVIEW EMIRATES INTL DATE PALM FESTIVAL DUBAI DRINK TECHNOLOGY PREVIEW SAUDI AGRO FOOD REVIEW INGREDIENTS DATES FRUITS CHOCOLATES MEAT CUTTING & DEBONING BAKING SOLUTIONS PACKAGING US UPDATE FRANCE UPDATE KOREA UPDATE DENMARK UPDATE

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Cover photo courtesy: Ferm O Feed, The Netherlands

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Food Business Gulf & Middle East is a sister publication of Gulf Agriculture.

Printed & published by Matt MediaŠ Intl. Ltd.(U.K.) 2013

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Packaging Component Soaring at AB7 Africa is now a major player in the international packaging industry, both as a market and as a supplier. The number of packaging manufacturers exhibiting at this year's Africa's Big Seven (AB7), the continent's biggest food and beverage expo, was the highest ever, indicating a strong trend of sustained and continuous growth in the sector.

AB7 2013 was held from 30 June to 2 July at Gallagher Convention Centre, Midrand.

Top local and international packaging companies are using the vast networking and business opportunities provided by AB7 to tap into the lucrative and growing African market.

“The booming African economy is fuelling the demand behind this phenomenal growth in Africa's packaging Industry,” says AB7 organiser John Thomson of Exhibition Management Services.“Africa's growing middle class consumer population is the driver for significant long-term potential growth, making the continent a priority market for many international packaging companies, especially in the plastics arena.”

Over the past six years, the use of plastic packaging in Africa has grown by a massive 150%, at a compound average annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.7%. “Plastics imports to Africa have grown by up to 40%,” adds Thomson. “Industry analysts are predicting the use of plastics in East Africa alone will treble in the next five years.”

Per capita plastic consumption in Kenya was just 10kg per annum in 2004; this is expected to double to 20kg by 2015 - still very low compared to some other countries in Africa.“Any company that wants to mount a campaign to access the African market can launch it at Africa's Big Seven,” declares Thomson. “Over the last decade, AB7 has provided an unparalleled springboard for the food and beverage industry to explore Africa and the sheer growth in exhibitor numbers at this year's show confirm this.”

Hein Steyn, Sales Director for Acepak, a leading packaging machinery supplier, reports over 200 enquiries during the expo. “We ran out of brochures and had to ask visitors to return later as we were so busy on the stand. I'll have to bring more staff to help next year - and get a bigger stand!”quips Steyn. Acepak made several deals after the show, including the sale FOOD BUSINESS GULF & MIDDLE EAST

of a juice packaging machine to the value of R4-million for a Mozambique manufacturer.

Alwyn de Lange, owner of Power Protein Packaging, a packaging contractor, was able to network and market the company very effectively at AB7.“I was very impressed with the amount of visitor traffic and we generated about 20 leadswhich are all proving to be positive,” he says.

“We have made valuable contacts with companies in the Middle East, Namibia and Taiwan, and we will be at AB7 2014!”

“For us, AB7 was truly successful,” says John Mahasha from Apol Foods, a food processing and canning company. “We had enquiries from as far afield as the Middle East, Ghana and the Ivory Coast, and generated 17 leads which we are close to converting into positive business for our company. The show also gave us an opportunity to meet with other players in our industry, and meet like-minded business people.”

Craft Aid, a Mauritius- based company that packages sugar, had close to 30 leads, most of which turned out to be positive.“Our packaging line is growing, and being at the expo enabled us to interact with companies from Africa and the rest of the world, including Italy and Europe,” said Managing Director Gabriel Kamudu.

Ruben Camara, Customer Relations and Promotions Manager at Hercules Foods, which distributes processed meat products, was delighted with the turnout at AB7. “We filled five A4 pages with leads! AB7 has been a huge success for us,” says Camara. “We have already generated sales from some of the leads and are negotiating almost R1-million worth of business with retailers in Botswana, Namibia and Zambia,” continues Camara. “We will definitely come back to AB7 next year.”

John Thomson is delighted with the growth potential AB7 offers its exhibitors. “I'm extremely confident the packaging component of AB7 will expand even further next year.”

AB7 2014 takes place from 22 to 24 June 2014 at Gallagher Convention Centre.

Seafood consumption is fastgrowing in the Middle East According to the World Health Organisation, the international seafood industry is looking to the fast-growing Middle East markets for new business opportunities. Given the region's growing population, rising financial prosperity and strong tourism sector, seafood consumption per capita is growing at a substantial rate OCTOBER-DECEMBER 2013

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compared to other regions. This market potential is reflected in demand for space at SEAFEX 2013 the region's most influential trade show for the seafood industry, which this year has reported a more than 30 percent increase in exhibitor space over the 2012 inaugural event. Taking place from 17-19 November 2013 at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), the trade-only show covers the full spectrum of the seafood industry, from the fresh catch to the consumer's plate, as well as cold storage, shipping and logistics solutions. “The Middle East offers exceptional opportunities for the seafood industry with many of its regional markets in the world's top ten in terms of per capita consumption. We are delighted that the second edition of SEAFEX has been so well received by the industry. The show's success at connecting international suppliers to the regional market, and helping

local companies expand into new territories and establish themselves as premium producers abroad,� said Trixie LohMirmand Senior Vice President, Dubai World Trade Centre.

The 2013 edition of SEAFEX is set to showcase an even broader range of products from the world's leading names in the seafood industry as well as new country pavilions including: Philippines, Namibia, Peru, Turkey, Northern Ireland, Yemen and Argentina.

SEAFEX has also confirmed that it will host 100 buyers from Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, Yemen, Iraq, Iran, Tunisian, Morocco, Algeria, Egypt, Nigeria and Kenya through an extensive hosted buyer programme. Connecting exhibitors with buyers directly, the programme ensures that exhibitors meet with the right buyers, even before they arrive at their stand.

SEAFEX is conveniently co-located with The Speciality Food Festival, the region's only dedicated gourmet and fine food show for the food and hospitality industry and Sweets & Snacks Middle East, the region's only dedicated showcase for the sweets, snacks, chocolate, bakery and ice cream industry. All three shows cover everything from ingredients, equipment and technology through to the finished products for catering and retail.

Changing flow of goods in focus at FRUIT LOGISTICA 2014 The market for pomaceous fruit remains tense.

While the European Union is expecting an average apple crop of 10.8 million tonnes overall, the situation varies widely in each country. Eastern European countries are expecting bountiful crops, while harvests will be below average in the West. The resulting change in the flow of goods will be a hot topic at FRUIT LOGISTICA 2014, taking place on 5-7 February in Berlin.

Germany is anticipating a deficit of 20-25%.

This attracts the attention of foreign suppliers and allows more leeway when it comes to prices. "It is important not to go overboard on prices," recommends Helwig Schwartau of AMI (agricultural market information service).

According to Matthias Reuter from Edeka Kirchner, the consumer has alternatives: "The apple now has competition. Clementines capture the market in late summer and innovations, including persimmons and sweet apricots, are gaining popularity among FOOD BUSINESS GULF & MIDDLE EAST

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customers." For Reuter and other fresh produce experts from the food retail sector, FRUIT LOGISTICA is the most important event of the year. The trade fair offers excellent opportunities to stay up-to-date with the global market, discuss business and close business deals.

Around four months before the start of FRUIT LOGISTICA 2014, the number of stand bookings is higher than last year, with the final number of exhibitors expected to be on par with last year's excellent levels. According to Global Brand Manager, Gérald Lamusse: "The current booking status underlines the importance of FRUIT LOGISTICA as the global business platform for the industry. The international scope of our event and the quality of our trade visitors offer unparalleled business opportunities." FRUIT LOGISTICA 2013 attracted 2,543 exhibitors from 78 countries presenting a comprehensive overview of products and services from the fresh fruit and vegetable trade. The event was attended by more than 58,000 visitors from 130 countries.

Heat Indexes Show Strong Consumer Interest for “Heat Experience” in Food and Beverages American and European consumers continue to seek out hot and spicy foods and beverages, according to recent postings by the U.S. and EU HeatSync® Heat Indexes. The Kalsec® HeatSync® Heat Indexes are measurement tools that follow usage of more than 30 different peppers. In collaboration with market data from Mintel's Menu Insights and the Global New Products Database (GNPD), the U.S. index evaluates more than 2,400 restaurant food and drink menus, while the EU index measures retail product introductions in Europe.

In the first six months of 2013, the Kalsec® U.S. and EU HeatSync® Heat Indexes both posted strong increases, with the U.S. index up 38% and the EU index increasing 26% over the previous six months. In the European market, sweet chili, piquillo and cayenne peppers showed the strongest increases. The European index has continued its growth climb since 2007. The popular jalapeno and cayenne peppers led the strong growth in the U.S. for the first half of 2013. The banana and pepperoncini peppers also contributed to the increased U.S. demand. “The significant increase in demand and diversity of pepper FOOD BUSINESS GULF & MIDDLE EAST

types supports a global trend toward the consumer's desire for a more complex and flavorful heat experience,” says Karen Buczek, product director of Kalsec® natural spice and herb flavor extracts.

The index is named after the Kalsec® HeatSync® Systems, designed to control the timing, intensity and location on the palate of heat (pungency) to be delivered for specific application requirements. The Kalsec® HeatSync® Heat Indexes will be updated and reported every six months and are available for viewing at www.kalsec.com.

MBG GROUP launches FEEL GOOD premium tea drinks It's time for tea! The innovative MBG International Premium Brands GmbH is breathing fresh life into Germany's restaurant and catering sector. Its London-based subsidiary FEEL GOOD Drinks Company Ltd. has developed a range of innovative blended tea drinks under the same umbrella brand which are being exported to international markets and are also now available here in Germany.

This means a new premium product from the popular tea segment has been added to MBG's extensive stable of beverages, further expanding its offering. With no added sugars but rich in vitamins A, C and E, this ready-todrink variant really hits the spot with its 100% natural goodness. These blended drinks created from fruit juice, tea extracts and still water are also guaranteed to catch the eye of gastronomes: the stylish glass bottles emphasise the drink's fruity goodness with an appropriately colourful design.

