Mohammed bin Rashid tours Gulfood 2023

His Highness: The UAE places the highest priority on creating strong and resilient food supply chains and ecosystems

28th edition of mega event is 30% larger than previous years; 1,500 of its over 5,000 exhibitors are first-time participants in the trade show

 His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, toured Gulfood 2023, the largest annual global food and beverage sourcing event in the world, which commenced at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) today.

Bringing together F&B communities from across the world to chart the way forward for this rapidly evolving sector, the 28th edition of the mega event is 30% larger than previous years, with 1,500 of its over 5,000 exhibitors new to the trade show. The event is being held from 20 - 24 February.

Speaking on the occasion, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, said: “Aligned with our vision to be a leading player in shaping the future of vital sectors that drive global prosperity and growth, the UAE continues to bring together nations, markets and industries to discuss vital issues that impact the sustainability of economies and societies. The UAE is committed to providing an exceptional standard of living for all people living in the country, as part of which we place the highest priority on ensuring food security and creating strong and resilient food supply chains and ecosystems. Furthermore, we seek to foster the sharing of knowledge and advance the adoption of new technologies and solutions that promote equitable access to food resources and the sustainable production, distribution and consumption of food worldwide.”

HH Sheikh Mohammed was accompanied at the event by His Highness Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum; Her Excellency Mariam bint Mohammed Saeed Hareb Almheiri, UAE Minister of Climate Change and Environment; His Excellency Helal Al Marri, Director General of the Dubai World Trade Centre Authority (DWTCA); and His Excellency Dawoud Al Hajri, Director General of Dubai Municipality.

Leading global brands exhibiting at Gulfood 2023 include Unilever, GMG, Americana, Agthia, Fonterra, McCain, Monin, USAPEEC, Hunter Foods, ASMAK, Minerva Foods, U.S. Dairy Export Council, Frinsa Group, Emirates Snacks Foods and Al Rabie to name a few; as well as newcomers including Brazilian food processing company BRF Global and Agricultural, and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA).

Gulfood 2023’s record expansion is in part due to the introduction of Gulfood Plus, a brand-new bespoke hall, where first-time exhibitors are showcasing product innovations across 10,000 sq. m of added floorspace.

Gulfood seeks to provide a forum for industry conversations on vital issues as well as a platform for showcasing new products and innovation, and discovering business opportunities. The mega event features 125 country pavilions. First-time participants in the trade show include Armenia, Cambodia and Iraq.

Gulfood 2023 will put the spotlight on the role of the food industry in creating healthier, more resilient food systems and helping reverse global inflation. With the UAE preparing to host COP28 later this year, Gulfood brings together the global F&B industry to discuss how it can work to accelerate the shift towards more sustainable food production and consumption.

Gulfood offers a platform for companies in the food industry to present their products, services, and solutions to influential buyers from across the world, facilitating international business deals and serving as a global focal point for food and beverage sourcing.