In Pictures: Gulfood 2022 opens in Dubai and much has changed for UAE food industry

Between the latest Gulfood and the previous one, much has changed in the UAE’s food space. As attested by Dubai hosting the world’s biggest vertical farm (up at Dubai South), more parts of the country are coming under cultivation, whether horizontal or vertical. Above are the visitors at the Exberry stand at Gulfood Manufacturing at Dubai World Trade Centre and the exhibition halls in Dubai.

Visitors at Unifiller Linxis group stand at Gulfood Manufacturing.

Investments are flowing into the space, chasing agri-tech ventures and startups that use hydroponic technology to speed up the growing of things that can be consumed – and even exported – from here. The notion that UAE remains solely a food importing nation is changing gradually. Those sizeeable funding that the sector is receiving makes sure of that. Above, visitors at IIFCO stand.

The food industry in the UAE continues to have its moment in the sun (and some rains would be quite welcome too). It’s in this fertile envieonment that Gulfood 2022 has opened, with more than 1,500 exhibtors buzzing through the halls at Dubai World Trade Centre.

It’s been a seesaw sort of year for the food trade, with worries about crops and supply chains on one side and the far-reaching fallout from the Russia-Ukraine conflict on the other. Prices had soared on just about every food essential since March, and its collective impact was only reduced because the UAE Ministry of Economy kept daily/weekly tabs on more than 300 consumer items, consumables and those that aren’t.

Retailers helped where they could, keeping prices in check. But it’s not been easy, for businesses across the entire food value chain.

“We haven't increased our prices as we know the consumer is already burdened with rising inflation,” said Rayyan Rizvi, Managing Partner at Yoko Sizzler. “We are banking on prices coming down further by atleast another 6-10% to make it sustainable.” Will Rizvi and others get their wish?

Food industry sources talk about favourable changes in shipping costs, from the peaks of 2020-21. That comes as one big break for retailers, consumers and F&B businesses.

Will consumers in the UAE and Gulf feel the benefits immediately? The market is yet to see a consensus to that, with many expecting a further weeks to pass before the actual benefits are sighted. “Food prices have come down, but still not really significant enough, certainly not pre-pandemic level,” said Rizvi. “Overall, the cost of raw materials still remain pretty high, mainly due to the conflict in Europe and oil prices.”

Mid-November onwards, food and F&B businesses will have a different sort of adrenaline rush, and something that should rub off well on their top- and bottom-line. Because Dubai and the UAE will be hosting its own share of Doha bound football fans. What could be the size of that inflow? A million plus? Whatever it is, these businesses are ready for some action.

And look to that demand spike to get their mind off any lingering worries about their material costs, etc.

A lot will certainly change in another few days…

Gulfood Manufacturing is the largest and most influential trade show for the food manufacturing sector.