Dubai: The 11th edition of Gulfood Manufacturing, the world’s leading food and beverage manufacturing exhibition, has kicked off and is running until 6 November at the Dubai World Trade Centre.
The exhibition was inaugurated by His Highness Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of the UAE National Olympic Committee (UAENOC). The event unites an unprecedented number of international food producers, innovators, technology leaders, and experts to explore the future of food manufacturing and sustainability.
His Highness stated that Gulfood Manufacturing 2025 is a pivotal global platform to accelerate the smart, sustainable transformation of the food industry. This year’s record international participation underscores global trust in Dubai and the UAE’s capability to lead food innovation and build resilient, future-ready supply chains.
Sheikh Mansoor commended the innovative and environmentally friendly solutions showcased by leading companies and participating nations, including smart manufacturing systems and sustainable technologies. HH added that the event embodies a spirit of collaboration and innovation, serving as a strategic platform for shaping a more secure, inclusive, and sustainable global food future.
The 2025 edition highlights advanced technologies and billion-dollar investment opportunities as the Middle East strengthens its role as a global powerhouse in AI-driven food production, through the adoption of Fourth Industrial Revolution systems.
The event aligns with the UAE’s national objective to increase local food production by 30 percent by 2030, supporting the country’s long-term food security and sustainability strategies.
During his official tour, His Highness visited several leading companies and country pavilions:
- At Symrise (Germany), Sheikh Mansoor was briefed on innovations in flavours and sustainable food ingredients.
- At Chocolake (Jordan), he reviewed environmentally friendly production and supply chain solutions.
- At Givaudan (Switzerland), he learned about AI-powered flavour and fragrance technologies.
- At Middleby (USA), he examined advanced food processing systems, enhancing efficiency and safety.
- At IMCD (Netherlands), he explored specialised ingredient distribution, driving food sector innovation.
- At Tetra Pak (Switzerland), he viewed sustainable and recyclable packaging technologies that help reduce carbon footprint.
Sheikh Mansoor also toured the country pavilions of France, focusing on organic products and advanced manufacturing technologies; Germany, featuring precision food technology and digital systems; and Italy, highlighting sustainable practices and modern reinterpretations of traditional foods.
FoodTech Summit
A major feature of this year’s event is the FoodTech Summit, which gathers global leaders and industry experts from Mars, Titan Capital, Unilever, and Hive Capital. The summit addresses the future of the food industry, exploring the intersection of innovation, investment, and policy and its impact on the food manufacturing landscape over the next decade.
The exhibition takes place as the global food processing market is projected to grow substantially, reaching $318.29 billion by 2034. The expansion is being driven by artificial intelligence, which is revolutionising automation, machine learning, and efficiency across all stages of food production.
Overall, Gulfood Manufacturing 2025 underscores Dubai’s position as a global hub for food innovation and sustainable industry transformation, reaffirming the UAE’s leadership in shaping the future of food security and technology-driven production.
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