“By introducing FEEL GOOD tea in Germany we have filled a significant gap in our range and can now really start making inroads in this lucrative market segment with a great brand and product design,” says Andreas W. Herb, Managing Director of the MBG Group, welcoming this strategic expansion of the group's portfolio.

FEEL GOOD blended tea drinks come in four popular flavours: fresh pomegranate, sweet blueberry, intense lemon and succulent peach.

The fruity “Pomegranate Green Tea”, “Blueberry White Tea”, “Lemon Black Tea” and “Peach Black Tea” blended drinks are now available in a 375-ml glass bottle in a handy reusable crate or in a convenient 500-ml PET bottle.

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stake in the London-based FEEL GOOD Drinks Company Ltd. just eight months ago. Active in 17 countries, the British fruit beverage specialist is chiefly known in the UK for its extensive offering of natural fruit juice drinks containing no added sugar.

The Feel Good Drinks Company Ltd. was founded

by Dave Wallwork and Steve Cooper, who had previously worked for Coca-Cola, with a clear goal in mind: to develop drinks that are both tasty and healthy. All Feel Good drinks are made from 100 % natural ingredients and contain no added sugar. The company's portfolio now encompasses fruit juice drinks for children and adults, alcohol-free cocktails and the recently-launched Feel Good Water range. The Paderborn-based beverage manufacturer acquired a majority stake in the London-based natural fruit juice drink specialist The Feel Good Drinks Company Ltd. in January 2013. The official change in its name to MBG UK took place in August.

Feel Good brand drinks are available at 20,000 points of sale in the UK - including all major grocery retailers, supermarket chains, independent retailers, hotels and restaurants and petrol stations. Feel Good Drinks are also on sale in at least 17 international markets including Singapore, France, Holland, Sweden, Denmark, Cyprus, Norway and Ireland and the number is steadily rising.

Hydrosol: Intelligent stabilising systems for dairy products, deli foods and meat and fish products Hydrosol, the specialist in stabilising systems, is systematically continuing its expansion course of recent years. At the Technology Centre in Ahrensburg, near Hamburg, with its wide diversity of state-of-the-art equipment, technologists and research scientists develop stabilising systems tailor-made to the needs of different industries. At FIE 2013 in Frankfurt (Stand 8H30) the company will present its latest innovations for dairy products, deli foods, and meat and fish specialities.

The new functional systems for yoghurt cubes that can be used in salads as a fresh, low-fat alternative to feta cheese offer dairies additional sales potential. They are simple to produce and can be given an individual flavour by adding herbs or other flavourings.

Specially for athletes and other persons with high protein requirements, Hydrosol has developed a salad dressing with a protein content of over eight percent.

The dressing adheres well to the salad, and its flavour and visual appearance can be varied to meet individual needs.

The idea behind the development of the Stabisol Easy series was to simplify production processes. The agglomerated stabilisers facilitate the processing of OCTOBER-DECEMBER 2013

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powdered substances with water. When starch and similar powders are mixed with water, lumps tend to form. In order to prevent this it is usual to make up preblends in which the stabiliser is dissolved. With Stabisol Easy this step is now superfluous. The stabilisers are agglomerated by the fluid bed method so that they disperse readily and uniformly in liquids without forming lumps. An advantage that can be used in many fields of production including stabilisation of dairy cream and the manufacture of mayonnaise.

With the aid of new stabilising systems from the Stabisol series, dairies, deli food manufacturers and producers of snacks and processed cheese can create various alternatives to semihard cheese and curd, cream or processed cheese. The finely adjusted hydrocolloid and protein mixtures stabilise the consistency of all manner of different end products. The reconstituted specialities can be used for numerous applications - for example on pizza or in pies, as fillings for sausage or snack meals, in dip sauces and desserts, or as a sandwich spread.

Besides being easy to produce, the reconstituted products offer attractive potential for cutting costs.

They are usually less expensive than traditional cheese, since most of them can be made with vegetable fat. At the same time they have good functionality and result in convincing product quality.

In response to the increasing demand for cleanOCTOBER-DECEMBER 2013

label products on the part of consumers, Hydrosol has widened its range of labelfriendly stabilising systems.

Complexes of active substances without E numbers are now available for dairy products, ice cream, sandwich spreads, fruit preparations, mayonnaise, meat and sausage, and freeze-thaw resistant products.

The stabilising effect of the new products is based on

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functional ingredients that do not have to be declared as additives.

For the meat processing industry, Hydrosol has developed new functional systems for use in minced meat and convenience products. The functional ingredients from the HydroTOP series offer financial advantages in the manufacture and processing of minced meat products.

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They are suitable for hamburgers, meat balls, chicken nuggets and meat fillings for pasta dishes. The newly developed product HydroTOP High Gel 20, for example, forms a heat-stable gel with a structure similar to that of meat, which greatly enhances the texture even of recipes with a reduced meat content. It also considerably lessens the weight loss resulting from thermal treatment.

Convenience products such as breaded escalopes, goulash and marinated meat stay tender and succulent after cooking with the new complexes from the PLUSstabil series.

These complexes of active substances are injected into the meat pieces like brine; they change the structure of the protein and increase water absorption. The connective tissue is softened, with the result that meat pieces with a shorter maturing time and pieces with a high collagen content remain tender however they are cooked. In this field, Hydrosol offers tailor-made systems for different end products - breaded, frozen, freshly marinated or pre-cooked for the microwave.

All Hydrosol's business revolves on modern applications research. At the Technology Centre, enlarged to an area of 3,000 square metres, the technologists have four different laboratories at their disposal for testing deli foods, dairy products, meat and fish. Each laboratory is fitted with state-of-the-art equipment for trials. One example is the new fluid bed processor that widens Hydrosol's range of services to include coating, drying, agglomeration and granulation.

DuPont Named to Thomson Reuters 2013 World's Top 100 Most Innovative Organizations Third Year Running DuPont is proud to be included in Thomson Reuters 2013 World's Top 100 Most Innovative Organizations. This is the third consecutive year DuPont has been featured on this list, which focuses on how patent activity, protection of intellectual property, new technologies and increased research and development (R&D) investment drive business growth and profitability.

“Throughout DuPont's 211-year history, our R&D has delivered a strong pipeline of new products that have responded to the needs of the marketplace,” said Thomas M. Connelly, FOOD BUSINESS GULF & MIDDLE EAST

executive vice president and chief innovation officer. “We are honored to be named to the list again this year; it recognizes the efforts of our scientists and engineers who continue to invent, innovate, and use our unique integrated science capabilities to serve our global customers.”

With 12 new innovation centers around the world, DuPont science is helping to solve some big societal challenges. Specifically, DuPont is working to grow more and better food, create renewable fuels and protect people where they work and live. These innovation centers bring together customers, governments, NGOs, universities and other strategic partners to collaborate to solve both regional and global issues.

“The connection between our 10,000 scientists and engineers and industry experts enables us to identify local needs, anticipate market trends and quickly develop innovative solutions,” Connelly said.

DuPont R&D investment increased by 8 percent to a record $2.1 billion in last year.

The company announced new research centers and expansions for multi-crop research centers, broke ground on a new cellulosic ethanol facility in Nevada, Iowa, and continued to expand our offerings in photovoltaics and organic light-emitting diode (OLED) technologies. DuPont commercialized 2,047 products last year with about $10 billion in sales from new products and applications launched between 2009 and 2012.

Latin America energy drinks market spurts ahead to $1.2b Latin America's energy drinks consumption surged by 22.6% in 2012 to 249.3 million litres adding over 148 million litres since 2008, according to the latest report from leading food and drink consultancy Zenith International.

Average growth over the past five years has been 25% a year. Value has risen slightly less sharply by an average 22% a year to 974 million or $1,252 million in 2012. Sugar Free drinks have rocketted to over $50 millions in 2012 .

“Although some countries face challenging atmospheres due to restrictive regulations, energy drinks still remain the most dynamic segment in the soft drinks market in the region, with strong growth in most countries,” commented Zenith consultant Jose Saiz.

The top three consuming countries among the 7 covered by the Zenith report were Brazil, OCTOBER-DECEMBER 2013

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Argentina, and Mexico. Argentina, Brazil, and Chile had the highest consumption per person in 2012. Brazil is still the leading region, with 56% of global volume in 2012, followed by Argentina with 17.8% and Mexico with 15%. Chile has made significant gains over the last few years rising to a 4% share. Colombia has also seen its volume share nearly double to 4.5%.

Wyndham Hotel Group Launches Hawthorn Suites by Wyndham Wyndham Hotel Group, the world's largest hotel company with approximately 7,410 hotels and part of Wyndham Worldwide Corporation announced the signing of the Hawthorn Suites by Wyndham Dubai, the first hotel to fly the group's extended stay Hawthorn Suites by Wyndham® brand flag in the Middle East.

The 188-room property, which is located in the heart of the popular Jumeirah Beach Residence in Dubai, is owned by R Hotels, the hotels and hotel management subsidiary of R Holding LLC, based in Ajman. The property

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includes studio apartments, one- and twobedroom suites and a penthouse with panoramic views of both the sea and Dubai Marina. In addition to in-room kitchenettes, an all-day dining restaurant with inside and outside seating, a coffee shop and 24-hour room service ensure guests are well catered to throughout the duration of their stay.

“We are seeing increased demand for hotel products which allow guests to maintain their routines with a home away from home,” said Rui Barros, Wyndham Hotel Group's senior vice president and managing director for Europe, Middle East and Africa. “Hawthorn Suites by Wyndham caters perfectly to this audience, while also providing the additional space and flexibility required by many families travelling to Dubai from across the Gulf.”

Guests at the hotel will also enjoy wireless internet access, an outdoor swimming pool, separate male and female spa areas, gym and meeting rooms as well as having the benefit of free parking.

Guests staying at the Hawthorn Suites by

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Wyndham Dubai who are members of Wyndham Rewards®, Wyndham Hotel Group's free-to-join guest loyalty programme, can earn valuable points during their stay.

Points may be redeemed for a wide variety of reward options including free hotel stays, air travel, gift cards for leading retailers and restaurants and more. Information is available at www.wyndhamrewards.com.

