The Gulf Food Industry centers around Gulfood, the world’s largest annual food & beverage sourcing and innovation event in Dubai, connecting global suppliers, manufacturers, and logistics experts to drive trade, showcase new products (like halal, organic, plant-based), and address sustainability, food security, and supply chain challenges. Key sectors include meat, dairy, beverages, and manufacturing technology, supported by strong regional demand, especially from the large expatriate population in the GCC, fostering significant trade with countries like India for staples, spices, and processed foods.
The 31st edition of Gulfood is scheduled to take place from January 26–30, 2026, in Dubai, at the Dubai World Trade Centre and Expo City Dubai.
Gulfood 2026 will accelerate outsized scale to seize macro-trend advantage, with 8,500+ exhibitors, 1.5 million+ products and participation from 195 countries. The 31st edition is set to transform Dubai into the global headquarters of a connected, intelligent food economy. It will host multiple strategic Government and industry alliances including Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) India, Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency (ApexBrasil), Business France, Canadian Trade Commissioner Service, Dubai Holding, ICEX Spain Trade and Investment, Meat & Livestock Australia, National Aquaculture Group (NAQUA) Kingdom of Saudi Arabia along with major industry powerhouses Americana, Barakat, BRF, Camelicious, Fresh Del Monte, Fage, JBS, Maersk, Monin and Oatly, as well as investors, unicorns and a dynamic mix of buyers, distributors, wholesalers and innovative startups poised to scale into global brands.
Mark Napier, Vice President Exhibitions Department, Dubai World Trade Centre, stated: “Gulfood 2026 opens the global F&B calendar as the first and most influential sourcing event of the year setting the industry’s strategic direction. As the first major international event to activate the Dubai Exhibition Centre and Dubai World Trade Centre, we are delivering unprecedented scale and visibility. Expanding its reach across five new sectors, Gulfood becomes the only truly complete platform for the entire food and beverage ecosystem. An unmissable destination for every brand serious about growth, innovation and global market access. We look forward to welcoming forward-thinking partners, igniting a new era for the industry.”
Gulfood 2026 will accelerate outsized scale to seize macro-trend advantage, with 8,500+ exhibitors, 1.5 million+ products and participation from 195 countries. The 31st edition is set to transform Dubai into the global headquarters of a connected, intelligent food economy. It will host multiple strategic Government and industry alliances including Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) India, Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency (ApexBrasil), Business France, Canadian Trade Commissioner Service, Dubai Holding, ICEX Spain Trade and Investment, Meat & Livestock Australia, National Aquaculture Group (NAQUA) Kingdom of Saudi Arabia along with major industry powerhouses Americana, Barakat, BRF, Camelicious, Fresh Del Monte, Fage, JBS, Maersk, Monin and Oatly, as well as investors, unicorns and a dynamic mix of buyers, distributors, wholesalers and innovative startups poised to scale into global brands.
India is the Official Country Partner for Gulfood 2026. With its F&B market projected to grow at a CAGR of 12.4 per cent through 2028, India enters Gulfood 2026 as the Official Country Partner, delivering its largest-ever presence with 600+ exhibitors and a powerful showcase of the world’s most dynamic food production economy. Leading exhibitors will be in attendance, including Amul, Everest, MDH, Mother Dairy, Rasna and many more.
Together, these platforms will transform Gulfood 2026 into a powerful ecosystem for strategic networking, cutting-edge insights and commercially meaningful connections for stakeholders across the global food value chain.
Gulfood 2026 has announced the launch of Gulfood Logistics at Dubai Exhibition Centre (DEC) at Expo City Dubai. The move comes as the global logistics and transportation market is projected to grow from $9.4 trillion in 2024 to $23.0 trillion by 20351, underlining the strategic economic weight of logistics in global trade and food supply systems. As global food systems become more interconnected, Gulfood 2026 places a major emphasis on the logistics networks, cold-chain systems and freight innovations that underpin the world’s food supply and the cross-border cooperation that enables them. At a time when an estimated 70–90% of global trade value moves by sea, logistics efficiency has become a strategic economic lever, directly shaping global GDP, supply reliability and consumer access.
Food trade is now worth $2.3 trillion annually, with 25% of global food production traded across borders. Dubai handles 80% of GCC food imports, 75% of which move through Jebel Ali Port, connected to over 150 global ports.
The city’s logistics sector is projected to grow to $54 billion annually within the next seven years. The UAE is building the world’s largest food-trade logistics hub, designed for cold chain, storage, and fast-track global sourcing. Global trade reached a record $33 trillion in 2024, driven by services and developing economies. South–South trade grew by 5%.
The EU exported over €235 billion in agri-food products in 2024 – its highest level on record.
