Gulfood Manufacturing 2026 to Bring Together Food Producers and Technology Providers in Dubai
The exhibition is being held against the backdrop of the UAE’s plans to expand its domestic food industry. By 2028, the country aims to increase the food and beverage sector’s contribution to GDP from AED 30 billion to AED 40 billion and expand food trade from AED 25 billion to AED 40 billion.
The sector is expected to create around 20,000 jobs. Another objective is to replace AED 2 billion worth of food imports annually through local production. Plans also include supporting nearly 200 food factories and increasing domestic production capacity by 15–30%.
Gulfood Manufacturing 2026 will be held under the theme “Powering Food Security Through Manufacturing Innovation.” The exhibition programme will cover the entire production chain, including ingredients, food processing and packaging, automation, quality control, logistics, and supply chain management.
The exhibition will feature robotics and digital manufacturing technologies, artificial intelligence solutions, traceability systems, cold-chain equipment, and forecasting tools. According to the organisers, these technologies help companies improve productivity, reduce waste, and manufacture products closer to their target markets.
The announced equipment and technology suppliers include GEA, Heat and Control, Husky, Ishida, KHS, Krones, Middleby, Multivac, SIG Combibloc, Sidel, Tetra Pak, and TNA. The ingredients segment will feature ADM International, Bunge, Cargill, Chocolake, Döhler, DSM, Givaudan, IFF, IFFCO, MANE, and Symrise. Companies presenting supply-chain solutions will include ACME, Addverb, Delta Systems, and Kanoo Machinery.
Mark Napier, Vice President of Gulfood Manufacturing, noted that expanding food manufacturing capacity is essential to achieving the UAE’s food security and economic objectives. According to him, a larger and more agile manufacturing base will enable the country to increase local production, attract investment, accelerate technology adoption, and strengthen supply chains.
“As a global trade and manufacturing hub, Dubai is uniquely positioned to connect regional manufacturers with international investors, technology providers, and supply-chain partners,” Mark Napier said.
Vijay Injeti, Head of Sales and Business Development for Asia Pacific, the Middle East, and Africa at Intralox, said that manufacturers in the region are seeking ways to increase production volumes without compromising safety or consistent quality. He identified automation, hygienic equipment design, and predictive maintenance as some of the most sought-after solutions.
Yannick Lefevre, Sales Manager for the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America at FAM STUMABO, highlighted the rapid development of the food industry in the Gulf states and India. According to him, companies need more precise processing technologies that can improve yields, reduce waste, and expand production capacity.
Khaled Abo El-Nasr, General Manager of Döhler MENA, emphasised that food security depends on reliable supplies. The company intends to use the exhibition to discuss solutions with manufacturers and technology partners that can mitigate the impact of supply-chain disruptions.
Three other industry exhibitions will be held alongside Gulfood Manufacturing. ISM Middle East will focus on confectionery and snacks. Private Label Middle East will bring together retailers, brand owners, and contract manufacturers working with private-label products. GulfHost will showcase equipment and technologies for restaurants, commercial kitchens, and foodservice businesses.
The organisers expect the four events to create an integrated platform covering the product journey from ingredients and industrial processing to packaging, retail, and the HoReCa sector.
Admission to Gulfood Manufacturing 2026 is free for trade professionals, but advance registration is required.
