Following a highly competitive tender process, specialist event and hospitality caterer GIG, part of the Global Infusion Group, has been awarded the Hospitality Services contract for the UK Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai.
The Pavilion will be the centrepiece of the UK’s presence at the Expo 2020 Dubai – highlighting leading British expertise in artificial intelligence and the space sector.
Produced by the London and Dubai based global brand experience agency Avantgarde, the UK Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai has been designed by award-winning British artist Es Devlin OBE. The Department for International Trade will lead the UK government’s presence at World Expo, with cross-government support.
Many millions of people are anticipated to visit the Pavilion in the six months from October 2020 to April 2021. World Expos offer the UK a significant opportunity to communicate directly with international visitors, strengthening British soft power and enhancing the UK’s reputation on a global stage. It also offers more tangible benefits – they give the UK a platform to attract investment, grow trade, increase tourism and encourage people to study in the UK. British companies are already involved in a large proportion of the Expo 2020 Dubai design, build and delivery.
Buckinghamshire-based GIG, along with other trading divisions of Global Infusion Group has a long history of working in the Middle East and an excellent reputation for successfully exporting its services around the world. The company received a Queen’s Business Award for Enterprise in International Trade in 2014 and again in 2017.
Sustainability, legacy and innovation were key to GIG securing the contract. With a predicted 52 million meals being served at Expo 2020 Dubai, across the six months, the GIG team will be using their culinary experience to showcase the very best of British and Northern lrish food. Their vision is to highlight future trends in food and hospitality, including; embracing technology for service, dinertainment and sustainable consumption.
GIG will look to use premium British ingredients for specialty items, whilst utilising a local supply chain and working with government agencies. The company are committed to sourcing high-quality British products to ensure that its offering perfectly meets the UK Pavilion’s needs. GIG will collaborate with the UK Pavilion team to offer key culinary moments during the six-month calendar; featuring guest chefs, themed events, often with a regional focus, taking note of the British calendar and offering food that reflects the region, season or occasion.
Nick Venables, GIG’s head of global sport and events said: “The menus we design and the food we provide our guests is at the core of our business. As passionate foodies we constantly explore the latest food trends and work with talented chefs to create seasonal menus and locally inspired dishes.
“Food provision isn’t just about production and logistics, it’s about offering a tailored, personal and memorable approach. The UK has a rich and diverse culture, and this is definitely reflected in our values, we intend to emulate this with the food and beverage experience at the UK Pavilion.”
Minister of State for the Department for International Trade, Baroness Fairhead, said: “I’m delighted that the high-quality offer of GIG has been chosen to provide the hospitality services at the UK Pavilion. In serving premium home-sourced ingredients, GIG represents the best of British.
“Lasting over six months, Expo 2020 Dubai will provide UK companies with a great opportunity to connect with millions of visitors. We hope it will enable them to sell their products, establish new partnerships and forge trading relations which in turn will bring prosperity and jobs to the UK. We at the DIT stand ready to provide support.”
