Global Interest For Gulfood 2026 Surges Days After The Mega Food Event’s Expansion Announcement At 2025 Show

DUBAI – February 21, 2025: Building on the remarkable legacy of Gulfood and responding to unprecedented demand from the global F&B industry, Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) has officially announced Gulfood 2026. The event has already garnered significant interest from key industry players during the 2025 edition. Set to take place from January 26-30, 2026, this expansion marks a transformative milestone, reinforcing Gulfood’s position as the central hub for the global food sector, catering to the entire F&B ecosystem and strengthening its impact on international food trade.

Two Venues, Greater Influence

Dubai Expo City, renowned for hosting Expo 2020 Dubai and COP28, is rapidly evolving into a premier international business district and the region’s largest dedicated indoor events and exhibitions venue. With the dual-venue setup, the event will accommodate increasing demand for space while introducing new sectors under the Gulfood umbrella. This expansion enhances the global food trade ecosystem, fostering innovation and boosting industry growth.

The Future of Gulfood Unfolds

As part of its ongoing growth, Gulfood 2026 will provide an exceptional platform for industry disruptors and new product innovations. Exhibitors will gain a competitive edge at the first major F&B event of the year, showcasing a diverse range of products and services to a global audience. New and established F&B brands will benefit from expanded exhibition spaces, enhanced creative presentation opportunities, and an inclusive platform for industry pioneers to introduce groundbreaking innovations to an international network of buyers.

Bhushant Ghandi, Division Manager at Trubell, expressed excitement about the expansion, stating, “Gulfood 2025 has been incredibly successful for all our brands, and following the announcement of 2026, we have already secured our stands for next year and 2027. We have been exhibiting at Gulfood for 27 years, and the introduction of two venues is a strategic move we fully support. Separating exhibitors will help target consumers navigate the event with ease, benefiting all stakeholders in 2026.”

Jordi Montfort, Secretary General of the Spanish Poultry and Meat Association, shared his perspective: “With our ongoing business expansion in the region, we are eager for what lies ahead. Gulfood 2026 will be a pivotal event for Spain’s meat sector as we continue to establish and scale operations across the UAE and GCC.”

Anand Bhesdadiya, Director at Stallion Commodities (India) Pvt LTD, highlighted the business potential: “Gulfood 2025 generated over 500 business leads for us, and we are eager for what Gulfood 2026 has in store. The expansion will help segment the exhibition better and improve navigation for visitors.”

A Comprehensive F&B Showcase: Expanded Sectors & Integrated Events

Gulfood 2026 will introduce several new sectors, including Digital Innovation, Startups, Logistics, Fresh & Perishables, Health, Wellness & Functional Foods, Next-Gen Food and Beverages, Hospitality, HoReCa, and Foodservice Innovation. Existing categories such as Power Brands, Pulses & Grains, Fats & Oils, Meat & Poultry, Beverages, World Food, and Dairy will also return.

Additionally, existing Gulfood events will be incorporated into the expanded show format. Gulfood Green will serve as a platform for discussions on sustainable practices, food security, and waste reduction from farm to fork. Gulfood Startups will connect emerging F&B enterprises with venture capitalists, angel investors, incubators, and accelerators.

To further support the hospitality and foodservice industry, GulfHost, MENA’s premier hospitality and foodservice equipment event, will be integrated into Gulfood 2026. This inclusion will showcase advancements in smart kitchens, artificial intelligence (AI), automation, sustainability solutions, and cutting-edge innovations designed to enhance foodservice operations and customer experiences.

A key new addition, Gulfood Logistics, will bring together leaders in supply chain management, cold chain solutions, transportation, and storage innovations, offering a holistic perspective on logistics shaping the future of F&B.

Extensive preparations are already in progress to ensure seamless operations across both venues. Special attention is being given to parking solutions, visitor flow management, premium accommodation accessibility, airport proximity, and public transport connectivity to enhance the experience for the large number of attendees expected at Gulfood 2026. This expansion underscores Dubai’s commitment to hosting world-class mega-events and maintaining its position as a global business and trade leader.