Gulfood 2026, taking place from 26 to 30 January, marks the 31st edition of an event that is set to be one of the largest to date. With over 8,500 exhibitors, more than 1.5 million products and 12 strategic sectors, the show brings together producers, suppliers, retailers, distributors, innovators and policymakers from 195 countries. For the first time, the exhibition will span two venues, the Dubai World Trade Centre and the Dubai Exhibition Centre, providing a clearer layout of content and a more organized visitor experience.
The expansion reflects the need to showcase a sector that, in recent years, has undergone significant changes in supply chains, trade regulations and safety standards. Value chains have become more complex, markets more interconnected, and managing trade today requires a broader and more integrated perspective.
In this context, the enlarged exhibition area allows visitors to explore a wider range of categories, products and solutions. The arrival of new exhibitors and a more structured distribution of spaces offer a more comprehensive view of the directions shaping the global food industry.
Italian Food News is an official media partner of Gulfood 2026 and will follow the event by providing useful information and insights into business opportunities for companies at both national and international level. 
The new thematic areas of Gulfood 2026
The 2026 edition introduces four new sectors - Fresh Produce, Startups, Logistics and Grocery Trade - offering a more detailed look at the various functions within the food supply chain. Integrating these areas expands the scope of activities featured at the exhibition and provides a clearer understanding of the connections between production, distribution and related services.
Among them, Grocery Trade serves as the meeting point dedicated to fast moving consumer goods: essential items, pantry goods and high-rotation categories. This space brings together importers, exporters, wholesalers and distributors, creating an ideal setting for sourcing, direct discussions and building commercial networks.
These new areas complement the established sectors, offering a more accurate picture of the activities that shape the food supply chain from production to distribution.
Conferences and networking opportunities
Alongside the expanded exhibition area, Gulfood 2026 will feature a full program of talks and networking sessions exploring the changes underway in the Food & Beverage industry. The agenda includes conferences and business-focused gatherings designed for the diverse professional profiles attending the show, from startups to senior executives.
Expo City Dubai will host the Gulfood World Economy Summit, which will bring together public and private sector leaders to explore strategic insights and global collaborations shaping the future of the food industry. At the Dubai World Trade Centre, the Al Multaqua Hall will host Future Food 500, three days of deep dives into innovation processes and the impact of new technologies on production and distribution systems.
Two additional areas will be featured at the Trade Center Pavilion:
- Gulfood NXT Stage, where the most promising startups will showcase their innovations to investors and strategic partners
- Startup Investor Lounge, a dedicated space designed to encourage meetings between venture capitalists and companies seeking new collaborations.
These initiatives complement the exhibition and allow visitors to explore the themes influencing supply chain organization, corporate strategies and technological development on a global scale.
Information, program and updates
Gulfood 2026 will take place from 26 to 30 January at the Dubai World Trade Centre and the Dubai Exhibition Centre. For the complete event program and further details on how to participate, visit the official website and the exhibition's social media channels.
Visit the Gulfood 2026 website
