The five-day Dubai Gulf Food Fair began today, featuring a record 5,500 exhibitors from over 129 countries, showcasing more than 1 million products in one of the major cities of the United Arab Emirates.

Forty-one companies from Bangladesh are participating in the exhibition, with Pran being one of the key participants among local food processors, according to the Dubai World Trade Centre, the organiser of the show.

The 30th edition of the food fair features country pavilions from various nations, including the USA, France, Brazil, the UK, India, Singapore, Japan and Australia, along with first-time participants such as Kosovo, Madagascar, Mauritius and Zambia.

A visit to the fair today revealed that many interested buyers were visiting Pran's stall, where officials from the company provided detailed descriptions of various products.

Some buyers even placed immediate orders for Pran's products.

Abdul Jaleel, managing director of Wasaj Enterprise of Ghana, who has been buying products from Pran Group for the last eight years, told The Daily Star that Pran is very meticulous about its product quality and customer satisfaction, which is crucial for business.

Mizanur Rahman, executive director of export at Pran Group, told The Daily Star that while various food exhibitions generally target regional customers, the Gulfood Fair is now considered one of the leading global food showcases due to the presence of potential buyers from all over the world.

Along with manufacturing companies, distribution companies also attend the event to learn about new products.

Meanwhile, manufacturers have the opportunity to meet major distributors and gain insights into which types of products have the highest potential and demand in different countries.

Pran Group has been regularly participating in the Gulfood Fair since 2013.

This year, nearly 500 products are being displayed at Pran Group's stall, including biscuits, juices, snacks, confectionery, spices, culinary products, beverages, bakery items, frozen foods, and more.

Golam Rasul, executive director of Pran Group, stated that the fair is an important platform for showcasing their newly innovated products to potential customers.

"This year, we are displaying around 50 new products at the exhibition," he added.

Debasis Sinha, head of business for export at Danish Foods Limited, said they have been attending the fair since 2011, learning how to showcase their products on a global stage.

Rezwana Shahed Manita, assistant manager for export at ACI Foods Limited, mentioned that they brought 12 new products to the fair to attract new markets and potential buyers.

Panich Sabaimuang, managing director of Kamphaengphet Export Company Ltd, said the rice exporter from Thailand is attending the fair for the second time.

"Last year, we received a great response, and although today is the first day, we are already getting good feedback from customers. Several potential buyers have already visited our stall," he said.