Dubai is set to solidify its status as the global headquarters of food trade as Gulfood 2026, the 31st edition of the world's largest food and beverage sourcing event, expands across two mega-venues for the first time. Scheduled for January 26-30, 2026, the event will occupy 240,000 square meters at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) and the Dubai Exhibition Centre (DEC) at Expo City Dubai, delivering what organizers describe as the largest F&B trade footprint ever assembled. With 8,500+ exhibitors, 1.5 million+ products, and participation from 195 countries, Gulfood 2026 aims to provide unprecedented scale and visibility for the global food industry.
The expansion comes at a time when the global food and beverage market is projected to reach $11.37 trillion by 2030, with the MENA region recording the world's fastest F&B growth rate. Mark Napier, Vice President of the Exhibitions Department at Dubai World Trade Centre, stated: "Gulfood 2026 opens the global F&B calendar as the first and most influential sourcing event of the year, setting the industry's strategic direction. As the first major international event to activate the Dubai Exhibition Centre and Dubai World Trade Centre, we are delivering unprecedented scale and visibility."
DWTC will host high-growth sectors including Beverages, Dairy, Fats & Oils, Meat & Poultry, Power Brands, and two new sectors for 2026: Seafood and Gulfood Startups, reflecting the explosive growth of the global F&B startup ecosystem. Meanwhile, DEC will feature national pavilions, bulk commodity trade, and three new sectors: Gulfood Fresh, Gulfood Grocery Trade, and Gulfood Logistics. The venue will also host the Gulfood World Economy Summit, convening CEOs, policymakers, and investors to discuss the future of the world food economy.
India has been named the Official Country Partner for Gulfood 2026, with its largest-ever presence of 600+ exhibitors, including major brands like Amul, Everest, MDH, and Mother Dairy. Other prominent exhibitors and partners include ApexBrasil, Business France, Canadian Trade Commissioner Service, Dubai Holding, and industry giants such as Americana, BRF, Fresh Del Monte, JBS, and Oatly. New exhibiting nations include Ghana, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Kurdistan Region, Luxembourg, Maldives, Qatar, Rwanda, Slovakia, Sweden, and Uganda, while existing pavilions from Egypt, India, Italy, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Türkiye, and the USA will expand to their largest footprints.
For more information and to register at early bird prices, visit Gulfood.com.
