Udyamee, Ahmedabad:
The 30th edition of the world’s largest annual food and beverage exhibition, Gulfood, began on February 17 at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), bringing together thousands of attendees, 5,500+ exhibitors from 129 countries, including India, and the world’s foremost industry CEOs, policymakers, investors, and visionaries.
Under the theme “The Next Frontier in Food,” the event is expected to generate USD 20 billion in trade deals and foster cutting-edge industry collaboration. H.E. Abdulla Bin Touq Al Marri, UAE Minister of Economy, attended Day 2 at the inaugural Food500 Summit, addressing Gulfood’s economic impact and the UAE’s role as a global trade gateway.
H.E. Abdulla Bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy, stated: “The food cluster strategy aims to ensure self-sufficiency in food production and enhance food ecosystem management by supporting agricultural enterprises and increasing local production. This initiative will not only help us meet local market needs but also position the UAE as a leading food exporter to key regional and global markets. It will support the goals of the ‘We the UAE 2031’ vision, including increasing the national GDP to AED 3 trillion by the next decade.”
He further emphasized: “Against this backdrop, this landmark edition of Gulfood serves as an ideal platform for partnerships and discussions, presenting opportunities for knowledge exchange and networking across industries. It fosters a foundation for setting and accomplishing future objectives within the global trade community.”
Food500: Titans of Industry and Policymakers Connect on Food Strategy for Change
The Food500 Summit brings together industry leaders under one roof to tackle pressing challenges and opportunities across the food value chain. Speakers include:
- Ananya Narayan, CEO of Hunter Foods
- Edwini Kessie, Director of the Agriculture and Commodities Division, World Trade Organization – Switzerland
- Alvyn Severien, CEO of Montaigne Nutrition and Co-founder of Algama – France
- Tisha Livingston, CEO of Infinite Acres – USA
- Daniel Levine, leading global top trends expert
- …and many more.
Gulfood Innovation Awards & Global Trade Showcase
The Gulfood Innovation Awards celebrate the best in F&B innovation, recognizing trailblazing products, technologies, and ideas. Visitors can expect to discover hundreds of thousands of new products and groundbreaking innovations showcased across the event.
Marcos Delorenzo, CEO of ADC, Tanmiah’s Poultry Division, stated: “Our participation in Gulfood’s 30th edition aligns with our strategic vision to become the number one global halal sustainable healthy protein company by 2030. This prestigious event allows us to showcase our latest innovations, connect with industry leaders, and drive meaningful progress in food solutions. Being shortlisted for the Gulfood Innovation Awards further underscores our commitment to excellence and pioneering advancements in the protein industry. Congratulations to Gulfood on 30 years of remarkable success. Your continuous growth and innovation have set new benchmarks for the global food industry, making Gulfood a premier platform for connection, collaboration, and progress.
Top Table: ‘Culinary Futurism’ Theme Prevails, Headlined by Gastronomic Legend Alain Ducasse
The 30th edition promises to be unforgettable, as Gulfood welcomes Alain Ducasse to the UAE for the first time, where he will lead Top Table and Dubai World Cuisine activations. With 21 Michelin stars, Ducasse is renowned for his innovative approach to gastronomy and his strong focus on sustainability—an ethos that aligns with the UAE’s commitment to promoting sustainable food practices. On Day 3 of Food500, the culinary superstar will share his insights on “Culinary Futurism” and the future of the industry.
Chef Alain Ducasse commented: “With Top Table at Gulfood, Dubai demonstrates its incredible momentum in attracting the most brilliant talents from around the world. I’m proud to be part of this event with Chef Romain Meder, first by conducting a masterclass together at Top Table and hosting exclusive dinners at Takahisa. Additionally, I look forward to meeting my fellow chefs and the public, sharing our experiences, and contributing to the rapidly evolving gastronomy scene in the region.”
Celebrating Dubai’s rise as a global food hub, Top Table, sponsored by the Japan External Trade Organisation (JETRO), will present live masterclasses featuring 120+ global and local chefs with a combined 50 Michelin stars. Attendees can witness dishes from diverse cuisines come to life in engaging masterclasses, tasting sessions, and demonstrations using ingredients from the exhibition floor.
Dubai World Cuisine: Celebrating Dubai’s Dynamic Culinary Journey Towards Becoming an International Food Epicenter
Exclusively available to Gulfood ticket holders, attendees can experience Dubai’s culinary excellence, closely linked to the Top Table masterclasses. The event features a curated schedule of 4- and 6-hands fine dining collaborations, including a highlight 8-hands experience across some of Dubai’s top restaurants, such as:
- Krasota
- Takahisa
- Avatara
- Lowe
- Armani Ristorante
- Orfali Bros
- Armani Amal
Discovery Tours
Visitors can fast-track their Gulfood 2025 experience with unique, hour-long Discovery Tours—a lineup of five curated, sector-themed tours offering an immersive exploration of global food trends and innovations on the show floor, accompanied by expert guidance and insights at every stop.