Around 150 global and regional logistics business leaders will be in Dubai next month for a two-day forum which will address the issues being faced by the food logistics industry and also discuss the market growth opportunities.

The region’s first 'Food Logistics Forum, will be held on November 20 and 21 at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) alongside three of the region’s most highly regarded specialist food industry shows - Seafex, Speciality Food Festival, Sweets and Snacks Middle East.

The opportunity that food logistics represents in the region and the growing demand to address the critical issues that it faces is demonstrated by the debut of the Food Logistics Forum, said the event organisers, DWTC.

"As the organiser of Gulfood, the world’s largest annual trade exhibition for the food and hospitality industry and a number of the region’s most influential niche food trade shows, we understand the significance of logistics in the product supply chain," remarked Trixee Loh, senior vice president of DWTC.

With the GCC’s logistics market valued at $27 billion according to a recent report by Booz & Co, global transportation and logistics players regard Dubai, currently the third largest re-exporter of food in the world, as playing a critical role in the future growth of food logistics.

"We also recognise the importance of supporting knowledge exchange for this fast-paced industry. The forum showcases the latest trends and innovations in the industry and includes valuable interactive sessions for companies on supply chain regulations and operations, engaging market opportunities and global supply chain leadership strategies," he added.

The key topics for discussion include: Bridging the gap between regulators and the industry; Habits that make successful managers; Reasons why supply chains fail; Benchmarking supply chain performance; Advice on importing from emerging countries and efficient inventory control management practices.

The confirmed speakers at the event include Asia Abdulwahab, the head of Studies and Food Planning, Dubai Municipality; Mohsen Ahmad, the director of Stakeholder Relationship and Operation Development, Dubai World Central; Geert Swinnen, supply chain head, Aujan Industries; Michael Fell, manager fresh food, Emarat and Dina Khairo, Scientific Regulatory Affairs and Nutrition, Director, PepsiCo.-TradeArabia News Service