Gulfood 2025 Kicks Off Today, Setting New Benchmarks in Growth & Innovation
Gulfood 2025 30th Edition Kicks Off Today, Setting New Benchmarks in F&B Growth and Innovation
H.E. Abdulla Bin Touq Al Marri, UAE Minister of Economy, to give keynote address
Global F&B CEOs, policymakers, investors, visionaries and academics unite across inaugural Food500 Summit to explore a new era of F&B leadership
Milestone instalment brings 21-Michelin star Chef Alain Ducasse, and a line-up of chefs with a combined 50 Michelin stars for a monumental culinary demonstration
DUBAI - 17 February: Gulfood's 30th edition kicks off on 17 February at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) welcoming tens of thousands of attendees, uniting 5500+ exhibitors from 129 countries, and the world's foremost industry CEOs, policymakers, investors, and visionaries. Under the theme 'The Next Frontier in Food,' the event anticipates USD 20 billion in trade deals and cutting-edge industry collaboration. H.E. Abdulla Bin Touq Al Marri, UAE Minister of Economy, will deliver the opening keynote on Day 2 at the inaugural Food500 Summit, addressing Gulfood's economic impact and the UAE's role as a global trade gateway.
Food500: Titans of Industry and Policymakers Connect on Food Strategy for Change
The Food500 Summit brings industry leaders together to tackle pressing challenges and opportunities across the food value chain. Speakers include: Ananya Narayan, CEO - Hunter Foods; Dr. Edwini Kessie, Director of the Agriculture and Commodities Division, World Trade Organization - Switzerland; Alvyn Severien, CEO, Montaigne Nutrition and Co-founder, Algama - France; Tisha Livingston, CEO, Infinite Acres - USA, leading global top trends expert - Daniel Levine, and many more.
H.E. Abdulla Bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy, said:
"The selection of the food cluster as the first economic cluster to be developed by the UAE highlights the importance the country attaches to the sector as a key driver of economic diversification. The food cluster strategy aims to ensure self-sufficiency in food production and enhance the food ecosystem management through supporting agricultural enterprises and increasing local production. The initiative will not only help us meet local market needs but will also position the UAE as a leading food exporter to key regional and global markets and support the goals of the 'We the UAE 2031' vision, such as increasing the national GDP to AED 3 trillion by the next decade."
"Against this backdrop, the landmark edition of Gulfood will serve as an ideal platform for partnerships and discussions, presenting opportunities for knowledge exchange and networking across industries, thus fostering a foundation for setting and accomplishing future objectives within the global trade community."
Gulfood Innovation Awards & Global Trade Showcase
The Gulfood Innovation Awards celebrate the very best in F&B innovation, recognizing trailblazing products, technologies, and ideas. Visitors can expect to see hundreds of thousands of new products and groundbreaking innovations showcased across the event.
Marcos Delorenzo, CEO of ADC, Tanmiah's Poultry Division, said:
"Our participation in Gulfood's 30th edition supports our strategic direction towards our vision to become the number one global halal sustainable healthy protein company by 2030. This prestigious event allows us to showcase our latest innovations, connect with industry leaders, and drive meaningful progress in food solutions. Being shortlisted for the Gulfood Innovation Awards further underscores our commitment to excellence and pioneering advancements in the protein industry. Congratulations to Gulfood on 30 years of remarkable success. Your continuous growth and innovation have set new benchmarks for the global food industry, making Gulfood a premier platform for connection, collaboration, and progress."
The Gulfood Innovation Awards shortlist can be found at: https://www.gulfood.com/innovation-awards, with the winners to be announced on day 1 of Gulfood.
TOP TABLE: 'Culinary Futurism' Theme Prevails Headlined by Gastronomic Legend Alain Ducasse
The 30th edition promises to be unforgettable as Gulfood brings Alain Ducasse to the UAE for the first time, where he will lead Top Table and Dubai World Cuisine activations. A chef with 21 Michelin stars, Ducasse is renowned for his innovative approach to gastronomy and his strong focus on sustainability-a vision that aligns with the UAE's commitment to promoting sustainable food practices. The gastronomic superstar will share his insights on culinary futurism and the future of the industry on Day 3 of Food500.
Chef Alain Ducasse commented:
"With Top Table at Gulfood, Dubai demonstrates its incredible momentum in attracting the most brilliant talents from all over the world. I'm proud to be part of this event with Chef Romain Meder. First in conducting a masterclass together at Top Table and hosting exclusive dinners at Takahisa. Yet also in meeting with my fellow chefs and the public, sharing our experiences and thus contributing to the rapidly evolving gastronomy scene in the region."
Celebrating Dubai's rise as a global food hub, Top Table, sponsored by Japan External Trade Organisation (JETRO), presents live masterclasses from 120+ global and local chefs with a combined 50 Michelin-stars. Take a front-row seat as dishes from every cuisine utilising products from the exhibition floor are brought to life across engaging masterclasses, tasting sessions, and demonstrations.
DUBAI WORLD CUISINE: Celebrating Dubai's Dynamic Culinary Journey Towards International Food Epicentre
Exclusively created for Gulfood ticket holders, attendees can experience Dubai's culinary finesse, connected to the Top Table masterclasses. A schedule of 4-and 6-hands fine dining collaborations, with a highlight 8-hands experience, has been curated across some of Dubai's top restaurants including: Krasota, Takahisa, Avatara, Lowe, Armani Ristorante, Orfali Bros and Armani Amal.
Discovery Tours
Visitors can fast-track the best of Gulfood with unique hour-long Discovery tours, a line-up of 5 curated sector-themed tours offering an immersive experience highlighting global food trends and innovations on the show floor, along with expert guidance and insights at every stop.
For more information, ticket purchases and to book your discovery tour visit: www.gulfood.com.
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Over the past eight years of the China-US trade war, our foreign trade has continued to expand, with total trade volume up from 30 trillion Chinese yuan to 43 trillion Chinese yuan, and trade partners becoming increasingly diversified. In 2024, China's imports and exports with countries within the 'Belt and Road' framework grew by 6.4 percent, and our bilateral trade with Iraq reached $54.2 billion, a record high, with the KRI making due contributions. China's foreign trade dependence on the US market continues to decline. Currently, US tariffs on Chinese goods have been raised to 245 percent. Regardless of how reckless the US acts, China will resolutely manage our own things well. We are willing to work with trade partners, including Iraq the KRI, to uphold multilateralism, continue to promote high-level opening-up, so as to have clear message that in the face of the US's unpredictable barrage of trade tariff and subsequent actions, China will, with strong certainty, always be a reliable partner in the world. Liu Jun is the Consul General of the People's Republic of China in Erbil. The views expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rudaw.