“Jumeriah Beach Residences is an amazing destination and our new property will offer a refreshing hospitality experience for our guests,” said Sumair Tariq, managing director of R Hotels. “It is fantastic to open our second property in less than a year with Wyndham Hotel Group and R Hotels continues to focus on key locations in line with expansion strategies.

We are looking forward to providing our guests with yet another wonderful hotel experience with Hawthorn Suites by Wyndham Dubai.”

The introduction of the Hawthorn Suites by Wyndham brand comes just months after the group announced plans to introduce both the company's upper-upscale, namesake Wyndham Hotels and Resorts® brand and its cosmopolitan, select-service TRYP by Wyndham® brand to the region over the next few years. The opening adds to the 36 hotels that are currently open and operating under four Wyndham Hotel Group brands across the Middle East.

De'Longhi's PrimaDonna S De Luxe brings Italian perfection to Middle East De'Longhi Group, the renowned Italian small domestic appliance manufacturer, has launched its new espresso machine, the PrimaDonna S Deluxe, in the Middle East for local coffee aficionados to savor. The coffee maker extends the company's prestigious line of Fully Automatic Coffee machines (bean to cup coffee machines).

The PrimaDonna S delivers an exact blend of milk and espresso to serve the perfect Cappuccino, Coffee Latte and Latte Macchiato or frothed milk at the touch of a single button. It also comes with an ingenious memory function to store details such as the amount of milk, water and ground coffee you prefer in your espresso, in addition to the temperature settings.

“With its eye-catching design and superb performance, it is no wonder that the FOOD BUSINESS GULF & MIDDLE EAST

PrimaDonna S has created quite a buzz internationally.

This machine showcases the engineering savvy of Italians and their meticulous approach to the coffee making process. It is perfect for the Middle East's coffee lovers who want only the best in their beverage and desire to prepare perfect Italian Espresso in the convenience of their own homes,” said Ashraf Khairallah, Regional Marketing Director, De'Longhi Ashraf Khairallah Group.

PrimaDonna S Deluxe has a compact, space-saving form factor and a stylish and sleek non-fingerprint stainless steel body. Users can follow the step-by-step digital display for various one-touch functions or to save personalized coffee settings. It also features the highly practical AUTOCAPPUCCINO system that comes with a built-in carafe which has a froth density selector. Also, the milk jug can be stored in the fridge when not in use. In addition to the cup warmer and cup illumination features, it also has an auto clean function which performs an automatic washing cycle at the push of a button.

Users may also opt for the manual frothing feature to hone their coffee art skills. Milk consistency can be adjusted from liquid to foamy via a control knob. The machine's fully integrated grinder comes with 13 settings that allow you to choose your preferred consistency, coffee beans or ground coffee: the choice is yours. Its dual heating systems can be used for heating or for frothing milk.

A standby function enables the machine to reduce its power consumption by up to 70 per cent.

The De'Longhi Group was founded in 1902 as a small industrial parts manufacturing workshop. It grew into a major producer of portable heaters and air conditioners and has since expanded its line to include small domestic appliances in food preparation and cooking and household cleaning and ironing. Today, De'Longhi is known for offering highly innovative, distinctly designed and easy-touse products in the coffee, comfort and selected kitchen & homecare categories.

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The company has also built a reputation for adapting to different cultures and household needs worldwide, including the Middle East markets, through its array of functional products that turn daily routines and home comfort requirements into more pleasurable experiences.

XOL launches new subsidiary in Morocco XOL Automation, leading engineering services company in the MENA region, has launched a new subsidiary dedicated to serving customers in Maghreb Countries. The subsidiary will also carry the name XOL Automation and serve as the channel for further business development in the region.

The subsidiary in Morocco will be led by a team of experienced executives. Mr. Mohamed Ouichdani will serve as Director of Operations.

He has over 20 years of extensive experience in dry material handling including sugar, minerals, grain and animal feed. Prior to

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joining XOL Automation, Mr. Ouichdani had founded Therfalim, a training and consulting service company and served as Head of Refinery and Maintenance at COSUMAR, a leading sugar refinery in the region. Mr. Ouichdani holds a Biochemistry Engineering Degree from I.M.C. in Brussels. Mr. Benjamin Sleiman, Director of Sales and Service will continue in his current role of developing and supporting customers throughout North Africa.

He has been with XOL since January of 2010.

He holds an Electrical Engineering Degree from USEK, Lebanon.

“Establishing XOL Automation subsidiary in Morocco will allow us to accelerate our growth initiatives in the Maghreb region while expanding local support to our valued Customers.” Said Marcel Hage, Chairman of XOL Automation. “This move serves as a renewed commitment to providing Customers in the region with best-of-class engineering services and state-of-the-art technology.” added Hage.

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OlbrichtArom: New realms of flavour for baked goods, sweets and dairy products OlbrichtArom looks back on 140 years of experience in the production of flavourings and essences. In close cooperation with its customers the company creates new realms of flavour for baked goods, sweets and dairy products. At FIE 2013 in Frankfurt (Stand 8H30) OlbrichtArom will present a number of natural flavourings, for example invarious vanilla notes, at very interesting prices.These will be complemented by natural fruit pastes for enhancing baked goods, dairy products or ice cream and also for deli foods and flavour shots for café specialities.

The company's specialities include fruit and fruit peel pastes. These have a multitude of possible applications and are valued for their unique flavour with natural citrus oils and a minimum fruit content of 33 to 80 percent. This gives the end products a long-lasting, fresh taste of pure fruit. The pastes are heatstable and capable of freezing.

All flavourings and fruit pastes are initially tested at the spacious Technology Centre of the parent company, the SternWywiolGruppe, in Hamburg. In the flavour laboratory, the specialists from OlbrichtArom develop compositions for a wide spectrum of applications.

These are then subjected to sensory analyses, for which the laboratory offers optimum testing conditions with sources of warm, cold and red light. Modern testing booths ensure individual results.

OlbrichtArom adjusts all flavourings and fruit pastes individually to the specific requirements of the end product - from the manufacturing process through transportation and storage to the “best before” date. And the product development team is constantly creating new flavours that enable the end product to stand out from its competitors. Moreover, customers benefit from the network of cooperation between all the companies in the group and the wide range of applications research it offers.

The latter includes the relevant applications technology for bakery and dairy products, deli FOOD BUSINESS GULF & MIDDLE EAST

foods and meat products, and also laboratories for flavourings, enzymes and micronutrients.

With the aid of modern technology and different pilot plants, OlbrichtArom is able to test new products under industrial conditions - for example with stress tests in the UHT unit or in baking trials.

Anuga 2013: The most important platform for the international food business On 9 October 2013, the 32nd Anuga came to a close having posted excellent results. For five days, around 155,000 trade visitors from 187 countries ensured there was lots of activity at the stands of the 6,777 exhibitors. “Anuga is the most important platform in the world for the international food business.” With these words Gerald Böse, President and Chief Executive Officer of Koelnmesse GmbH, summed up the fair. “The Anuga trade fair in Cologne is unique: nowhere else brings supply and demand together so effectively at such a high level of quality.” In this way Anuga confirms its importance for worldwide trading in the food sector at the national and international levels alike. With around 65 percent of the participants coming from abroad, Anuga once again demonstrated that it is the international food and beverage trading hub. The exhibiting companies reported many intense discussions with high-level decision-makers and consistently praised the quality and internationality of the trade visitors.

Friedhelm Dornseifer, President of the Federal Association of the German Retail Grocery Trade (BVLH), also emphasized how important Anuga is for policy-making and the economy. “Ministers and Secretaries of State from all over the world travelled to Germany in order to visit Anuga,“ he said. ”This strong presence underscores the position occupied by the trade fair in the global food industry.

Moreover, it shows that Anuga is an important platform for promoting dialogue among international policy-makers. The large number of economic delegations impressively demonstrates the reputation enjoyed by Anuga in the world of international politics.”

“Anuga once again highlighted that the sector's sustained growth is being driven by the increasing popularity of high-quality German food abroad,” said Dr. Werner Ingold, Chairman of the Federation of OCTOBER-DECEMBER 2013

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German Food and Drink Industries (BVE).

“Food in Germany is of higher quality than ever before. It is also more diverse, safer and cheaper. We therefore have to increase people's appreciation of our products and communicate food manufacturers' achievements. Anuga has provided politicians and businesses with trendsetting momentum.”

The German Hotel and Restaurant Association DEHOGA was also very satisfied with the overall results. The association's managing director, Ingrid Hartges, said, “The successful trade fair days in Cologne impressively demonstrated Anuga's importance for our sector. Caterers, chefs and business managers used Anuga as a source of inspiration and information. The DEHOGA Catering Marketplace served as the meeting place for the catering sector.”

The atmosphere at Anuga was characterized by a business attitude and extensive networking. Decision-makers from the domestic and international trade, as well as leading

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importers and buyers from key catering firms came to the fair to obtain in-depth information about services and the products on display.

Many companies reported a good level of ordering activity. One company spokesperson also said that the participants generally expect post-fair business to be good.

The food industry once again used Anuga to present the sector's full range of products and services.

The following trends were observed at the fair: Convenience products are becoming more and more widespread. With these products, the food supply chain is consistently meeting the needs of an increasing number of people who are adapting their eating habits to the changed nature of daily life. More and more manufacturers and brand-name products are now focusing on the freshness, taste, nutrition and sustainability of their food products as well as on the products' high quality.

The next Anuga will take place from 10 to 14 October 2015.

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Portraying the Rosewood Sense of Place Philosophy, Sense Spa is now open at Rosewood Abu Dhabi The ultra-luxury hotel Rosewood Abu Dhabi announced this week the opening of Sense, a Rosewood Spa, as the newest addition to its unique offerings. Located in the midst of Sowwah Square, Abu Dhabi's newest thriving urban hub, Sense will be the perfect tranquil destination to relax and unwind while indulging in treatments that took inspiration from local culture and customs.

As soon as guests enter the reception area, they will be enveloped into a world of serenity focusing first and foremost on providing them with an exceptional and unforgettable experience. Sense's signature Abu Dhabi treatments such as Signature Odyssey, Arabian Desert, Traditional Hammam and Jewel of Arabia invite guests to take a trip down relaxation lane while being pampered in the region's finest natural elements from precious gems to desert roses. Every detail at SenseSpa

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from soothing relaxation areas for men and women, to the Rose Buds Junior Spa Menu designed especially for younger guests, ensures that nothing disturbs the guests' peaceful retreat.

