Gulfood

Sourcing
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Gulfood happens every year in Dubai. It is the largest food and drink trade show in the world. The event features over 5,500 exhibitors and attracts more than 100,000 visitors from over 190 countries. This makes it a great opportunity for B2B buyers to find products, learn about trends, and connect with suppliers.

The show includes all major food and beverage categories. It is a place for manufacturers, distributors, and foodservice operators to explore new ideas, make deals, and reach new markets in the Middle East, Africa, Asia, and beyond.

  • Date: 17 - 21 February 2025
  • Location: Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC)
  • Address: Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
  • Opening Hours: Monday to Thursday: 11:00–19:00, Friday: 11:00–17:00
  • Official Website: https://www.gulfood.com

Who is Attending Gulfood?

Gulfood attracts a specific audience in the B2B sector. This includes importers, retailers, food manufacturers, and buyers from industries like hospitality, airlines, catering, and wholesale. Many visitors come to meet certified producers in person, check product documents, and evaluate supplier abilities for size and compliance. Brands wanting to enter the GCC, MENA, or South Asian markets can find direct access to distributors and sourcing agents working in these areas at Gulfood.

Product Categories

The exhibition floor includes many sectors such as bulk ingredients, packaged goods, dairy, frozen foods, beverages, meat and seafood, health products, and ready-to-eat meals. This variety of exhibitors is important for buyers looking to purchase from different categories or source products from specific regions.

The range of products, from functional snacks to ready-to-use formats for hotels and restaurants, meets the needs of both large-scale buyers and those focused on niche markets.

Certifications and Compliance

A major feature of Gulfood is the visibility of certifications across supply chains. Many exhibitors hold Halal certification compliant with GSO and country-specific standards. Others showcase compliance with ISO 22000, BRCGS, HACCP, and organic frameworks such as EU Organic and USDA Organic. Buyers can also find products meeting Fair Trade, Non-GMO, Vegan, and clean label criteria.

The ability to verify documentation on-site makes Gulfood a strategic event for companies sourcing for regulated retail, institutional supply, or government-linked contracts.

Supply Chain Innovation

As food sourcing changes, Gulfood highlights the role of technology in making processes more efficient and transparent. The event features tech companies that offer systems for tracking food, secure logistics with blockchain, digital labeling tools, and AI-driven forecasting platforms. These tools are especially helpful for businesses that deal with cross-border distribution or need to follow strict rules.

Trends Shaping Gulfood 2025

This year's event will highlight health, sustainability, and strong local trade. Look for many new plant-based proteins, useful and improved ingredients, eco-friendly packaging, and clean-label products that are Halal-certified. Food security, different supply options, and online sourcing tools will also be important topics as businesses get ready for future changes and regulations.

Gulfood remains a key place for sourcing, innovation, and food trade, making it essential for buyers who want to understand the next steps in the global food market. Other important exhibitions in the b2b food industry are: SIAL, PLMA, Biofach, Anuga and Vitafoods.