Bidding to open for SMEs to make Expo 2020 food and drinks

UAE-based SMEs have the chance to win contracts to provide Expo 2020-branded food and drinks, including dates, coffee, chocolate and spices, the event organisers said on Wednesday.

The tendering process to source providers for officially licensed food and drinks products has started, and companies must register their interest online by March 9.

There is no restriction on the size or location of bidders, organisers said. However, organisers also expressed a desire to create a range of products that authentically reflected the UAE’s heritage and multinational diversity.

“Our ambition is for the Expo opportunity to support the development of homegrown food brands,” said Najeeb Al Ali, the executive director of Bureau Expo 2020 Dubai. “I hope that UAE-based SMEs and food producers will harness their creativity and innovation to serve up high quality traditional and homemade treats that will appeal to the millions who visit both before and during the world Expo.”

The items will be sold at selected shops across the UAE before and during the event, at dedicated Expo retail stores from 2018, and at the site when it starts in October 2020.

The food tender is the second of up to 40 licensed product categories to be issued. Last month, the organiser began the process to source manufacturers of official souvenirs.

An Expo team will be at the Gulfood show in Dubai from Sunday.

Follow The National's Business section on Twitter