DUBAI: The 30th edition of Gulfood, the world’s leading food and beverage (F&B) sourcing event, has officially opened at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), setting the stage for groundbreaking industry collaborations and innovations.
Running from 17 – 21 February, Gulfood 2025 spans 24 exhibition halls, unveiling the latest industry advancements while fostering global trade partnerships.
Bringing together more than 5,500 exhibitors from 129 countries, this year’s edition is expected to generate trade deals worth USD 20 billion while driving discussions that will shape the future of the global food sector.
Under the theme ‘The Next Frontier in Food’, the five-day event features the inaugural Food500 Summit, a high-level gathering of global policymakers, industry visionaries, and investors. UAE Minister of Economy, Abdulla Bin Touq Al Marri, will deliver the keynote address on Day 2, highlighting the UAE’s commitment to food security, economic diversification, and global trade partnerships.
Food500 Summit
The Food500 Summit is a premier platform uniting CEOs, policymakers, and academics to address pressing food industry challenges. Distinguished speakers include Ananya Narayan, CEO of Hunter Foods; Dr. Edwini Kessie, Director of the Agriculture and Commodities Division at WTO; Alvyn Severien, CEO of Montaigne Nutrition; and Tisha Livingston, CEO of Infinite Acres, among others.
Minister Abdulla Bin Touq Al Marri emphasised the UAE’s strategic focus on food security, stating:
“The selection of the food cluster as the first economic cluster to be developed by the UAE highlights its role as a key driver of economic diversification. This initiative strengthens local food production, supports agricultural enterprises, and enhances the UAE’s position as a leading food exporter, aligning with the ‘We the UAE 2031’ vision to increase GDP to Dh3 trillion by the next decade.”
Gulfood’s legacy as a premier trade platform continues to fuel global commerce, fostering connections between F&B leaders and driving innovations that redefine the industry.
Michelin-starred chefs take the stage
This milestone edition of Gulfood brings a spectacular culinary showcase, featuring world-renowned chefs with a combined 50 Michelin stars. Headlining the event is legendary Chef Alain Ducasse, a 21-Michelin-starred culinary icon, making his debut in Dubai.
Ducasse will lead masterclasses at Top Table, an interactive platform where international and local chefs demonstrate cutting-edge cooking techniques and sustainable gastronomy practices. Speaking about the event, Ducasse said: “Dubai demonstrates incredible momentum in attracting top culinary talents. I’m proud to contribute to this exciting gastronomic scene, sharing insights and collaborating with fellow chefs.”
The Dubai World Cuisine initiative, exclusively available to Gulfood ticket holders, will further elevate the city’s culinary landscape through fine dining experiences hosted at prestigious restaurants, including Krasota, Takahisa, Avatara, Lowe, and Armani Ristorante.
Gulfood Innovation Awards
The Gulfood Innovation Awards spotlight revolutionary F&B products and technological breakthroughs, cementing the event’s reputation as a hub of industry transformation. Shortlisted entries represent cutting-edge advancements in sustainability, alternative proteins, and smart food solutions.
Marcos Delorenzo, CEO of ADC, Tanmiah’s Poultry Division, remarked on the significance of the awards: “Gulfood is an unparalleled platform for showcasing innovation. Being shortlisted for the Gulfood Innovation Awards underscores our commitment to pioneering advancements in sustainable protein solutions.”
The winners will be announced on Day 1 of Gulfood, with full details available at the official website.
Discovery Tours
Attendees can fast-track their experience with curated Discovery Tours, offering an in-depth look at the event’s most innovative exhibits. These hour-long guided tours will spotlight emerging food trends, disruptive technologies, and groundbreaking sustainability initiatives.
Tickets are available now.