Welsh food and drink producers have recently returned from Gulfood, Dubai (13 – 17 February 2022), the first international trade exhibition attended by the Food Division in two years due to Covid-19 restrictions. The trade show provided companies with the chance to showcase their products to a host of buyers and distributors on a face-to-face basis once again, showing they are still open for business and looking to secure new export opportunities in the region.
The companies which took part included: Dairy Partners, Rachel’s Organic, Mario’s Ice Cream, Calon Wen, Hilltop Honey, Old Coach House Distillery, Morning Foods, Ty Nant and Hybu Cig Cymru.
Every effort was made to ensure the safety of the delegation with the following measures put in place:
- Minimal activities outside of the show to reduce possible contacts
- Mandatory face masks
- Protective screens for every stand; and
- Barriers to prevent visitors walking onto the stand uninvited
These elements were welcomed by the exhibitors and we are happy to report that there were no C-19 infections recorded amongst the delegation!
Feedback from the group has been highly positive with some companies already securing new business on the back of the show, thus providing evidence that physical trade events like Gulfood remain a key international trade activity to connect with key trade buyers and promote Welsh Food & Drink with the World.