A new breed of intelligent logistics solutions could save five per cent of the UAE's multi-billion food wastage, according to industry experts. As food wastage becomes a key global public and social issue, suppliers and transport providers say the stage is set for innovation to transform the way the UAE handles its food distribution and re-exports. Transformational technology and systems will be in focus at November's Logistics Solutions Middle East – a dedicated zone within Gulfood Manufacturing - at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), as the industry moves to shave the country's food wastage bill, currently put at 3.27 million tonnes worth some AED13.6 billion ($3.7 billion) by Abu Dhabi's Massar Solutions. "The UN's Food and Agriculture Association has clearly stated that substantial savings can be made in food loss and waste through improved storage and transportation," said Trixie LohMirmand, Senior Vice President, Events & Exhibitions, DWTC. "These are now crucial issues as countries and industries move to reduce their carbon footprints and deliver on sustainability goals." Innovation will be the back-story to this year's Gulfood Manufacturing, which runs on Nov. 7-9, as the food industry grapples with wastage and increasing competitiveness. Gargash & Mercedes-Benz is targeting the F&B distribution segments with plans to roll-out a new range of futuristic trucks, highlighting their fuel-efficiency and productivity. The promotion will also see a focus on new Mercedes-Benz electronic trucks including the Urban eTruck, the company's first fully electric truck, and its ‘Vision' van-of-the-future concept. Food-specific logistics remain a core component of a UAE logistics industry which reached AED 99 billion in 2015, according to the UAE National Association of Freight and Logistics (NAFL), which has signed up as the show's official logistics partners. The issue is vital for Dubai, which currently re-exports nearly half of its imported food product to other GCC countries, Russia, India, Pakistan and East Africa, according to the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre. NAFL President, Nadia Abdul Aziz is leading a campaign to strengthen Dubai's position as a global logistics hub, and is planning to spell out how the emirate plans to keep ahead of competing global markets and what it means for transport and logistics stakeholders at the Food Logistics Forum being held at DWTC on November 8. Logistics Solutions Middle East is one of the three focused shows making up the sold-out Gulfood Manufacturing exhibition which also includes ProPack Middle East and Ingredients Middle East. Gulfood Manufacturing 2016 is an impressive 20 percent larger than last year's event and will see 1,600 international food manufacturers, suppliers and industry service providers fill 13 DWTC halls. The show will feature exhibitors from 52 countries including 29 official national pavilions including production machinery leaders Austria, Germany, Italy, Korea, Spain, Switzerland, Taiwan and the United Kingdom. It will also welcome first-time pavilions representing Indonesia, Ireland, Russia and South Africa. DWTC is also rolling out its most extensive Hosted Buyer Program for the show which will be sponsored by Tetra Pak. More than 2,000 of the region's most prominent industrial buyers are being invited to the event and supported with complimentary flights, accommodation and transport to and from the show. — SG
