DUBAI (ALETIHAD)

Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development has announced its support for 10 UAE-based businesses owned and operated by Emirati entrepreneurs during the upcoming Gulfood 2024, where they will showcase their innovative products and services within Khalifa Fund’s stand in the UAE Pavilion, alongside Dubai SME, from February 19-23, 2024 at Dubai World Trade Centre. 

The businesses’ participation exemplifies Khalifa Fund's ongoing commitment to fostering innovation and growth in the Food and Beverage (F&B) sector.

While at Gulfood 2024, Her Excellency Alia Abdullah Al Mazrouei, CEO of Khalifa Fund will participate alongside Jacob Jensen, the Minister of Food, Agriculture, and Fisheries of Denmark, and other distinguished leaders in a panel discussion titled “Leaders in the Armchair: Transforming, Collaborating, and Being Agile in the New Economic Landscape”. The panellists will highlight key strategies such as staying ahead as F&B leaders, adapting to emerging consumer trends and lifestyles, navigating evolving science, ESG regulations, and embracing circular food systems as the way forward. The panel discussion will take place in the "Al-Multaqa" ballroom stage on Monday, February 19, from 12:50 PM to 1:30 PM.

H.E. Alia Abdulla Al Mazrouei, stated: “Khalifa Fund is dedicated to supporting the participation of Emirati SMEs in major exhibitions and trade shows, including Gulfood 2024, in which we are participating for the 8th consecutive year. This commitment aligns with the Fund's mission to foster innovation and empower local businesses in the UAE's F&B sector, thereby strengthening the country's position as a global hub for food innovation, sustainability, and entrepreneurship, while underscoring the depth and breadth of the well-supported and invested F&B sector in the UAE."

Her Excellency added: “Khalifa Fund supports the participation of 10 distinguished local businesses, enabling them to exhibit within its dedicated stand in the UAE Pavilion, to showcase the excellence of innovative Emirati products. This will contribute to elevating their brand presence. Their participation will also facilitate the opportunity to expand their network, explore collaborations with other entrepreneurs, suppliers, and investors from around the world, and discover new channels to access regional and global markets”.

Among the participating businesses is Maamel Nahel, which specialises in producing high-quality halawa tahina and sugar-free biscuits. Another supported venture, Al Ghaith Water Collection and Distribution, focuses on the collection and distribution of pure mineral water.

Printing Talk Printing Press contributes to the F&B industry by producing single and double-walled cups, food containers, and personalised gift bags. Similarly, Fresh Box Organic Fresh Food Trading, is a leading company engaged in the trade and distribution of high-quality organic fruits and vegetables.

Jarrah Foodstuff Trading, a company specialised in importing and selling immunity-boosting products such as honey, pollen, propolis, and royal jelly, will also participate with the support of the Fund, along with Filings Chocolate, known for its premium-quality chocolates with special flavours.

Dubai Trading & Confectionery CO, specialised in several production lines including the trading of foodstuffs is also a supported company. Another participant, Liwa Dates for Dates Packing and Trading, specialises in packing and processing all date products, providing packing services to local farmers.

The exhibition will also see participation from Perfect Life Foodstuff Trading, specialised in selling healthy natural drinks and juices rich in vitamins and free of sugar and gluten. Watermelon, another supported business, provides an F&B e-Procurement solution for managing inventory, integrating POS systems, and facilitating order placement.

The international exhibition will include panel discussions, seminars, and workshops covering various topics related to the F&B sector, its latest trends, food security, sustainability, inspiring success stories, and others. The event promises exciting international cuisine experiences and live cooking shows by renowned international chefs.