Five days of deal-making, buyer engagement and market expansion positioned Gulfood 2026 as the world’s most powerful food trade platform.
In January 2026, for the first time in its history, Gulfood operated seamlessly across two mega venues — and in doing so, delivered its most commercially impactful edition to date.
Running from 26 to 30 January at Dubai World Trade Centre and the newly unveiled $2.7 billion Dubai Exhibition Centre at Expo City, Gulfood 2026 achieved a 100 per cent expansion in scale. More than 280,000 square metres of exhibition space were sold out, setting a new benchmark for global food and beverage trade events. Over five days, close to 300,000 attendees from more than 195 countries engaged with 8,500 exhibitors showcasing over 1.5 million products across 12 industry sectors.
The integrated two-venue model ensured uninterrupted buyer engagement, efficient movement between halls and, crucially, measurable commercial outcomes at a scale rarely seen in the industry.
Deal-making at the centre
The Big Deal Hub brought together more than 1,000 premium buyers through over 3,500 pre-arranged meetings. These sessions translated into AED 168 billion in deals, reinforcing Gulfood’s position as a platform where conversations turn into contracts.
Several high-profile agreements were formalised during the event. Al Maya Distribution Group signed a major distribution deal with Frío Beverages to expand the brand’s presence across Gulf markets. Dilmah Ceylon Tea Company also confirmed a new agreement with Al Maya for the distribution of Dilmah iced tea across the UAE — a milestone for its beverage division.
Trade outcomes extended beyond beverages. Asia Food Forum reported progress linked to the purchase of approximately 12,000 metric tons of sugar, while Brands Republic Limited secured exclusive distribution agreements projected to generate AED 500 million over the next five years. For Group CEO Dr Ghandy Abuhawash, Gulfood 2026 marked a defining moment, opening doors to international markets and reinforcing the global potential of premium Emirati brands.
Innovation with intent
As the global agri-tech market moves towards a projected value of over US$40 billion by 2030, Gulfood 2026 underscored its evolution beyond food and beverage sourcing into a broader ecosystem focused on innovation, scalability and commercial readiness.
Gulfood Startups connected more than 250 high-growth startups with investors and industry leaders, accelerating pathways from concept to market. The emphasis was firmly on application rather than theory — a reflection of the event’s growing role as a bridge between innovation and trade.
This focus culminated in the inaugural World Agri-Foodtech Startup Challenge, organised in partnership with DMCC and the India Middle East Agri-Alliance. Hundreds of startups participated, competing for a US$135,000 cash prize — the largest of its kind globally. The challenge showcased commercially viable solutions spanning next-generation ingredients, sustainable food systems and applied agri-technology.
Two venues, one trade engine
Buyer participation remained strong throughout the week, with major retailers, distributors and food-service operators navigating both venues with ease.
National pavilions continued to anchor Gulfood’s global relevance. Singapore returned after a 10-year hiatus, marking its participation with the inaugural opening at Dubai Expo City. For Yeo Hiap Seng International, the energy of the event reaffirmed Gulfood’s standing as a truly global platform for collaboration and growth.
Opening doors to new markets
The 2026 edition also saw first-time participation from Ghana, Kazakhstan, Luxembourg, Maldives, Rwanda, Slovakia, Sweden and Uganda — with immediate trade impact. Kazakhstan’s debut alone generated export and investment agreements worth US$335.4 million, underscoring Gulfood’s role as a launchpad for national trade strategies.
Looking ahead, Gulfood used the 2026 platform to signal its global ambitions. The announcement of Gulfood360 Africa/Kenya marked a decisive step in the brand’s international expansion strategy. Scheduled to take place in Nairobi from 4 to 6 May 2027, the event is backed by Kenya’s Ministry of Investments, Trade and Industry, Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, the Agriculture and Food Authority, and the Office of the Special Envoy on Technology.
Positioned as a gateway to the wider African market, Gulfood360 Africa/Kenya reflects the shifting geography of global food trade — and Nairobi’s growing role within it.
What comes next
Building on its strongest commercial edition to date, Gulfood will return to Dubai from 15 to 19 March 2027, with an expanded mandate to unlock new markets, deepen buyer engagement and deliver even greater trade outcomes. Alongside it, the inaugural African edition in Nairobi signals a new chapter — one that extends Gulfood’s influence beyond scale, towards sustained global impact.
For an industry shaped by supply chains, geopolitics and innovation, Gulfood 2026 demonstrated that scale, when executed with intent, can still move markets.