The Department for International Trade invites food and drink producers from across the Midlands Engine to participate in this virtual meet the buyer event with the option to join the world’s largest food event – Gulfood 2021 in Dubai.

Virtual Meet the Buyer & Trade Visit

Part 1: Virtual Mission: November 2020
Part 2: Mission to Gulfood Exhibition 21 – 25 February 2021

This virtual meet the buyer event is the ideal first step for businesses wanting to grow their sales and operate in the following product categories:
 
Premium Grocery | Health & Wellness | Free From | Fortified Products
 
Working with the Great British Food Platform, this innovative event includes:
 
Part 1: Meet the Buyer Virtual Mission from UK
  • Mission Briefing in the UK
  • Food & Drink UAE Market Update
  • Mind of the Buyer Webinar
  • Inclusion of your products into sample hampers for interested buyers (companies are responsible for the cost of sending items to the UK Great British Food Platform HQ for inclusion in a hamper)
  • Meet the Buyer – 1:1 call week
Food and Drink is a huge sector in the UAE - the COVID-19 pandemic has boosted online grocery searches by 560% in the UAE and total food and drink sales are projected to grow by 6.9% to £29.5B.
 
Application Process:
Step 1: Apply via the register button
Step 2: EOI applications will be reviewed
Step 3: Successful applications will be notified and buyer matchmaking will begin
 
 
What's next?
 
Gulfood Mission 2021 - We are planning to take a group of Midlands food and drink businesses to Gulfood in 2021. After taking part in the virtual event you will have the opportunity to join the trade visit. A commitment fee of £TBC will be required but all eligible businesses will receive a grant of £565 to offset this cost and contribute towards flights and accommodation and the entry fee to the show.
 
Part 2: Seal the Deal Mission to Gulfood 2021, Dubai*
  • Market Update in the UK
  • Mission Reception in Dubai
  • Meet the Buyer Event in Dubai
  • Attendance at Gulfood 2021
  • Retail Store Visits
*itinerary subject to change