Gulfood Manufacturing 2026 Showcases Advanced Food Processing, Packaging and Manufacturing Technologies
Gulfood Manufacturing 2026 highlighted next-generation ingredients, laser-powered bottle production, aluminium-free packaging and high-speed processing systems on its second day, showcasing technologies designed to improve manufacturing efficiency, optimise resources and address evolving industry demands.
Running until November 5 at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), the 12th edition is being held under the theme ‘Powering Food Security Through Manufacturing Innovation’.
The exhibition comes as the UAE strengthens its national food security agenda and accelerates growth in the food and beverage (F&B) sector. The country aims to increase the sector’s contribution to GDP from AED 30 billion to AED 40 billion by 2028, supported by initiatives including the Food Innovation Accelerator, Made in UAE #WHYLOCAL, the EmpowerSME Program and the Food Investment Gateway.
Advanced Technologies Take Centre Stage
Across the exhibition floor, manufacturers are presenting solutions addressing key industry priorities, including production speed, operational efficiency, packaging sustainability, food quality and cost optimisation.
One of the highlights is Sidel’s EvoBLOW Laser, described by the company as the world's first industrialised laser-powered heating system for PET bottle blowing. The technology is designed to improve bottle consistency, reduce start-up time and enhance performance when processing recycled PET. It also enables manufacturers to produce lighter and stronger bottles.
Dan Olivier, Vice-President of Equipment Sales for the Middle East and Africa at Sidel, said regional producers are looking to reduce material consumption, increase the use of recycled PET and maintain smooth production operations.
He explained that EvoBLOW Laser provides greater control over preform heating, helping manufacturers achieve consistent bottles from the first production run while reducing the time required to get production lines running.
The exhibition also provides investors, manufacturers and industry decision-makers with access to global technology and ingredient suppliers, including Krones, SIG, GEA, Thompson Meat Machinery, Heat and Control, IFFCO Group and Symrise.
Their offerings span high-capacity processing and bottling systems, advanced packaging, energy-efficient refrigeration and next-generation ingredients. Visitors can assess technologies, meet suppliers and explore opportunities involving capital investment, operational efficiency, cost optimisation and production expansion.
Johan Sequeira, International Procurement Specialist at Aspira Global, said Gulfood Manufacturing provides an opportunity to connect with suppliers, evaluate new technologies and identify solutions for capital expenditure projects.
He added that the exhibition helps the company assess commercial terms, reconnect with existing partners, discover new suppliers and explore cost-effective ways to strengthen production capabilities.
Industry Excellence Awards Recognise Manufacturing Innovation
The 2026 Industry Excellence Awards recognised achievements across food safety, ingredients, packaging, processing, artificial intelligence, smart manufacturing and renewable energy.
Winners were announced across 11 categories:
| Award category | Winner |
|---|---|
| AI & Smart Manufacturing Innovation | Givaudan Suisse SA |
| Best Food Safety Innovation | GEA Middle East FZE |
| Best Packaging Innovation | ULMA Packaging Middle East LLC |
| Best Processing Innovation | Aasted ApS & Tanis |
| Factory of the Future Award | PROMAR PPH Sp. z o.o |
| Functional Ingredient of the Year | Protean Ingredients DMCC |
| Multisensory Experience Innovation Award | Fanar Al Khaleej Trading |
| Non-functional Ingredient of the Year | Chr Hansen Middle East & Africa FZ-LLC (Novonesis) |
| Renewable Energy | Hot Pack Packaging Industries L.L.C |
| Sustainable / Net Zero Manufacturing Initiative of the Year | Tetra Pak |
| UAE Industrial Award | SIG Combibloc fzco |
Chirag Mehrotra, Director Sustainability Customer Business Partner at Tetra Pak, said the company was honoured to receive the Sustainable/Net Zero Manufacturing Initiative of the Year award.
He said the recognition reflects the company's efforts to translate sustainability goals into measurable action, including reducing emissions and improving resource efficiency across its operations.
FoodTech Summit Connects Food Security with Investment and Industrial Growth
Alongside the exhibition, the FoodTech Summit brought together senior industry, government and retail representatives from organisations including Mondelēz International, dsm-firmenich, Hunter Foods, Perfetti Van Melle, Kerry, Austrade, Talabat, Choithrams, Sharjah Coop, ITC and Ferrero Group.
Discussions examined the commercial and strategic priorities shaping the food industry, including food security, investment, intelligent manufacturing, changing consumer preferences, private-label growth, packaging trends, ingredient innovation and supply chain reliability.
A key session, ‘Partnership in practice: Turning UAE health regulations into food innovation’, was led by Dr Nouf Al Ali, Director of the Health Promotion Department at the UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention. It explored how regulatory frameworks can support innovation in the food sector.
Other discussions focused on production costs, flavour science and the role of strategic partnerships in creating industry and social impact.
Alix de Zelicourt, General Manager of Talabat Mart, said food sovereignty and nutrition security remain important priorities for the UAE and the wider Gulf region, requiring collaboration and practical solutions.
He described Gulfood Manufacturing as a platform connecting stakeholders across farming, production, trade and consumption, helping turn ideas into action and supporting innovation and emerging businesses.
Co-located Exhibitions Expand Business Opportunities
Gulfood Manufacturing is being held alongside three co-located exhibitions covering hospitality, confectionery and snacks, and private-label products. Together, the four exhibitions provide a broader business platform for product launches, supplier engagement and commercial partnerships.
GulfHost: Brewing Gadgets Launches Champions Coffee
At GulfHost, Dubai-based specialty coffee equipment supplier Brewing Gadgets introduced Champions Coffee, an integrated coffee solution for hotels, offices, restaurants, coffee shops and event operators.
The offering includes espresso blends and single-origin coffees, supported by equipment, staff training and ongoing technical assistance.
ISM Middle East: New Chocolate and Upcycled Grain Snacks
At ISM Middle East, Italian exhibitor CRISPO S.R.L. is presenting its Liquid-Core ‘Burst’ Chocolate Pearls. The product features liquid fillings containing real espresso, botanical and spirit flavours encased in thin dark chocolate shells. It is designed for premium gifting, duty-free and hospitality applications.
Latvian exhibitor Smartfoody SIA is showcasing Ultra-Crispy Upcycled Grain Chips made from spent grains. The snacks provide more than 12 grams of plant protein per serving and combine a crunchy texture with minimal oil, targeting demand for health-conscious snack options.
Private Label Middle East: Seven Seeds Distribution Agreement
Private Label Middle East (PLME) is connecting retailers, buyers and suppliers across private-label sourcing and supply chains.
During the exhibition, Nuitree Food Industries LLC signed a distribution agreement with FMCG distributor M.H. Enterprises LLC to introduce its Seven Seeds plant-based milk to the UAE retail and HoReCa sectors.
The agreement will use M.H. Enterprises’ established distribution network to support the product's introduction into the market.
Four Exhibitions Create a Connected Food Industry Platform
Together, Gulfood Manufacturing, GulfHost, ISM Middle East and Private Label Middle East cover a wide range of business activities across food manufacturing, ingredients, packaging, hospitality, confectionery and private-label supply chains.
The combined platform gives businesses opportunities to discover technologies, connect with suppliers, explore new products and develop commercial partnerships across the wider food industry.