Tucked away on the second floor of Rosewood Abu Dhabi, Sense spa offers an extensive range of indulgent treatments and services, including an array of massages, therapies, skin care services, manicures and pedicures.

Set in soft neutral tones accented with quartz rose and amethyst hues; Sense emanates an air of understated luxury, soothing the senses and offering an invitation to unwind.

Sense Spa features 9 full-service treatment rooms, 2 signature rooms dedicated to traditional hammam rituals, 1 couple suite, a retail area with exclusive brands, a beauty salon, and separate relaxation areas for ladies and gentlemen, including cold mist showers, a large whirlpool with glittering silver and platinum tile interiors, a sauna with fibre optic lighting and a steam room with chromo therapy features.

Leading the spa team is Hayley Bluett.

Having worked for the past eight years in the

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spa and recreation field, Hayley has extensive experience in the industry which she will bring to Rosewood Abu Dhabi. Commenting on the opening she said; “We aim to take our guests through the Sense journey from the second they walk through the door. Every item at Sense Spa has been handpicked to insure it satisfies the highest standards but also remains indigenous to the UAE. We take pride in our treatments and our therapists who have been trained by masters in health & beauty arts from the United States of America, the United Kingdom, Spain, Australia, South Africa and Morocco.”

Rosewood Abu Dhabi is a 189-room hotel is located at the core of the new Central Business District (CBD) between the prestigious Sowwah Square development, The Galleria and Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi. Rosewood Abu Dhabi features nine signature restaurants and lounges; eight fully equipped conference and event spaces including a ballroom which will accommodate up to 1,000 guests; pool and gym facilities.

Food, drink, and hospitality trade show promises Auckland windfall in 2014 Fine Food New Zealand, returning in 2014, is expected to net Auckland a windfall similar to the $1.55 million it contributed to the local economy in 2012.

Rated by participants as the foremost international trade exhibition for the foodservice, hospitality, and retail industries, Fine Food New Zealand is held once every two years - the 2014 event will be held at the ASB Showgrounds from 22 to 24 June.

Leading research company Covec produced an economic impact report on Fine Food New Zealand 2012 that concluded the event contributed $1.55 million to the Auckland economy, including $946,000 spent by visiting exhibitors and $374,000 spent by visiting attendees. Overall, the event added 4135 visitor nights to the local hospitality industry and provided a return on regional investment of 167%.

“In the current climate of debate around conference centres and how to attract visitors to Auckland, Fine Food New Zealand stands out as a proven win-win for the region and our exhibitors,” says Dona White, CEO of North Port Events, the Auckland based business that organises the event.

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Exhibition stand sales opened on 1 July 2013 and the show is already 40% sold out proof that Fine Food New Zealand is now firmly established as the go-to event for the sectors it serves. “Hospitality, food, drink, accommodation, and tourism are all hugely important industries in the New Zealand economy and that's why we launched Fine Food New Zealand in 2010 - to provide these highly significant sectors with a one-stop-shop trade show that really delivers,” says White.

“Leading buyers, business owners, and managers use this show to check out the most innovative products and services, source new suppliers, keep up with the latest industry trends, attend essential industry events, and network with their peers. Major industry organisations such as BIANZ, NZ Chefs Association, RANZ, and others support the show and use it as a platform for their AGMs, annual competitions, and other events.”

The sectors served by Fine Food New Zealand are highly important to the New Zealand economy. Food and beverage manufacturing and wholesaling is the largest sector in New Zealand, directly employing 104,160 people or 5% of total employment.

Food and beverage domestic retail sales amount to $28.7 billion and New Zealand export $26.3 billion. The hospitality industry contributes about $6.5 billion to the economy annually and provides about 100,000 jobs.

"World's Best Airline" Emirates chooses M-iQ technology from MEIKO Emirates - the official international airline of the United Arab Emirates which was recently voted the world's best airline - has once again chosen technology from the Offenburg, Germanybased commercial dishwasher manufacturer MEIKO to expand its flight catering operations.

A brand-new second facility at Dubai International Airport will be equipped with three machines from MEIKO's M-iQ range of warewashers. "We've been doing business with Emirates Flight Catering since 1988 and we're tremendously proud to have this opportunity to develop the relationship further through this major contract," explains Klaus Engesser, head of exports at MEIKO. The Arabian Peninsula's leading in-flight catering company is already at the planning stage of a project to incorporate the three new OCTOBER-DECEMBER 2013

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M-iQ machines. "This is a customer that places a great deal of emphasis on cutting-edge systems, intelligent interface design and reliability," says Eric Waag, MEIKO's key account manager for in-flight catering.

Working in close collaboration with the Heidelberg, Germany-based company ioconsultants - one of the industry's most prestigious planning and consultancy firms Waag successfully convinced the customer to equip its new facility with the very latest M-iQ technology: "MEIKO was the best choice because Emirates Fight Catering was looking for a solution that combines intelligent material flows with outstandingly smooth organization.

The key factors behind Emirates' decision to continue their long-standing business relationship with MEIKO included the high energy efficiency of our M-iQ machines, their user-friendly operation and, in particular, our sophisticated filter technology."

A MEIKO press release explains how the M-iQ system, which is widely regarded as a revolution in dishwashing technology, uses a proprietary filter technology to allow the machines to wash for longer periods without requiring the wash water to be changed. The new catering facility for which MEIKO has received an order for "EKFC Short Term Expansion-SE-03 Ware Wash Equipment" comprises 60,000 m2 spread over three floors.

The optimized material flows and superb levels of organization required for the facility will be supported by MEIKO's highly efficient conveyor warewashers which are designed to minimize idle periods by increasing the time between wash water changes. The contract includes a

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longer drying zone in the machines specially tailored to Emirates' specific requirements: "The customer wanted everything to come out completely dry - even Gastronorm containers and plastic boxes - to ensure that all the key hygiene parameters were met," says Waag.

Each of the three M-iQ machines is 13.5 metres long with a useful width of one metre and a passing height of 2.40 metres. The machines will be assembled on-site, though the MEIKO branch office in Dubai will work closely with the assembly and installation experts at the company's headquarters in Germany. "We will also be working in close collaboration with the technical consultancy firm io-consultants based on the excellent professional relationship we have already built up with them in previous major projects," says Waag.

"We consider it to be an honour and a distinction to have maintained a decades-long partnership with a company that has received more than 400 awards worldwide for its outstanding quality," says Engesser, summing up the views of his export team. By 2014 Emirates Flight Catering will be operating on the safe side with M-iQ when it comes to providing catering and other services to more than 105 airlines at Dubai International Airport.

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ubai Municipality and event organiser planetfair recently announced at a press conference the launch of the fifth edition of WOP (World of Perishables) Dubai International Perishables Expo Middle East that will be held from November 17 to 19 at the Dubai International Convention & Exhibition Centre. Being held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, UAE Minister of Finance and Chairman of Dubai Municipality, WOP DUBAI 2013 will continue to be the ideal platform to explore business opportunities as well as discuss industry trends and the best technologies and practices surrounding the thriving trade of fresh edible produce.

WOP DUBAI will run concurrently with its sister event IPM DUBAI - The International Plants Expo Middle East. Being held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority and Chairman of Dubai Airports, for the past eight years, IPM DUBAI has also consistently been regarded as the region's largest plants and flowers trade fair, attracting hundreds of international exhibitors.

Owing to its strategic location close to Europe, Asia and Africa, the UAE has emerged as a major hub linking the Arabian Gulf with producer markets in the region as well as connecting global producer and consumer centers.

Since 2008, the UAE has witnessed a steady growth in the import of fresh fruits and vegetables. According to figures released by

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WOP PROMOTES THRIVING TRADE OF FRESH EDIBLE PRODUCE the UAE National Bureau of Statistics and the Ministry of Commerce, in the first six months of 2012, the UAE imported nearly 1.4 billion kgs of fruits and vegetables, valued at approximately AED 4.2 billion.

Dubai in particular has been seeing significant trade activity, with the emirate proving to be the regional re-export hub for perishable goods. In 2010, Dubai alone imported over 1.1 billion kgs of fresh fruits at a value of over AED 4 billion, while exports, worth approximately AED 90 million, amounted to nearly 38 million kgs. Dubai also re-exported 463 million kgs of fresh fruits in 2010, valued at nearly AED 1.5 billion. Figures were also substantial for fresh vegetables in 2010, with Dubai importing approximately 590 million kgs, worth AED 1.3 billion; exporting nearly 1 million kgs at a value of AED 5.7 million and re-exporting 53 million kgs valued at AED 118 million.

The top fresh produce exporters to the UAE are the USA, India, China and South Africa with Chile, France, Egypt, Pakistan, Philippines, Turkey and Australia not far behind.

WOP DUBAI has witnessed tremendous success since its inception in 2009 with a 15 per cent increase in total booked space in 2012 and a growth of 24 per cent in attendance from 2011. Last year, exhibitors from 17 countries participated in the exhibition with 49 per cent coming from Europe alone while 47 per cent of the visitors were from outside the UAE. WOP DUBAI 2013 is expected to attract more than 7,000 visitors from around the world, in addition to over 130 exhibitors coming from all over Europe, Africa, Asia, GCC, the Middle East and The Americas. The highly-awaited event is welcoming 20 exhibiting countries with 10 official participating pavilions. Moreover, like the previous edition, this year will continue to add OCTOBER-DECEMBER 2013

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a substantial increase in space and capacity with over 8,000 sqm of gross space available, along with more services options.

H.E Eng. Abdullah Mohammed Rafi', Assistant Director-General of the Planning & Engineering Sector, said, “Dubai has established itself as the regional hub for the trade of fresh fruits and vegetables, making it the ideal destination for hosting an event as significant as WOP. Dubai Municipality has been extending its total support to this event, which over the last five years, has built its reputation as the dedicated gateway where the fresh produce industry traders and professionals can meet to explore business opportunities and learn about the latest industry innovations.”

