Gulfood Awards 2014 recognise excellence in food and beverage industry

-Coveted awards highlight innovation and achievements of region’s best and brightest-

Dubai, United Arab Emirates
The winners of the fifth Gulfood Awards, the Middle East’s most highly-regarded food and beverage accolades, were crowned last night (Sunday) at a spectacular gala dinner at the five-star Conrad Dubai on the opening day of Gulfood 2014.

Organised by Dubai World Trade Centre, the awards were judged by an international panel of independent industry experts and attracted more than 250 entries from 19 countries. Twenty different accolades were presented including: best newcomer brand or business, best new halal food, best environmentally sustainable initiative and best trade stand. Innovation was a key highlight this year and was recognised in products, foodservice and catering equipment.

The Gulfood Industry Outstanding Achievement Award, in recognition of a company or personality demonstrating outstanding commitment and achievement within the Middle East’s food and beverage industry, was presented to Alen Thong, Co-ordinator of the Emirates Culinary Guild and Managing Director of John Holt Foods, a longstanding Gulfood supporter and participant.

Trixie LohMirmand, Senior Vice President of Dubai World Trade Centre, said: “The exceptional calibre of entries received this year highlights the widespread talent and innovation flourishing in our region.  As the world’s biggest annual food and hospitality trade exhibition, Gulfood consistently attracts industry leaders from every global market and to see the best of the best carried through to the Awards further enhances the show’s reputation.”

For the first time this year, Gulfood Awards winners’ products - from best packaging to new foods - will be displayed in the newly-launched Innovation Gallery in DWTC’s Sheikh Saeed Halls.

Gulfood Award Winners 2014 include:

• Best Trade Stand up to 40m²:  Al Rifai
• Best Trade Stand over 100m²:  Agthia Group
• Best New Functional Food or Drink: Genius Foods – for Genius White Sandwich Loaf
• Best New Health Food or Beverage:  IFFCO – for Al Baker Multigrain Atta
• Best Sustainable Catering Equipment Innovation:  IMC – for WasteStation
• Best new Halal food:  Al Watania Poultry – for Skin Packs
• Best New Health and Wellbeing initiative: Unilever – UFS Food Safety 
• Best environmentally sustainable initiative:  Lupin Foods Australia
• Best consumer marketing campaign: IFFCO – Noor “I want the Best”…Big Idea

Gulfood is the world’s largest and most important annual industry event and a strategic platform for buyers and sellers to conduct direct business face-to-face. The exhibition is a showcase for manufacturers, distributors and suppliers from around the world, representing all key sectors within the food and hospitality trade.

Full list of Gulfood Award 2014 Winners can be found below:

• Best new non-alcoholic beverage – The Original Drinks and Food Co. – Rochester Ginger
• Best new functional food or drink – Genius Foods – Genius White Sandwich Loaf
• Best newcomer brand or business – Genius Foods – Genius White Sandwich Loaf
• Best new Halal food – Al Watania Poultry – Skin Packs
• Best new fast food product or innovation – Compagnia Alimenare Italiana – Extra Virgin Olive Oil Spray
• Best new baked or confectionery product – Y3K Foods – 3K Water Baked Cheesecakes
• Best new frozen or chilled food – Globex International – FISH BOOM Smoked Swordfish
• Best new health food or beverage – IFFCO – Al Baker Multigrain Atta
• Best health and wellbeing initiative – Unilever – UFS Food Safety
• Best new foodservice innovation – Groix & Nature  Lobster Oil
• Best environmentally sustainable initiative – Lupin Foods Australia
• Best consumer marketing campaign – IFFCO – Noor “I want the Best” … Big Idea
• Best new catering equipment innovation – TSSC – Baby Jaws Under the Counter Bottle Breaker
• Best sustainable catering equipment innovation – IMS – Waste Station
• Best light equipment innovation – Muddle Me – PacoJet 2
• Best heavy equipment innovation – MKN – FlexiCombi
• Best trade stand up to 40m² - Al Rifai
• Best trade stand between 40 - 99 m² - Go Fast Sports
• Best trade stand over 100m² - Agthia Group
• Outstanding achievement award – Alen Thong, Co-ordinator Emirates Culinary Guild and Managing Director of John Holt Foods

For more information, please visit www.gulfood.com.