France showcases food innovation at Gulfood 2026 with 110 leading brands

Food & FMCG

France showcases food innovation at Gulfood 2026 with 110 leading brands

France is set to make its strongest-ever appearance at Gulfood 2026, showcasing 110 leading food and beverage brands across dual venues as part of the exhibition’s expanded format. Organised by Business France, the public agency supporting the international development of the French economy, the participation highlights France’s growing agri-food footprint in the Middle East and its focus on quality, sustainability and market-ready innovation.

Aligned with Gulfood 2026’s split between Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) and Dubai Expo City, France will present four Taste France Pavilions spanning both locations. The expanded presence reflects France’s ambition to position itself as a key partner for regional buyers seeking premium, traceable and trend-driven food solutions.

At Dubai Expo City’s World Food zone (Booth 8-80), 67 French companies will exhibit, while 43 companies will showcase their offerings at DWTC across three categories: dairy in Sheikh Rashid Hall (Booth R-H47), meat, poultry and seafood in Sheikh Saeed Halls (Hall 3), and beverages in Za’abeel Hall 5 (Booth Z5-J21).

The French Pavilions will spotlight four high-potential categories — non-alcoholic beverages, meat, poultry and seafood, dairy products, and World Food specialties. This year’s edition introduces several first-time exhibitors and exclusive product launches, underlining France’s ability to anticipate evolving global consumption trends.

Visitors can expect innovations ranging from portion-controlled and on-the-go formats to health-focused products and gourmet offerings that balance indulgence with functionality. Among the brands making their Gulfood debut are Idalia, Bitecone, Biscuiterie de la Chapelle (Florentins), Hafner, Cerealia, Soleil Créole, Sainte Lucie, Société Astruc, Cookie Creations, Sias Alsace, Mix Buffet, Timeshaker, Distillerie Combier, Soofty Drink, Porketto and Gourmet de Paris.

Beyond product showcases, France’s participation is positioned as a strategic sourcing platform, offering solutions such as organic dairy produced under ethical farming standards, halal-certified beverages, and artisan meat products that combine heritage with modern innovation.

“Gulfood 2026 is a pivotal platform to reaffirm France’s excellence in agri-food,” said Axel Baroux, Managing Director of Business France Near and Middle East. “With our largest-ever footprint across two venues, we are proud to present 110 brands that reflect France’s strength in quality, innovation and sustainability. This gives regional buyers direct access to products with strong market relevance and competitive advantage.”

France’s showcase comes as the UAE, which imports around 85 per cent of its food, continues to see rising demand for ready-to-eat solutions, functional and gourmet foods, organic and plant-based products, and e-commerce-friendly formats. French companies are increasingly tailoring their offerings to GCC consumer preferences, including portion-controlled meals, health-conscious snacks and practical culinary solutions.

The French Pavilion will also offer an immersive culinary programme featuring live cooking demonstrations, interactive tastings, and coffee and tea rituals. Sessions will include French-Emirati fusion concepts, premium beverage pairings and replicable recipes designed for foodservice and retail professionals.

In parallel, Business France will promote its digital Marketplace platform, which connects global buyers with more than 2,800 vetted French suppliers and over 28,000 premium products. According to Business France, nearly 350 regional buyers have already joined the platform, supporting streamlined sourcing and long-term partnerships.