The winners of the fifth Gulfood Awards, the Middle East's most highly-regarded food and beverage accolades, were crowned Sunday at a spectacular gala dinner at the five-star Conrad Dubai on the opening day of Gulfood 2014. Organized 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 recognized 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, Coordinator 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 caliberof 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 Al Watania Poultry - Skin Packs “Best New Halal Food”. Other winners are: • 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 — SG