Tarek Sibai, Project Manager, planetfair, said, “Dubai is such a multi-cultural hub and home to many nationalities, which is a key driving force for the imports of fruits and vegetables from across the globe. Just like many other industries in Dubai, fresh fruits and vegetables trade has emerged as one of the most booming industries with brisk sales even

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during the peak of the recession. Given the strategic location of Dubai, growing population and recovering economy, the sector is poised for further growth. WOP Dubai is the ideal platform to get face-to-face with buyers and decision makers from across the Middle East and the world to meet new potentials, evaluate competition and explore fresh markets.”

The annual WOP Dubai International Perishables Expo Middle East is the leading and only dedicated exhibition for fresh fruits and vegetables show in the Middle East. The well-structured exhibition profile covers the entire products chain comprising Fresh Products, Technical Equipment, Fresh Produce Safety, Trading and Services, Transport and Logistics, Fresh Produce Trading and Fresh Produce Services.

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ith the snack and confectionary market in the Middle East developing at a phenomenal rate, the latest tastes and flavours are in high demand among consumers across the region.

According to a recent report by TechSci Research the Saudi Arabia confectionery market is set to grow with 12% CAGR during 2013-2018, while a recent Times and Trends report by Information Resources Inc (IRI) states that one in five consumers are now grazing on snacks throughout the day instead of eating three square meals, or even several 'mini-meals'.

This change in consumer habits is a key element in the future growth of the Middle East sweets and snack market, and the strong market opportunity it represents is reflected in demand for space at Sweets & Snacks Middle East. This year's edition of the region's largest and most influential trade show for the snack and confectionery industry, has reported a more than 40% increase in exhibitor space over the 2012 event. The show, which runs from 17 to 19 November

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CHANGING CONSUMER HABITS DRIVE MIDDLE EAST SNACK AND CONFECTIONERY MARKET 2013 at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), is part of a cluster of niche food industry shows that includes SEAFEX and The Speciality Food Festival.

A truly international platform for product selection, more than 177 specialised exhibitors from 32 countries will be showcasing both sweet and savoury snacks and confectionery, with Greece, Germany, Korea and Jordan country pavilions experiencing 100%, 140% OCTOBER-DECEMBER 2013

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and 200% growth in size respectively.

Trixie LohMirmand, Senior Vice President of DWTC and organiser of Sweets & Snacks Middle East commented: “With changes in consumer lifestyles driving the growth of the snack industry throughout the region, it has never been more important for businesses to attend this key trade exhibition. The show provides a dedicated and comprehensive platform for both suppliers and buyers to source products, conduct immediate business deals and showcase the latest innovations and product launches in the sector.”

Recognising the importance of Sweets & Snacks Middle East for their business Candelite, UAE based sweets and snacks retailer, will be using the show as a platform to launch two new products in the region; the award winning “Pop - Gourmet Popcorn' a natural, gluten free popcorn with a range of exciting flavours including Oprah Winfrey's favourite White Truffle Bliss and 100% vegetarian, pulpy fruit chews 'Falero'. Commenting on his participation at the show this year, Manish Jeswani, Business Head, Candelite said: “Sweets & Snacks Middle East provides an ideal platform for us to showcase our wide range of products from brands such as Candyrific, Pop Gourmet, Falero, Decoria and Kidsmania for which we are the sole distributors in the region. As the only trade show in the MENA region to focus on sweets, snacks and the confectionery industry, it consistently reaches our target audience resulting in business deals and contracts”.

Other exhibitors at the show will also be following global food trends for healthier eating, offering ranges such as low-calorie, fatfree, vitamin fortified, fibre-rich and organic foods. Koochikoo! is one such exhibitor who this year will showcase all natural, sugar free, 'Free at last!' cookies sweetened with monk fruit, providing an excellent source of fibre with 20% fewer calories than conventional cookies. Commenting on their participation at the show this year, Sally Cox, President Excel Trade, said:“We are thrilled to be exhibiting at Sweets & Snacks for the first time and we will be using the show as a platform for what we call our "Koo-miere" - the first time launch of 'Free at last!' sugar free cookies in the region.

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great tasting product line that allows you to indulge without sugar.”

The regional market for chocolate is experiencing robust growth, and is expected to be worth USD5.8 billion by 2016, according to forecasts by AC Neilsen. The participation from the world's leading chocolate manufacturers including HEINERLE and BERGGOLD, The Hershey Company and Del Conte, reflects this important trend.

Combined with the co-located events SEAFEX and The Speciality Food Festival, all three dedicated food industry events will run alongside each other providing visitors and exhibitors alike with the perfect trading, networking and cross-selling environment.

The exhibition is for Trade and Business Professionals only and will be open from 10:00am-6:00pm on November 17-18, 10:00am-5:00pm on November 19. General public and persons under the age of 21 will not be permitted entry. Free visitor registration is available now online at www.sweetsmiddleeast.com. Registration will also be available at the show upon proof of trade status.

As the organiser of Gulfood 2012, Dubai World Trade Centre offers more than 31 years experience of delivering world-class events in the Middle East, providing local, regional and international exhibitors with unmatched expertise and in-depth market knowledge. Our team organises 18 of the largest and most successful international and regional shows in Middle East, providing an ideal platform for business development in the region.

Our commitment to ongoing innovation within the exhibition industry has supported the rapid growth and development of a wide range of business-to-business and business-to-consumer shows, and delivered consistent satisfaction to exhibitors and visitors. DWTC works with the leading trade bodies and industry associations to ensure that all exhibitions deliver full value and are built upon the real needs of their specific sector.

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SWEETS & SNACKS MIDDLE EAST, MOST INFLUENTIAL TRADE EXHIBITION FOR THE SNACK AND CONFECTIONERY INDUSTRY, REPORTS 40% INCREASE IN EXHIBITOR SPACE

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ulf countries will consume 49.1 million tonnes of food annually by the end of 2017, with the UAE the largest consumer per capita among the six Arabian Gulf states, according to investment bank Alpen Capital's revised 2013 GCC Food Industry Report.

The report said that over the next four years, the GCC region's food consumption is expected to grow at a Compounded Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 3.1 per cent, while the UAE's per capita food consumption currently stands at 1,486kg per year - 27 per cent more than Oman, which consumes 1,095kg of food per capita annually.

Saudi Arabia currently consumes 872kg of food per capita, Qatar 852kg, Kuwait 634kg, and Bahrain 453kg per capita, while by 2017, per capita food consumption for the entire region is forecasted to reach 983kg.

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MORE THAN 1,000 EXHIBITORS TARGET SIAL MIDDLE EAST Owing to its considerably larger population, Saudi Arabia will continue to be the biggest food consumer by volume, accounting for 59 per cent of GCC food by 2017 (29 million tonnes), while Qatar's appetite will outpace that of other Gulf countries, increasing by 5 per cent by 2017 to reach two million tonnes.

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the region will be more than 1,000 food, beverage and equipment companies from 40 countries at SIAL Middle East, taking place from 24-26 November at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC).

Held in strategic partnership with Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority (ADFCA), SIAL Middle East 2013 is the region's fastest growing professional business platform for the food, drink and hospitality industries. The three-day event is part of SIAL Group, the world's largest network of professional B2B food exhibitions which include SIAL Paris, SIAL China, SIAL Canada, and SIAL Brazil.

Mohammed Jalal Al Rayssi, Director of Communication and Community Service at ADFCA and Chairman of the SIAL Middle East organising committee, said: “Population growth, increasing income per capita, and a booming tourism industry are the main drivers of food consumption in the GCC region, while food is currently the largest segment of consumer expenditure in the entire region.

“All reports indicate a fast growing market, with consumer spending on food in the GCC expected to reach US$106 billion in the next five years. This clearly underlines huge opportunities for private sectors players to expand within the region, and SIAL Middle East provides the all important stage to capitalise on the opportunities that lay ahead,” he pointed out.

More than 15,000 trade visitors are expected to attend SIAL Middle East 2013, which is co-located with ITCA (International Travel Catering Association) Abu Dhabi, and the Emirates International Date Palm Festival.

“Almost 65 per cent of the exhibitors at SIAL Middle East 2013 are new to the region to access this important market,” said Joanne Cook, SIAL Middle East Director. “The SIAL Group focuses on innovation and having such a high percentage of new comers to the Middle East reinforces our mission to encourage food evolution.

“Our partnership with ADFCA, who encourage and assist as well as regulate the industry, has created an unrivalled business platform where there is time and space for visitors and exhibitors to conduct serious trade talks and close deals.”

SIAL Middle East 2013 returns with a three-day conference, a hosted buyer program, La Cuisine by SIAL international chef competition, and the prestigious SIAL Innovation Observatory, showcasing the world's most innovative food and beverage products, including winners from the global competitions from events in China, Brazil, Canada and Paris.

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A HEALTHY AND COLOURFUL ALTERNATIVE TO NORI(SEAWEED) FOR SUSHI.

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oyal Culimer, one of the leading suppliers of top quality seafood, announced it will launch Origami wraps, an all-natural, colourful vegetable or fruit sheet for sushi rolls, onto the Middle East market during the Sial Middle East, Abu Dhabi from November 24th 26th, 2013.

Origami Wraps®, are vegetable or fruit based alternatives to traditional seaweed wraps. The colourful sheets are the ideal substitute for the nori sheets used in sushi ormakirolls and offer these benefits; All Natural and Healthy, Low-carb (2-3 grams), Low calorie (10-15) per serving, Fat-Free, No artificial ingredients, colours, or flavours, Limitless flavour profiles, Natural colourful presentation, Gluten-Free.

The wraps will be introduced in the following nineflavours; Carrot, Carrot & Ginger, Lime,

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Mango, Mango Chipotle, Pineapple Habanero, Strawberry,Tomato and Lemon.

Additional fruit & vegetable varieties are being developed, as well as sandwich wraps and cones by producer NewGem Foods in California, USA. “Our super frozen high quality sushi seafood customers throughout the Middle East offer the perfect platform for the Origami Wraps®,” Culimer Director Martin Brugman comments.

