DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, Jan 29 — On the third day of Gulfood 2026, January 28, the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC) and the UAE Food Cluster signed a memorandum of understanding to increase cooperation in the food and agriculture sectors.
Saleh Lootah, chairman of the UAE Food Cluster, said the agreement supports the UAE’s position in global food supply chains. The UAE Food Cluster presented Gulfood with an award for its role in connecting food industry participants locally and internationally.
Organizers announced Gulfood360 Africa/Kenya, a new edition scheduled for Nairobi, May 4–6, 2027.
The Big Deal Hub area facilitated pre-arranged meetings between buyers and suppliers. Gil Ben Moshe, CEO of Nature Shield Trading FZCO, which supplies individually quick-frozen fruits to the United States and Europe, said the format increased the productivity of his company’s participation.
Singapore returned to Gulfood after a 10-year absence. Elisha Tham, group business development director at Yeo Hiap Seng International Pte Ltd, said the company participated as part of the Singapore pavilion at the Dubai Exhibition Centre in Expo City.
Francisco Alderete Castro, executive director of Grutacar S.A. in Uruguay, said the organization and support for exhibitors allowed his company to participate without issues.
Fresh Del Monte, which has attended Gulfood for 19 years, introduced two new product ranges during the event. Racha El Aawar, regional marketing director for MENA at Fresh Del Monte, said the company uses the platform to meet partners and display products.
Al Ghurair Foods launched a new food ingredients brand called PURL and announced a $20 million investment in a meat coating systems plant in the UAE.
Heather Mills launched a range of meals called No Bloat at the show. NRTC Group presented its agri-food operations. Aquinex, together with Blue Waters and OSARA, displayed shrimp, seabream, and oysters produced in Oman using flip-farm technology from New Zealand.
The Gulfood Innovation Awards named winners in 11 categories:
- Best Baked Product: Heidi Chef Solutions LLC
- Best Beverage Product: Geloso Beverage Group
- Best Dairy Product: L&L PLAQUETTE
- Best Frozen or Chilled Product: Holzmann Onion Ready-to-use
- Best Health & Wellness Product: Cruz Group
- Best Meat or Poultry Product: Casa Alhambra
- Best Packaging Design: Basilur Tea Export (Pvt) Ltd
- Best Ready-to-Eat Product: Cng Cengiz Tedarik Dis Ticaret A.S
- Best Sauce, Condiment or Preserve: SUNNANO BIOTECH INC
- Best Savory Snacks Product: A.N.J. distribution
- Best Logistics Solution Award: Tanmiah Food Company
Gulfood 2026 continues through January 30 at Dubai World Trade Centre and Dubai Exhibition Centre at Expo City.
