Business

Gulfood Manufacturing 2025 has concluded with its largest and most transformative edition to date, underscoring the UAE’s rising influence as a global hub for food and beverage manufacturing, industrial innovation and cross-border trade. Held in Dubai, the event recorded double-digit growth over 2024 and welcomed more than 2,500 exhibitors from 79 countries across 21 halls — the biggest footprint in its history.

The expansion comes as Dubai continues its rapid ascent as a world-leading destination for industrial investment. Ranked as the top global hub for Greenfield FDI and positioned at the centre of the world’s fastest-growing AI adoption markets, the emirate is cementing its status as a powerhouse for advanced manufacturing. With the global food processing industry expected to reach USD 318.29 billion by 2034, Gulfood Manufacturing is increasingly serving as a critical platform for innovation and industry-wide collaboration.

Record scale and global participation

This year’s edition witnessed the broadest international representation ever, with first-time participation from Japan, Korea and Russia alongside returning exhibitors from Europe, the Americas, Africa and the GCC. Companies including ADM, Bühler, Ingredion, KHS, Tetra Pak and Symrise showcased cutting-edge technologies, many of which were sold directly from the show floor.

Ryo Takeshita of Japan’s ASTRA Inc. said the response exceeded expectations, noting strong visitor engagement and on-site sales. Givaudan used the event to introduce Myromi, an AI-enabled handheld aroma device aimed at transforming product development and sensory refinement.

Major deals and strategic partnerships

The 2025 edition served as a launchpad for landmark business deals. SIG announced the sale of nine filling lines, while Zakka Multitech revealed its acquisition of Al Thika Packaging — a move expected to boost regional automation capacity.

Leading companies also announced collaborations and global product launches, including:

• Tetra Pak’s global unveiling of Tetra Pak® Factory OS™

• Adroit Engineering Services’ partnership with Hitachi

• Novonesis’ collaboration with world-renowned restaurant Noma

• New machinery agreements by regional manufacturers such as Alalamiah Machines

Multiple exhibitors reported achieving more qualified leads on Day 1 than anticipated across the entire three-day event.

Investors and industry leaders underline strong market confidence

Gulfood Manufacturing 2025 drew high-level investors who highlighted the shift towards advanced local manufacturing and Industry 4.0-enabled production.

Titan Capital’s Manik Pasricha noted that manufacturing is now at the core of regional transformation, while Venturewave Capital’s Alan Foy emphasised the Middle East’s emergence as a global centre for food security and food-tech innovation.

FoodTech Summit reveals the future of manufacturing

Global experts gathered at the FoodTech Summit to explore breakthroughs in food engineering, AI-driven manufacturing, sustainability-linked financing and metaverse-powered smart factories.
Dr. Mike Cheetham of Hotpack Global highlighted the industry’s move toward a diversified mix of sustainable packaging solutions spanning paper, plant-based materials and next-generation polymers.

Looking ahead

The next edition of Gulfood Manufacturing is scheduled to take place from 3–5 November 2026 at Dubai World Trade Centre, with organisers aiming to build on the event’s reputation as the leading global gateway for manufacturing scale, investment acceleration and cross-border innovation in the F&B sector.

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