Gulfood 2025 has broken records as the first exhibition to operate simultaneously across two venues – Dubai World Trade Centre and the Dubai Exhibition Centre at Expo City – solidifying its position as a leading global platform for the food and beverage industry. The event, which began February 19th, features over 8,500 exhibitors from 195 countries showcasing approximately 1.5 million products. This expansion signifies a major step in Dubai’s ambition to become a central hub for international trade, particularly within the food sector, and highlights the growing demand for innovative food solutions and supply chain resilience.
The simultaneous operation across two locations dramatically increases the scale of Gulfood, with organizers reporting 100% growth compared to the previous year. Trixie LohMirmand, Executive Vice President of Dubai World Trade Centre and CEO of KAOUN International, stated this demonstrates a new benchmark for giga-scale events. The move aims to facilitate more business and provide a broader range of offerings to attendees.
Record Participation at Gulfood 2025
This year’s Gulfood boasts significant participation from across the entire food supply chain. Nearly 40% of the exhibitors are attending for the first time, indicating a broadening appeal and increased interest in the Middle Eastern market. New national pavilions representing Luxembourg, Maldives, Rwanda, Slovakia, Sweden, and Uganda further demonstrate this global reach.
The Dubai Exhibition Centre at Expo City is specifically hosting the World Food, Rice, Pulses and Grains sectors. Additionally, three new verticals have been introduced: Gulfood Fresh, Gulfood Logistics, and Gulfood Grocery Trade. These additions reflect the increasing importance of fresh produce sourcing, efficient logistics networks, and the evolving retail landscape in the food industry.
Key players in the logistics and fresh food segments, including DP World, Maersk, MSC, Fresh Del Monte, NRTC, and Unifrutti, are confirmed participants. Their presence underscores the critical role of these companies in ensuring a stable and responsive global food supply chain, a topic of increasing concern given recent geopolitical events and climate challenges.
India as Official Country Partner
India has been designated the Official Country Partner for Gulfood 2026, represented by the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA). This partnership will see India bring its largest-ever delegation, with over 600 exhibitors, to the event.
Abishek Dev, Chairman of APEDA, expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration, emphasizing India’s commitment to expanding its presence in global markets. He noted that Gulfood plays a crucial role in accelerating the growth of India’s agricultural exports. This focus aligns with India’s broader economic goals and its ambition to become a major exporter of food and agricultural products.
Expanding the Scope of the Event
While the new Expo City venue hosts specific sectors, the Dubai World Trade Centre continues to be the home for core Gulfood categories like dairy, meat, seafood, beverages, and fats and oils. This division of focus allows for a more specialized and efficient experience for both exhibitors and attendees.
Innovation remains a key component of Gulfood, with the return of Gulfood Startups. This platform connects over 250 investors and innovators from more than 30 countries, fostering collaboration and investment in emerging food technologies. The event also features the Big Deal Hub, designed to facilitate structured procurement meetings between buyers and exhibitors, driving tangible business outcomes.
The increasing focus on sustainability and alternative proteins is also evident throughout the exhibition. Several companies are showcasing plant-based products and technologies aimed at reducing the environmental impact of food production. This trend reflects a growing consumer demand for more sustainable food choices and a broader industry commitment to responsible practices.
The growth of the food and beverage industry in the Middle East is a significant driver behind Gulfood’s expansion. According to industry reports, the region is experiencing a surge in demand for imported food products, fueled by population growth, rising disposable incomes, and changing dietary preferences. This makes Gulfood an essential platform for companies looking to access this lucrative market.
Looking ahead, the success of Gulfood 2025 will likely encourage further expansion and innovation in future iterations. The organizers will be closely monitoring attendee feedback and market trends to refine the event’s offerings and ensure it continues to meet the evolving needs of the global food industry. The long-term impact of the dual-venue model remains to be seen, but it represents a bold step towards establishing Dubai as the definitive global hub for food trade. Further developments in logistics and supply chain solutions, as well as the continued integration of technology, will be key areas to watch in the coming years.