“We are proud that NewGem Foods has partnered with Culimer for the exclusive European and Middle East distribution and hope to replicate New Gem's success in USA with this patented, innovative product. We see this product as a logical addition to our portfolio; the colourful and all natural Origami Wraps® will help our sushi customers to sell their healthy seafood.

“We invite visitors to the Sial to stop by the sushi counter at our stand in the Atrium, where our sushi chef will prepare the various varieties of the Origami Wraps® with our super frozen tuna, so they can discover this perfect combination for themselves.”

During the upcoming Sial, Royal Culimer will not only focus on the Origami Wraps® introduction, but the company will also display its complete range of more than 100 exclusive seafood products, including super frozen tuna, king crab, snow crab and shrimps in normal and MAP packaging.

The orange Royal Culimer stand can be found in the Atrium, stand number F140.

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he sixth consecutive edition of The Emirates International Date Palm Festival, held at Abu Dhabi National Conventional Centre during November 21 - 26, 2013, will have a number of new social, cultural, heritage and artistic events aimed at attracting various segments of the community to the Festival.

Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister of the UAE, minister of Presidential Affairs and Chairman of Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority (ADFCA) and co-located with the SIAL Middle East in a vast exhibition space measuring more than 3000 square meters, the Festival will have six new programs this year, in addition to the already rich variety of attractions. The Festival is organized by Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority (ADFCA) in association with the Date Palm Friends Society.

SIAL Middle Company will execute the event.

The Organizing Committee for the Festival revealed that among the attractions is a Local Cultural Oasis' designed in the shape of the

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DATE PALM FESTIVAL TO SHOWCASE SEVERAL NEW ATTRACTIONS UAE map, in which a wide variety of date palms would be showcased. Another specialty will be a 'Scientific Maze,' built in the form of a date palm, on whose inner walls will be placed educational pictures to guide the visitors to the maximum historical information and knowledge about dates and date palms.

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One other attraction, according to the Organizing Committee, will be the "Tests Corner," which will comprise a number of questions on dates displayed on a giant screen.

The visitors can answer them and win fabulous prizes. "The Visitors' Wall,' another attraction, will feature two huge boards on which the visitors can leave short hand-written messages, to be preserved as a souvenir of the event.

Mohamed Jalal Al Rayssi, the Chairman of the Organizing Committee for the Festival, said the diverse events were meticulously designed in keeping with the interests of the various segments and age groups of the visitors to the event. "The Festival will include a museum with all the interesting facts about the dates and the date palm, farming and harvesting and the various methods of manufacturing dates derivatives, exposing the visitors to a humungous amount of information about the blessed tree," he pointed out.

"Our endeavor was to line up a comprehensive and complete set of attractive events so that the festival turns into a important platform to build partnership between the exhibitors and the international trade firms, as well as to strengthen the bonds between local emirati and global companies," Al Rayssi added.

The Festival also comprises the National Theatre and the Traditional Heritage Kitchen.

These are two separate areas allocated within which there would be held a variety of heritage events, folklore skits, children's plays, display of traditional clothes, sand art and the showcasing of examples of the recycling of various parts of the date palm. The traditional kitchen will see

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various dates' delicacies being made by well known chefs from around the Arab world.

Several of the popular programs from the previous years will continue to attract visitors this year too, such as the date tasting area, date palm climbing, date cooking, children's area, photography competition, traditional tents and Emirati coffee and sweet making, calligraphy.

There will be a variety of programs for the kids too. More than 175 exhibitors from around 15 countries are expected to take part in the Festival. A number of international experts on the dates industry and more than 25000 visitors are also expected to visit the festival this year.

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S SPECIALIZED EVENT FOR THE BEVERAGE INDUSTRY

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ince it's inception in 2008, Dubai Drink Technology Expo (DDTE) has been the premier specialized event in the MENA region for the beverage industry. DDTE has been a unique platform for companies to present their latest technologies and system solutions for the entire production chain (manufacturing, filling, packaging, distribution, wholesales/retailing, trading and marketing) of Carbonated, Fruit Juices, Bottled Water, Energy and Wellness drinks, Milk and Dairy Products, & Functional Drinks RTD (Ready to Drink), Tea and Coffee.

Held annually at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre, DDTE attracts hundreds of exhibitors from around the world, keen to display and share their latest techniques and trends in the beverage industry. The event also features educational programs such as the Global Water & Beverage Technology Congress (GWBT) & specialized Workshops by VLB - Berlin. The Congress discusses the opportunities in the water and beverage technology businesses and attracts professionals like Beverage producers, wholesale and retail merchants, importers, hotel groups, industrial consulting and supporting service providers, beverage associations & caterers.

DDTE is supported by the Associations such as the Arab Asian Beverage Alliance -AABA , American Beverage Association and International Society of Beverage Technologists. The AABA is keen to consider and develop the technical and investment aspects of the beverage industry and liquid food sectors in the GCC, Middle East and the World. Moreover, the AABA discuss the latest in the beverage industry and provides a platform for proven products and the latest in production machinery and equipment, process and quality control instruments, storage, transport and labeling handling services associated with the industry through the Dubai Drink Technology Expo.

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audi Agriculture 2013, the 32nd International Agriculture, Water and AgroIndustry Show, concluded on September 18, 2013, which was organized by Riyadh Exhibitions Company at the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center.

More than 20,000 visitors attended the premier trade show that also saw the participation of over 300 exhibitors from more than 13 countries, including China, Egypt, Germany, Hungary, India, Italy, Malaysia, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Taiwan, Turkey, UAE and USA, across a 15000 m2 exhibition space.

The four-day event, which was inaugurated by H.E. Dr. Fahd bin Abdulrahman Balghunaim, Saudi Minister of Agriculture, served as the perfect platform to shed light on the numerous investment opportunities in Saudi Arabia's agricultural sector. The event also highlighted the strong support that the Kingdom's government was extending to this sector, which has been a key factor for attracting regional and international investments.

This edition of Saudi Agriculture generated overwhelming feedback from exhibitors. S.S. Nayyar, representing the Indian contingent at the show, said, “This was the fourth consecutive year that India was participating at the event. In the first year there were 22 Indian companies and this year saw 42 companies from India present at the event, looking to capitalize on the vast trade opportunities between KSA and India, especially considering that we are Saudi Arabia's fourth largest trading partner. General trade between the two countries was valued at USD 43 billion in 2012-2013 and Indian exports of food and agro products to KSA reached USD 1.2 billion during the same period. Saudi Agriculture was a very important platform for Indian companies to connect with Saudi partners and investors, and the significance of this show to us is evident by the increasing growth in the size of our participation in this premier event every year.”

J. Guna Sekaran, also representing the Indian pavilion, added, “The Saudi market holds a lot of potential because of the population growth and the overall prosperity of the Kingdom.”

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MIDDLE EAST'S LARGEST AGRO FOOD EXHIBITION

foods, to presentation, processing and packaging equipment.

Regarded as the Middle East's largest agriculture exhibition, Saudi Agriculture is accredited by UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry. ARASCO and Fakieh are the Diamond Sponsors while IYA Investments is the Gold Sponsor of the event.

FOOD BUSINESS GULF & MIDDLE EAST

I N G R E D I E N T S

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GELAMYL — THE ULTIMATE GELLING AGENT FOR GUMS AND JELLIES

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mong all the possible thickeners and gelling agents for sugar confectionery starch tops the list when it comes to efficiency and flexibility. And among the starches potato starch is a unique and multi applicable texturant for this application.

The use of special designed potato starches as gelling agent opens a number of market and product development opportunities.

First and foremost it makes it possible to make gelatin substitutions and consequently open the market for a number of social and ethnic groups, but it is also the way to make sugar confectionery a purely vegetarian product.

Furthermore it presents the opportunity to reformulate recipes with the purpose of cutting cost and getting an important confectionery raw material with a much more stable price profile compared to other texturants.

Last, but not least, the use of special designed starches creates the opportunity to develop new and innovative confectionery products, for the benefit and pleasure of the customers and ultimately a better market position. ...and special designed potato based

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starches for use in gelled sugar confectionery is exactly one of KMC's core business areas represented by a range of ultimate gelling agents under the brand Gelamyl.

We produce a range of starches developed to be applied in various types of confectionery ranging from soft and elastic to hard and brittle and especially designed to be applied in the very special and different recipes and processing conditions for gelled confectionery.

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With this product set-up we give our customers the opportunity to have that particular starch product and gelling agent that create exactly their candy specialty under their specific production conditions whether we talk soft and hard gums, licorice and pastilles, compressed tablets, Turkish delight and many more applications.

But it takes more than high performance and innovative ingredients to create fancy and new developments within the gum and jelly industry.

It also takes resources in the NPD department, not to forget accessibility to proper pilot facilities for proper testing and trials.

To serve our customers KMC has invested in new pilot and test facilities with state of the art processing equipment and supported by highly advanced analytical lab facilities for characterization of both raw materials and the final confectionery product. Both the pilot plant and the lab facilities are managed and run by experienced food scientists and lab technicians.

With this set up KMC is able to act fast on new requests and demands from the market, but even more important able to make specific

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developments for individual customers - and together with the customers.

KMC's Gelamyl products area range of non-GMO and non-allergenic specialty starches based on Danish grown potatoes.With this raw material base we produce starches that prove high clarity, high gel strength and a neutral taste.

For further information, please contact Peter Haugsted (mailto:ph@kmc.dk) General Manager KMC MEA FZ. L.L.C. P.O. Box 334155 Dubai.

United Arab Emirates Local Cell: +971 056 7412072

Peter Haugsted

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D AT E S

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l Foah was established as a palm development company as per the industrial diversification policy of the UAE through an Emirate of Abu Dhabi Executive Council Resolution in 2005. It is a member of the Abu Dhabi-based SENAAT, one of the largest industrial conglomerates in the UAE. Through its facilities, strategy and focus, the company has emerged as the largest date procuring and processing company in the world.

Al Foah has always placed emphasis on maintaining the best standards and adheres to ISO and HACCP quality systems. The company also places emphasis on employing UAE nationals and Emiratis make up more than 32% of its management team. In addition, it prioritises support to its 17,000 UAE farmers by guiding and providing them with a variety of capabilities and services.

