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Gama spoke to Mark Napier, VP – Portfolio Growth Food & Hospitality, ahead of the latest edition of Gulfood.
What are your expectations for this edition of Gulfood?
Gulfood 2026 will be the largest, most transformative edition in the event’s 31-year history. With two mega venues, over 8,500 exhibitor
s, and a fully expanded ecosystem across logistics, startups, fresh and grocery trade, we expect a significant increase in trade activity, cross-border deals and market access. We anticipate record-breaking attendance, deeper engagement from global retailers and suppliers, and an unparalleled platform for sourcing, innovation and sector-wide collaboration.
Read this Tradeshow Look Ahead in the next issue of Gama News.
What new pavilions, partnerships or program features are being introduced this year?
This edition introduces four major new sectors, Gulfood Logistics, Gulfood Fresh, Gulfood Grocery Trade and Gulfood Startups, bringing the entire F&B value chain under one unified ecosystem. We also welcome India as the Official Country Partner, marking its largest-ever presence with 600+ exhibitors.
How does Gulfood aim to serve as a global platform for innovation and cross-market collaboration?
Gulfood 2026 integrates innovation at every level, through Gulfood NXT, the Future Food 500 hub, and the Gulfood World Economy Summit, which convenes global leaders who are shaping the future of food systems. By hosting every segment of the supply chain across two mega venues, Gulfood becomes a fully interconnected global marketplace, enabling buyers, manufacturers, innovators and policymakers to collaborate, scale solutions and forge new trade corridors.
In what ways are sustainability and future food systems being highlighted at this year’s event?
Sustainability is embedded across all new sectors, particularly Gulfood Logistics and Gulfood Fresh, which highlight cold-chain efficiencies, waste reduction, energy-saving technologies and fresher ethical sourcing. Across the stages, we are spotlighting AI-driven efficiencies, regenerative agriculture, climate-resilient supply chains and sustainable packaging innovations, ensuring the industry moves toward a more responsible and futureproof food ecosystem.
Are you seeing a shift in the kinds of international buyers or suppliers attending in 2026?
We’re witnessing a strong surge in high-volume retail buyers, supermarket chains, e-commerce platforms and logistics operators, reflecting the expansion into grocery trade and supply chain solutions. There is also a notable increase in tech innovators, digital supply-chain specialists, startup founders and investors, demonstrating how the industry is accelerating toward smarter, more interconnected and more resilient food systems.
About Gulfood
For the first time ever, Gulfood spans Dubai World Trade Centre and Dubai Exhibition Centre at Expo City Dubai a monumental expansion redefining food trade. Experience 100% more floor space, dual access hubs and seamless connectivity between the city’s most iconic venues.
