GULFOOD EXPO - Dubai - World’s largest food exhibition
08.09.2023
Getting Ready for Gulfood 2024: The Insider's Guide
Dubai, the dazzling jewel of the Middle East, is renowned for its glitzy skyline, lavish lifestyle, and cosmopolitan charm. But this glamorous city also has an exquisite culinary scene. Every year, Dubai hosts one of the most prestigious food shows globally, the Gulfood Exhibition, setting the stage for gastronomy and culinary innovations. The Gulfood fair in the UAE is certainly one of the Asian scenes where the world of food converges. If you are still not familiar with the event, you are likely to find the answers you need in the FAQ section below.
Feast Your Senses at Gulfood 2024: Dates and Details
When will Gulfood 2024 take place? How long does Gulfood last?
The confirmed Gulfood 2024 dates are February 19–23,: 5 days of premieres, global partnership discussions, and business deals.
Where is the location of Gulfood 2024?
The organisers of the largest food & beverage sourcing event will host it again at the Dubai World Trade Centre.
What is the cost of a booth at Gulfood 2024?
There is a non-refundable deposit of $2,000 –which will be applied to the booth purchase total. The 9sqm Aisle booth costs $15,500, and a 15 sqm Corner booth - $26,500. Of course, in order to get more information on the price tags, you’d better read the Terms and Conditions section at the expo’s official website or directly contact the organisers. Keep in mind that the registration process should be completed online.
What can you expect to experience at the exhibition?
Gulfood 2024 is anticipated to once again unite participants with renowned chefs, culinary aficionados, and influential figures from the food and hospitality realms, much like the remarkable experience offered by Gulfood Exhibition 2023.
How many exhibitors will participate in Gulfood?
About 5,000 participants from over 120 countries are expected to join the upcoming edition of the expo.
What’s New About the 2024 Edition of Gulfood Dubai: Your Ultimate Guide
In preparation for the much-anticipated Gulfood 2024, the organisers of this international food fair are implementing significant profile adjustments that have been in effect since June 2023, when the rebooking process officially began. Certain product categories were discontinued from the Gulfood portfolio. These categories encompassed a wide range of confectionery items, including sweets, bonbons, candies, caramels, drops, chewing gums, gums and jellies, marshmallows, nougat, pralines, toffee, and truffles, as well as cocoa, chocolate, and related products. Since the demand from exhibitors producing and distributing FMCG products has significantly risen over the last few years and the current exhibition halls and fair venue in general can no longer fit all of the businesses that would like to participate, Gulfood has been driven to shift in focus and “delegate” this food niche to the ISM Middle East exhibition, which has already established a reputation as being one of the top fairs for snacks and confectionery.
ISM Middle East has firmly established itself over the past decade as the premier platform for confectionery exhibits, serving as the sole trade fair dedicated to the confectionery and snack industry in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. This strategic realignment ensures that the event serves its unique niche, providing even greater opportunities for businesses to thrive in their respective sectors.
ISM Middle East has firmly established itself over the past decade as the premier platform for confectionery exhibits, serving as the sole trade fair dedicated to the confectionery and snack industry in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. This strategic realignment ensures that the event serves its unique niche, providing even greater opportunities for businesses to thrive in their respective sectors.
ISM Middle East: The Sweet Hub of Imported Snacks in MENA
Here are 4 notable international confectionery exhibitors joining ISM Middle East at the Dubai World Trade Centre:
- Ferrero. Ferrero Group stands as a distinguished multinational enterprise, specialising in the art of crafting branded chocolate and confectionery treasures. Ferrero proudly claims its position as the world's second-largest producer of chocolate and confectionery delights. The company, known for its diverse confectionery lines under different brand names, has also been the proud creator of the iconic chocolate-hazelnut spread Nutella since 1964. Notably, Ferrero's operations consume a substantial one-quarter share of the world's annual hazelnut supply and are committed to providing transparency across its cocoa supply chain. As a multinational confectionery manufacturer, Ferrero is dedicated to sustainable cocoa sourcing. In the 2022\2023 crop season, Ferrero successfully sourced approximately 85% of its cocoa volume from supported farmer groups, emphasising its commitment to cocoa sustainability and its dedication towards contributing to a more responsible and ethical cocoa industry.
- Lindt. With a legacy spanning over 150 years, Lindt, the Swiss chocolatier, is renowned for its dark chocolate and Lindor truffles. Chocoladefabriken Lindt & Sprüngli’s presence at ISM Middle East is well-deserved, considering its impressive market capitalization of nearly $28 billion as of September 2023, ranking it as the 647th most valuable global business.
- Mars. The American multinational confectionery manufacturer Mars achieved annual sales in 2022 that ranked it as the fourth-largest privately held company in the United States. Here is a short list of some of the irresistible candy brands that will be represented at the upcoming fair: Snickers, Twix, Mars, Bounty, Skittles, M&M’s, Milky Way, Celebrations, Maltesers, as well as Wrigley’s Spearmint, Hubba Bubba, Airwaves, and Orbit sugar-free chewing gums.
- Lavazza. Whether it's beans, ground coffee, capsules, or pods; be it Modo Mio or Qualita Oro, Lavazza provides a diverse range of options. Whichever Lavazza product distributors or retailers choose, they can count on a positive impact on their business. Offering such a popular international brand, renowned for delivering the authentic Italian coffee experience worldwide, is a strategic choice for many businesses in Dubai and the MENA region. That's why Lavazza's complete selection of exceptional blends can easily be found at both the Gulfood expo and the ISM Middle East food exhibition.
So, mark your calendars for ISM Middle East and Gulfood 2024—exciting events where enthusiasts working in the F&B field unite for an unforgettable experience!