Latin American products triumph at Gulfood 2021

Between 21 and 25 February, 85 countries and 2,500 companies will meet at the Gulfood 2021 gastronomy fair in Dubai to showcase the best products from the food sector and reach trade agreements that will allow them to export their products to other continents.

Unlike the vast majority, companies in the food production chain have come out stronger as people consume more products during confinements. 

Success at the Gulfood international fair means having an open door to the so-called MEASA (Middle East, Africa and South Asia) region. Several Latin American countries have seen the opportunity and have made an appearance with innovative products that have pleasantly surprised the attendees, with their businessmen having the opportunity to sign important commercial agreements.

Producers and exporters have noted that there is an increase in demand and are looking to grow based on new market trends.

The Mexican delegation, which was attended by the country's ambassador to the UAE, Francisca Méndez, and the global sales manager of Best Ground International in Mexico, Sinhué Ramírez, has opted for grains, fruits, natural sweeteners and organic products to win over those present.  

Jaime Quintanilla, founding partner of Best Ground, a company dedicated to the commercialisation of organic ingredients worldwide and with headquarters in Guadalajara, highlighted the positive response of the Gulf countries to products from the North American country, especially sweeteners such as honey. 

"The pandemic has generated a higher level of awareness in terms of health and good nutrition, which has benefited companies like ours," said Ramírez. 

The company Fresh Court has presented a variety of sweet and spicy fruits and Chata, a company with more than 60 years in the market, has chosen to exhibit meat products, beans, soups and stews without preservatives or colourings. 

"Despite all the complicated circumstances arising from the pandemic, we have seven companies present that offer high quality Peruvian foods that promote immunity," Antonio Santivañez, Peru's consul general in the UAE, told El Correo del Golfo. 

COVID-19 has forced farmers and entrepreneurs to adapt their products to new consumer trends, as people are becoming more and more aware of eating food that is not harmful to their health. 

Quinoa, chestnuts, energy drinks and fruits dominated the Peruvian stand, as well as jams of various flavours. 

According to Santivañez, "what is new on this occasion are products that come in new presentations and with a greater technological component, in packaging and processing, with which Peru hopes to enter the region with greater strength, and this event in Dubai is a great platform for entering other neighbouring markets, such as Russia and India". 

Colombia has boasted innovative products such as those offered by the company Sanam, which uses advanced technology to extract antioxidants from the fruit to be used as an ingredient in food and cosmetics. 

Tatiana Córdoba, Procolombia's representative in the UAE, pointed out an important fact, which is that Gulfood 2021 "is the first face-to-face fair we have in the world". Córdoba stated that her businessmen "were looking for new opportunities" and are already looking ahead to the Expo to be held in October.

Six Colombian companies presented meats, biscuits, cocoa, coffee and exotic fruits. The Procolombia representative confirmed that they have seen "a significant increase in demand and recognition for the quality and exotic flavours" of Colombian fruits. 

An example of the importance of Gulfood is the 300% increase in Colombian meat exports to the UAE thanks to it being the star product at the 2020 fair. 

"When we look at the UAE we are not only looking at a country, but a logistics hub that opens doors to the whole region, which is new for us (...) Taking into account that the UAE imports 85% of food, it is a very attractive place for us," Córdoba stressed. 

"This year we are presenting coffee, sugar, dried fruits, raw materials for juices, such as banana puree and cocktail mixers. In 2021, despite the context and the unknowns and uncertainties that have existed, we know that companies have been very satisfied with the visitors, very focused, determined people, who know what they want to buy and, of course, we have been able to take advantage of that situation," Karina Molina, Procomer's representative for the Middle East, told El Correo del Golfo, hoping to strengthen the presence of Costa Rican products in the Gulf countries.

Like other Latin American countries, Costa Rica is also committed to sustainable and healthy foods with high added value. In fact, the company Gusto Foods has received the award for the "most innovative drink at Gulfood". 

"It is a chocolate-based drink, with the use of a new ingredient, called monk fruit, which is 300 times more potent than sugar, with no calories, no carbohydrates, completely clean, and which is associated with healing properties in diseases such as blood pressure or diabetes and helps in weight reduction and increases vital energy. It is a rich and very healthy drink," explained Eugenia Sanchez, executive of Gusto Foods. 

The Argentinean ambassador to the UAE, Agustín Molina, pointed out that the excellent relationship between the two countries means that Argentinean products are welcomed with open arms. 

Like the representative of Procolombia, Molina stressed that the UAE also serves "as a platform to bring products" to the entire region.

"The companies that have come here are doing very well, they have made matches and closed deals. We are very happy to be here for another year, despite the circumstances the world is going through, and we can say that we have had great success at the fair," the Argentinean ambassador said.