Gulfood kick-starts a pivotal year for the UAE in 2023

DWTC opened its doors to the largest annual global food and beverage sourcing event in the world, taking place from 20-24 February 2023. Bringing together F&B communities from across the world in Dubai to chart the way forward for this rapidly evolving sector, the 28th edition is 30% larger than previous years, with 1,500 of the 5000+ confirmed exhibitors new to the show. Gulfood 2023’s record scale is due in part to the introduction of Gulfood Plus, a brand-new bespoke hall, where first-time exhibitors will showcase product innovations across 10,000 m2 of added floor space.

Leading global brands exhibiting include: Unilever, GMG, Americana, Agthia, Fonterra, McCain, Monin, USAPEEC, Hunter Foods, ASMAK, Minerva Foods, U.S. Dairy Export Council, Frinsa Group, Emirates Snacks Foods, Al Rabie to name a few; as well as newcomers including Brazilian food processing company: BRF Global and Agricultural, and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA).

With the UAE acting as the central hub of all these changes, Gulfood is at the heart of the business community, propelling sector conversations from agenda to action, bringing the industry together to convene in the first key F&B industry event of the year, unveiling new products and innovations, and creating an international platform for business opportunities, including 125 country pavilions with first-time participants, Armenia, Cambodia and Iraq, and welcoming back returning pavilions from South Africa and Australia.

Maktoum, was accompanied by Mariam Al Mheiri, UAE minister of climate change and environment, who opened this year’s Inspire Conference as the keynote speaker. Globally, a series of world events are causing inflation and a rise in the cost of consumer goods, food, utilities, and fuel and the food industry has a huge role to play in helping reverse these trends and move towards healthier, more resilient food systems. With the UAE preparing to host COP28 later this year, Her Excellency addressed these growing concerns and highlighted how Gulfood will serve as a critical opportunity to convene the global F&B industry and continue the shift towards more sustainable food production and consumption.

Gulfood is creating a platform for companies in the food industry to present their products, services, and solutions to influential buyers from across the globe, facilitating intercontinental business deals and serving as the ultimate focal point for the world of food and beverage sourcing.