In terms of Assets, Al Foah has two world class dates processing facilities; The Emirates Dates Factory at Al Saad which was established in 1998 has an annual capacity of 65,000 tonnes of dates. The Al Marfa Dates Factory which was established in 1994 has an annual capacity exceeding 35,000 tonnes of dates.

Al Foah Organic Farm in Al Ain, the largest organic farm in the world, covers a total area of 1321 hectares, and applies the latest technologies in date palm cultivation and date production according to the European (ECOCERT) and American (NOP/USDA) organic agricultural systems.

Al Foah has successfully taken this traditional product to international levels by opening new markets in several countries. Starting from 47 tonnes of dates exported to 16 countries in 2005, currently Al Foah exports to more than 44 countries, which represent around 90% of the dates produced by the company.

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LOCAL TRADITION ‌.

GLOBAL AMBITION Taking this ambition further, the company has established four key brands in this field: Date Crown, Al Dhafra, Al Saad and Zadina.

Date Crown is the first global brand in its field from the UAE, which is exported to more than 36 countries across the world.

Zadina, the new Emirati dates concept was launched in 2010, designed to be the cultural ambassador of the Emirati dates and to introduce food lovers everywhere to the delightful pleasures of dates and dates based products.

Al Foah has also launched the innovative Date Halwa product range. This is healthier option vs the traditional form of Halwa because it is 100% natural, made from Emirati dates and has no added sugar. Date Halwa comes in different mouth watering flavours like Cardamom, Saffron and Pistachio.

OCTOBER-DECEMBER 2013

F R U I T S

BLUEBERRIES ARE RICH IN ANTIOXIDANTS

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t is blue, bursting with goodness and might just be the future of Polish farming. The once humble blueberry is quickly becoming a cash crop as farmers gear up to meet soaring demand for the so-called 'superfood'.

Four years ago a clutch of almost breathlessly enthusiastic health studies revealed that the fruit was packed with so much goodness and vitamins that blueberries achieved almost mythic status among foodies and nutritionists. Once seen as little more than

a perfunctory pie filling, the berry has become Europe's most fashionable fruit.

Jerzy Wilczewski set up his own specialist horticultural farm after his graduation from Warsaw Agricultural University in 1979.

Among 40 kinds of fruit and vegetables, blueberries came first in terms of the content of antioxidants, i.e. substances that neutralise free radicals. The second spot was taken by grape juice, whose capacity was 2/3 that of antioxidant potential found for blueberries.

They were followed by strawberries, kale, and spinach. Furthermore, it was demonstrated that the equal amount of blueberries contains five times the antioxidants of pea, carrots, apples, marrow, or broccoli.

The group of substances that make blueberries a valuable addition to our diet are phytyoestrogens (i.e. plant hormones). Among the plants of the heather family, cranberries are the richest in phytochemical content (five times more than blueberries and bilberries), followed by cowberries (three times).

Food Business magazine managing editor Matt presenting a gesture of appreciation to Mr. Jerzy Wilczewski, owner of the blueberry farm.

FOOD BUSINESS GULF & MIDDLE EAST

OCTOBER-DECEMBER 2013

C H O C O L AT E S

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ERZA Schokolade is one of Europe's leading suppliers of small chocolate pieces for further processing. The company also develops and produces functional bars that reconcile the continuing health and fitness trend with convenience and enjoyment.

A new addition to the range is milk chocolate fortified with whey protein isolate.

This product contains up to 30 percent - nearly three times as much - protein and only half as much sugar as standard milk chocolate. With the whey protein isolate the chocolate retains the characteristic, fine flavour of a milk chocolate while offering an additional functional benefit. HERZA supplies the protein chocolate in the form of small pieces for breakfast cereals and muesli, pastry goods, milk products and yoghurt and can also use it in the manufacture of sport and fitness bars if the customer wishes.

A further novelty is chocolate mini-clusters.

These crunchy chocolate pieces have a secondbite effect. They can be used both as an ingredient of muesli and cereals and as a chocolate snack in their own right - for example as a “mini� version of familiar branded products. The chocolate mini-clusters permit numerous combinations of chocolate with cereals, nuts and fruit. The added chocolate pieces have no open cut edges; they have an attractive, hand-made character.

First and foremost, functional bars must serve their purpose as sources of protein or nutrients, but the taste experience must not be neglected either. With different flavourings and chocolate coatings, HERZA offers a wide

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NEW IDEAS FOR CHOCOLATE PIECES AND FUNCTIONAL BARS choice. New additions to the range are twocolour chocolate bars. Thanks to a special production technique and years of experience in the confectionery sector, the company can also make bars coated, for example, with white chocolate and with a base of dark chocolate - a novelty in the market.

For an intensive chocolate flavour and a more crunchy effect, HERZA has developed double-coated deluxe protein bars. They contain a creamy filling that is first coated with chocolate, then sprinkled all over with crispies or nuts and finally coated with chocolate again.

As a member of the Stern-Wywiol Gruppe, HERZA can draw on the extensive know-how of its sister companies at the recently enlarged Technology Centre, with its 3,000 m2 of stateof-the-art equipment, when developing its smallpiece chocolate and functional bars. The company also has a special chocolate laboratory of its own.

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M E AT

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C U T T I N G

PS Meat Processing Systems and KJ Industries announce that KJ has been acquired by MPS. KJ's leading position in cutting and deboning and its advanced logistic solutions will further strengthen MPS' market leadership position.

Remko Rosman, CEO of MPS, comments: "We are very pleased with this move. KJ is the market leader for automated red meat cutting and deboning systems. KJ fits the MPS product portfolio very well and complements MPS' position as global market leader for red meat slaughter lines. Also, KJ has excellent logistics solutions. Our clear objective is to grow KJ in size, quality product offerings and service capabilities, in order to serve our customers even better."

Ulrik Gammelgaard, CEO of KJ, states: "The financial strength, global presence and innovation power of MPS will greatly benefit KJ and our customers. The range of complementary products and the strong access to the market enhance our mutual potential."

MPS Meat Processing Systems is the global market leader in the development, production and installation of high technology slaughtering

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&

D E B O N I N G

MPS AND KJ JOIN FORCES systems, Butina CO2 stunning systems and Durand carcass splitters. MPS is also a leading supplier of portioning, deboning and logistic processing of meat and food products and of industrial waste water treatment systems (AQUA Industrial Watertreatment). For more information: www.mps-group.nl KJ Industries is the European leader in red meat cutting and deboning systems and a leading supplier of hygienic logistics systems.

For more information: www.kjindustries.com

OCTOBER-DECEMBER 2013

B A K I N G

S O L U T I O N S

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uPont Nutrition & Health has overcome the sensory challenges in added-fibre bread and sponge cakes using combinations of soluble and insoluble fibre.

Drawing on the fibre ingredients DuPont™ Danisco® Litesse® and FIBRIM®, the solutions bring new opportunities for bakers to produce healthier products with high appeal.

Fibre has become one of the ingredients that consumers regularly look for on product packaging. But efforts to develop bread and cakes with a high-fibre claim have hit a wall of sensory issues, such as reduced crumb softness, poor texture and low volume. Bakery application specialists at DuPont have tested a series of solutions to resolve the problems.

The latest trials show that combinations of the soluble fibreLitesse® and insoluble fibre FIBRIM® produce the best result, giving bread and sponge cakes a volume similar to a control recipe, along with a comparable crumb softness and resilience over a 14-day shelf life.

FIBRIM® also contributes to improved surface browning.

Xue Si-Ying, bakery group innovation manager and application specialist at DuPont Nutrition & Health, comments: “This is an exciting finding. We can now overcome the volume and texture challenges that we used to have with high-fibre breads and cakes. This means consumers can enjoy the goodness of fibre in baked goods without having to compromise on product quality.”

A fibre-rich diet can help avert constipation, hypertension and the growth of intestinal pathogens. However, despite extensive awareness campaigns by national health authorities, fibre intake in most parts of the world is still much lower than the 25-30g recommended daily intake (RDI). Added-fibre bakery products with high consumer appeal can play a part in reversing this trend.

DuPont™ Danisco® is the brand for a range of products that help provide enhanced bioprotection, an improved nutritional profile, and better taste and texture with greater cost efficiency and lower environmental impact, meeting the needs of manufacturers of food and beverages, dietary supplements and pet food. Through the work of the global network of food scientists and technologists in DuPont, the Danisco® range is supported by a uniquely broad spectrum of know-how across applications and processing.

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SOLUBLE AND INSOLUBLE FIBRES PRODUCE DuPont Nutrition & Health addresses the world's challenges in food by offering a wide range of sustainable, bio-based ingredients and advanced molecular diagnostic solutions to provide safer, healthier and more nutritious food. Through close collaboration with customers, DuPont combines knowledge and experience with a passion for innovation to deliver unparalleled customer value to the marketplace.

DuPont (NYSE: DD) has been bringing world-class science and engineering to the global marketplace in the form of innovative products, materials and services since 1802.

The company believes that by collaborating with customers, governments, NGOs and thought leaders, we can help find solutions to such global challenges as providing enough healthy food for people everywhere, decreasing dependence on fossil fuels, and protecting life and the environment. For additional information about DuPont and its commitment to inclusive innovation, please visit www.dupont.com

FOOD BUSINESS GULF & MIDDLE EAST

PA C K A G I N G

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PACKAGING DATES QUICKLY AND EFFICIENTLY

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hen it comes to packaging dates there are many reasons for relying on the thermoformer PowerPak RT made by German mechanical engineering company GEA Food Solutions. Thanks to a large number of functional modules, such as heating, forming and cutting systems, it can be adapted to all requirements according to specific customer demands. In addition, it can be adjusted to easily handle different packaging sizes. Simple operation as well as comprehensive service provide for a secure investment in the future.

A few details on the technical equipment of the modular packaging machine: Available in film widths from 320 to 560 mm (also in an ideal film width of 460 mm for typical date packs), maximum pack depth of 130 mm, index lengths of up to 650 mm, base frame length of up to 18,000 mm. Output quantities of up to 120 packs a minute are possible, depending on pack size and type of loading. The thermoformer meets maximum hygienic requirements. Sloping surfaces and hinged side walls accelerate the cleaning process.

