Expo city dubai: As the Middle East region increases investments in food security, supply resilience, and sustainable sourcing, Gulfood 2026 announces Gulfood Fresh at Dubai Exhibition Centre (DEC) at Expo City Dubai from 26th-30th January 2026, a dedicated fresh produce platform showcasing fruits, vegetables, and perishable supply chains shaping the region's food future.
According to Emirates News Agency, the Middle East region's fresh produce market is experiencing rapid growth, driven by population expansion, urbanization, and rising demand for year-round access to high-quality fresh foods. GCC countries import over 85 percent of their food requirements, making fresh produce a strategic pillar of regional trade and national food security. With a high percentage of Gulfood 2026 visitors hailing from emerging markets, Gulfood Fresh helps meet this surging demand by opening avenues for trade of fresh produce on a global scale.
The global fresh produce market is projected to exceed US$1 trillion by 2030, with the Middle East and Africa being the fastest-growing consumption regions, driven by rising health awareness, premiumisation, and expanding retail and foodservice channels. Government and institutional stakeholders play a central role at Gulfood Fresh, with the participation of DP World, FRESH DEL MONTE, Fresh Fruit Company, and NRTC, highlighting the alignment between trade infrastructure, regulation, and long-term food security strategy.
Leading international producers and regional champions are among the confirmed exhibitors, including Armela Farms, FRESH DEL MONTE, Fresh Fruits Company, Fun Fruit, Maison du Melon, NRTC, Silal, and UniFrutti. This reflects the growing diversity, scale, and sophistication of the fresh produce sector serving Middle Eastern markets.
