In this issue

Land of opportunity

We look forward to Africa’s Big Seven (AB7), one of the major shows in the continent scheduled for 30th June to 2nd July. Whilst Africa is a region of contrasts – rapidly
growing economies on one hand and poverty and slow industrialisation on the other – food companies cannot go wrong in pushing their way into this market as there are enough business opportunities.
It is the same in the Middle East. Amidst turmoil in many areas, businesses are thriving in parts where economies are relatively stable. In market snapshot, we take a look at a few new trends attracting food consumers.
Additionally, Gulfood has much to say about investor interest in the region. The 18th edition held in February outdid previous shows in space and company participation. Our correspondent Ria Mendoza gathered the sentiments of exhibitors and visitors for show review.
Food retailer Yael Mejia is one of those who came from London to make it big in the Middle East. In 2009, she set up Baker & Spice, an artisan food shop, in Dubai, and already she is preparing for a fourth outlet. See boardroom connection for her story.
On a lighter note, this issue includes a report by Charles Spence and Betina Piqueras-Fiszman on digital technology as dining enhancement.

Food Manufacturing Journal - Middle East & Africa Magazine Description:

Food Manufacturing Journal - Middle East & Africa is published 6x a year in English with highlights in Arabic. The magazine provides the region's food & beverage processing industry with the latest information and technologies on ingredients, processing and packaging, food safety and regulatory issues. It offers practical solutions to improve productivity, reduce cost, and turn innovations into real competitive advantages as well as the latest market information, trade show reviews and videos, and people and company profiles, written by industry experts and correspondents across the region. Also included are exclusive content and articles from industry professionals throughout the Middle East and Africa and from Ringier's family of food industry magazines covering Greater China region, South East Asia and other parts of the world, inclduing International Food & Beverage Ingredients News for China, China Food Manufacturing Journal, FoodPacific Manufacturing Journal, and Modern Food Processing (India). The interactive content allows readers to make direct and immediate contact with advertisers/suppliers and featured companies in the editorial by clicking on the web site and email addresses in each issue, access online content in Ringier’s food website (food.industrysourcing.com), and avail of video content through iTunes and Google Play.