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Gulfood 2023 – The Largest Food & Beverages Event

Gulfood 2023 – Event Overview and AIREA Participation Report

Overview of Gulfood 2023

The 28th edition of the Gulfood Exhibition (Gulfood 2023) was held at the Dubai World Trade Centre from 20–24 February 2023, spanning an expansive 100,000 square feet. Gulfood has firmly established itself as the world’s leading global platform for the Food & Beverage (F&B) industry, showcasing products across categories such as Pulses, Grains & Cereals, Beverages, Dairy, Meat & Poultry, Health & Wellness, and Fats & Oils.

With 63% overseas participation, the event hosted over 5,000 exhibitors from 125 countries and attracted more than 1.4 million visitors from 191 countries, reaffirming its status as the most influential global F&B sourcing event.

Inauguration of Gulfood 2023

The 2023 edition marked a significant milestone, being 30% larger than previous editions, with 1,500+ exhibitors participating for the first time. The scale was further enhanced by the launch of Gulfood Plus, a dedicated new hall offering 10,000 sq. meters of additional exhibition space, exclusively for first-time exhibitors showcasing innovative products.

Prominent global brands such as Unilever, GMG, Americana, Agthia, Fonterra, McCain, Monin, USAPEEC, Hunter Foods, Minerva Foods, U.S. Dairy Export Council, Frinsa Group, Emirates Snacks Foods, Al Rabie, and others participated. New entrants included BRF Global and the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA).

The exhibition also featured 125 country pavilions, including first-time participants such as Armenia, Cambodia, and Iraq, alongside returning pavilions from South Africa and Australia.

Inauguration Ceremony

The event was inaugurated by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. He was accompanied by Her Excellency Mariam Al Mheiri, UAE Minister of Climate Change and Environment, who delivered the keynote address at the Inspire Conference.

Against the backdrop of global inflation, rising food costs, and sustainability challenges, the conference emphasized the food industry’s role in creating resilient, sustainable food systems, especially with the UAE preparing to host COP28 later in 2023.

India Pavilion at Gulfood 2023

The India Pavilion was inaugurated by Shri Pashupati Kumar Paras, Hon’ble Union Minister of Food Processing Industries, along with H.E. Shri Sunjay Sudhir, Ambassador of India to the UAE. Other dignitaries included Dr. M. Angamuthu (Chairman, APEDA), senior officials from the Ministry of Food Processing Industries, Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare, APEDA officials, Indian Embassy representatives, and exporters.

The pavilion showcased Startups, Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), and exporters, particularly from millet-producing states. A dedicated Millet Gallery highlighted value-added millet products including flour, noodles, pasta, flakes, pancakes, breakfast cereal mixes, biscuits, cookies, snacks, sweets, and ready-to-cook mixes such as dosa, idli, khichdi, and daliya.

Around 100 Indian exporter delegations participated under the India Pavilion.

Key MoU

APEDA signed an MoU with the Government of UAE, through its nodal agency Al Dhara Holding SP LLC, for procurement and marketing of Indian food and agricultural products in the UAE.

AIREA Participation at Gulfood 2023

AIREA secured a 24 sq. meter stall through COMNET, which also handled stall design. The stall featured:

  • A meeting chamber

  • Reception counter

  • Product display shelves

  • Storage area

  • Dedicated Biryani Taste Sampling Counter

Participation was coordinated by Mr. Vinod Kumaar Kaul (Senior Executive Director), Ms. Neelam Sharma, and Ms. Priyanka Marwah.

Pre-Departure & Support Activities

  • 25 pre-fixed business meetings arranged with prospective entities

  • Tie-up with Lotus Restaurant, Dubai for continuous biryani sampling

  • Brainstorming meeting organized at Taj Dubai Hotel on 21 February 2023

At the AIREA stall, discussions were held with pre-scheduled appointees on topics such as laboratory services, logistics, and freight forwarding.

Biryani Taste Sampling Initiative

AIREA conducted daily Basmati Biryani taste sampling (Chicken & Vegetarian) throughout the event.

Participating Members

  1. Shree Jagdamba Agrico Exports

  2. Bharat Industrial Enterprises Pvt. Ltd.

  3. Dunar Foods

  4. Suppletek Industries Pvt. Ltd.

  5. H.R. Exports

  6. Bhagwati Lacto Vegetarian Foods

  7. Aroma Agrotech

  8. Sunfoods Ltd.

Each day included two sessions (forenoon and afternoon), sampling:

  • 30 kg Chicken Biryani

  • 15 kg Vegetarian Biryani

An estimated 2,000–2,500 visitors per day tasted the biryani, unanimously appreciating the fragrance, quality, and unique taste of Indian Basmati rice.

Other Key Activities

  • 20 February 2023: Networking dinner hosted by the Consulate General of India, Dubai, attended by Mr. Vinod Kaul and chaired by the Hon’ble Minister of Food Processing Industries at Hotel Taj Business Bay. Discussions focused on infrastructure development, export growth, and World Food India 2023.

  • 21 February 2023: AIREA conducted a brainstorming session at Taj Dubai, focusing on strategies to strengthen the global positioning of Indian Basmati rice.

During the exhibition, the AIREA team engaged extensively with visitors seeking information on membership and advertising opportunities. Approximately:

  • 45 enquiries for AIREA membership

  • 30+ advertising enquiries for Rice India
    were received, along with several trade enquiries for circulation among members.

Conclusion

Gulfood 2023 proved to be larger, more impactful, and more globally representative than previous editions. The strong demand for Indian Basmati rice from buyers worldwide reinforces its premium global status and presents significant growth opportunities for the Indian rice industry.