The high-quality workmanship of

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the individual components ensure a long service life and a high degree of machine availability.

Operation in local language Whether printer, labeler or liquid dosing unit — a number of accessory devices can be integrated into the thermoformer PowerPak RT at the factory. They ensure optimal packaging results. If required, automatic date dosing units can also be installed.

The products in typical common pack sizes ranging between 250 g, 500 g and 1000 g then merely have to be put into cardboard boxes and are ready for

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PA C K A G I N G

shipment. User-friendly operation in the respective local language reduces operator errors and thus unnecessary costs and time loss during packaging of the sensitive products. Moreover, product shelf life improves, which in turn has an impact on customer satisfaction.

Rapid and competent service guarantees long machine service life. Whenever it comes down to it, the machine is available within the shortest possible time. The open frame design, for instance, facilitates maintenance and thus enhances machine availability. Once customers decide to make the investment, detailed machine and packaging layouts are available to them in advance - from the loading area and pack depth to the tear-open notch - so they are always on the safe side. They can come to Germany for advance acceptance of their machine by testing it thoroughly before it goes to its final installation site. Then it is still possible to make final changes, such as with regard to the seal.

Installation of the packaging machine is carried out on site by trained technicians

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who also ensure appropriate instruction regarding the machine technology. They are subsequently available for monitoring production for a previously defined period.

At the end of this process the customers always get the packaging they need. Thanks to the high output volume, this machine is the perfect solution for medium-sized to large date packaging enterprises.

Useful supplementary tool The optional 'CostFox' software tool records production data in real time and describes, for example, the machine's capacity utilization for the customer. But also technical problems can be detected at an early stage and appropriate improvements can be made.

GEA Food Solutions has gained diverse experience in packaging sensitive food products worldwide. Its paramount principle is orientation to the packaging needs of its customers and seeking path-breaking solutions through close cooperation. The PowerPakRT provides for hygienic, reliable, rapid and efficient packaging of dates.

For more information GEA Food Solutions Germany GmbH, Im Ruttert, 35216 Biedenkopf-Wallau, www.GEA.com Tel. +49 (0) 6461 - 801 0

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FOOD BUSINESS GULF & MIDDLE EAST

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enny Penny Corporation, a WW leading designer and manufacturer of foodservice equipment will launch its new EURAFME headquarters in Paris France in the presence of its President Rob Connelly.

A symbol of the company's constant growth ambitions in the region, the new offices will create a unique environment around the brand's product innovation and customer support services. Thanks to constant industry recognition and long term customer relationships with top tier food service brands such as McDonalds, KFC and Ikea, Henny Penny is looking to further expand its presence in major markets such as the UK and Russia while addressing emerging markets in Africa in 2014. “The EURAFME region is of strategic importance to our 50 year old brand. These new facilities will help us to build on our core strengths, bringing added value products that have a positive financial impact on our customers� explained Pierre Guilleminot Director of Sales, EURAFME division.

Henny Penny has over many generations been proposing a comprehensive product line-up in the Frying & Cooking, Storage & Serving and Food Prep fields which make it an ideal partner for scaling solutions across global food service operations.

Whilst the industry mostly relies on costly add-on for oil filtration and top-off for open fryers, Henny Penny's flagship Evolution Elite range comes standard with truly built-in innovation. By reducing the oil costs (up to 40 % savings), using less energy, the Evolution Elite is a

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HENNY PENNY CORPORATION LAUNCHES NEW HEADQUARTERS IN PARIS true breakthrough in fryer design, built on Henny Penny tradition of quality craftsmanship rendering an economical solution for today's foodservice operators.

Henny Penny continues more than 50 years of innovation that began in Eaton, Ohio USA with the first commercial pressure fryer in 1957. Today, Henny Penny offers a wide range of high quality foodservice equipment designed for easier operation, greater flexibility and lower operating costs. Product lines include pressure and open fryers, combi ovens, rotisseries, holding cabinets, and display merchandisers. These products and complete start-up, service, training and technical support, are available through Henny Penny's exclusive worldwide distributor network. For more information on the company, visit www.HennyPenny.com.

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KOREAN FOOD COMPANIES ARE LABORING TO TEMPT THE TASTE BUDS OF 1.6 BILLION MUSLIMS BY ACQUIRING HALAL CERTIFICATION OF THEIR PRODUCTS AND BUILDING FACTORIES FOR HALAL PRODUCTS

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uring the last few decades, Korea has grown to become one of the mainstays of global culture, and the prefix “k-” has become a representative brand name of Korea as illustrated in such words as k-pop, k-drama, and k-movie. The strength of the Korean Wave is clear when it is difficult to find people who have not tasted some k-culture in any country.

The influences of the Korean Wave, as exemplified by the international hit song

FOOD BUSINESS GULF & MIDDLE EAST

Gangnam Style by Psy, which exceeded a total view count of 3 billion on YouTube, TV dramas exported to over 30 countries, and films produced with enormous international capital investment have contributed to the economic growth of Korea, with estimated national economic effect of KRW 5,617 billion (2011) on the basis of assets produced worth KRW 94,090 billion (2012). Furthermore, the increased economic competitiveness of Korea is OCTOBER-DECEMBER 2013

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KOREAN WAVE SWEEPING THE WORLD demonstrated in many quarters, including information technology, such as Samsung smartphones, which are threatening to dethrone iPhones; electronics; automobiles; as well as the booming medical technology industry.

The Korean Wave first took hold in the nearby countries such as China and Japan, but it is spreading to the U.S., Europe, the Middle East, and Latin America. Now Korean food is gracing the dining tables of people around the world. With the rising interest in well-being, the healthy Korean foods are receiving increased attention. Thanks to this trend, the exports of Korean agricultural and fisheries OCTOBER-DECEMBER 2013

have been steadily increasing, reaching a record 80.1 billion dollars in 2012. This achievement implies that the quality and safety of Korean foods are becoming recognized by buyers from all around the world.

Korean food captivates the appetite of Muslims The popularity of Korean food is growing even among Muslims, who only eat food permitted by the Islamic laws, demonstrating the globalization of Korean food.

Korean food companies are laboring to tempt the taste buds of 1.6 billion Muslims by FOOD BUSINESS GULF & MIDDLE EAST

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acquiring Halal certification of their products and building factories for Halal products.

Lotte Confectionary, Orion, Nongshim, Namyang Dairy Products, Daesang FNF, and Tulip International are some of the companies that have acquired Halal certification and are actively promoting exports of their food products to Muslim markets. Among them, Daesang FNF participated in the SHM exhibition (Malaysia) and JI EXPO (Indonesia), where they received intense interest from Muslim buyers and recognition for the excellent quality of their products. At present, Daesang is receiving incredible feedback from local distributors as well as catering and in-flight meal service providers. To raise awareness among locals, Daesang plans to hold Halal road shows in Malaysia at the end of this year. Tulip International also received favorable responses from local buyers in the Middle East while participating in exhibitions and conferences and has successfully promoted its fruit drinks in the health foods market.

You can check more information about certified Korean food companies at www.agrotrade.net. At AgroTrade, we opened a showroom for Halal-certified foods to support

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U P D AT E

the promotion of products and provision of company information to international buyers dealing with Halal foods.

AgroTrade.net is a platform for advertising high-quality Korean foods to the global market.

It was built and is run by the Korea AgroFisheries & Food Trade Corporation (aT), which is an organization for promoting Korean agricultural and marine fisheries. Furthermore, Agrotrade.net offers a business-to-business marketplace that not only provides information on Korean food companies and their products, but also offers opportunities for buyers and sellers to contact one another.

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PALSGAARD INCREASES AMBITIOUS TARGETS IN THIRD CSR REPORT

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alsgaard has further increased its commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility in its new CSR Report. The international manufacturer of emulsifiers and stabilizers for the food industry fully believes in integrating social, environmental, ethical and human rights in their operations. Following the opening of its latest state-of-the-art facility in Malaysia, the company's third CSR report further establishes the responsible values of Palsgaard across its global network.

These commitments stretch across all aspects of Palsgaard's business. “A strong, collaborative and adaptable organisation is a prerequisite for continued growth and success in a world where competitiveness is constantly challenged, and where sustainable and ethical business conduct is a requirement,” explains JakobThøisen, CEO of Palsgaard.

CO2 neutrality Palsgaard has set an overall target of becoming CO2 -neutral by 2020. Thøisen says, “This is an extremely ambitious target for a company with very energy-intensive production processes. It is therefore gratifying to note that Palsgaard in 2012 managed to keep its CO2 emission per kilo of finished product at 2011 levels.”

One of the key contributions towards this target involved installing a solar cell system at Palsgaard's factory in Mexico. This ensures that min. 85% of the Mexican facility's electricity consumption is CO2 neutral.

Other initiatives include using energy from wind farms, replacing fuel oil with natural gas and using straw from its own fields as a renewable energy source for heating, and implementing a wide variety of energy-friendly plant optimisations. New considerations include a possible biofuel plant in their Danish plant.

exclusively using certified palm oil-based raw materials in its products. In 2012, Palsgaard became certified to RSPO SCCS (Roundtable of Sustainable Palm Oil Supply Chain Certification Standard). “In this way, we support stability in biodiversity and responsible production in the manufacture of palm oil,” notes Thøisen.

Palsgaard's new facility in Malaysia has also been developed with a CSR focus. The location was chosen specifically for its proximity to the source of raw materials and the new factory comprises a high tech manufacturing plant and R&D facility, laboratory, warehouse and administration centre. It is a highly automated plant with integrated energy saving functionalities to ensure the continuation of Palsgaard's dedication to CSR. To ensure continued focus on employee satisfaction, the board, management and specialists also completed a training course to strengthen collaboration, knowledge sharing and communication. Thøisen concludes, “The concept of responsibility is a real ingredient in our history and everyday work. We will continuously assess and implement further CSR initiatives in our global organisation.”

International perspectives Palsgaard's products are mostly comprised of natural ingredients and the company ensures the accountability requirements are also extended to its suppliers in relation to the UN Global Compact. Palsgaard has set targets of OCTOBER-DECEMBER 2013

FOOD BUSINESS GULF & MIDDLE EAST