Spotlight on trends shaping the future of food

As the world becomes increasingly interconnected and people seek to connect through food, the food and beverage industry is quickly adapting to meet changing consumer demands. Events like Gulfood showcase how nations are innovating to address key global concerns such as health, sustainability, and food security. Understanding these international trends is essential for both retailers and consumers. Retailers can adjust their offerings to align with new preferences, while consumers can make informed food choices that prioritise sustainability and wellness.

GN Focus presents a selection of participating nations at Gulfood, highlighting their innovative contributions to the food and beverage sector and their impact on the UAE’s thriving food sector.

A total of 370 Indian companies are participating in Gulfood 2025, with 122 companies alongside associations and 248 independent businesses.

India spotlights its role in the global food industry with a focus on sustainability, tech-driven supply chains, and a diverse range of products.

“India’s growing role in the global food industry will be highlighted by its strengthened global trade ties,” says Satish Kumar Sivan, Consul General of India to Dubai and the Northern Emirates.

The largest segment features India’s leadership in pulses, cereals, and grains, showcasing the country’s ability to meet the increasing global demand for nutritious and sustainable food.

The demand for Indian products in the Gulf region is expanding, fuelled by a large Indian community and strong trade relationships.

“Food items like spices, rice, and ready-to-eat meals are popular, along with Ayurvedic products and FMCG brands. Trade agreements like the India-UAE CEPA have further boosted trade opportunities.

In 2023, Indian exports to the UAE reached $1.61 billion in processed food and agri-based products, highlighting the UAE’s increasing demand for Indian goods.

“With favourable trade policies and increasing brand presence, the Gulf market offers great opportunities for Indian businesses,” says Sivan.

Italy continues to lead the global food market by blending deep-rooted culinary traditions with modern innovation.

“By combining innovation and tradition, Italian food producers continue producing high-quality products that are sustainable, health-oriented, and have global appeal,” says Valerio Soldani, Trade Commissioner of Italy to the UAE.

At Gulfood, the Italian Trade Agency, with its Italian Food Lab, showcases the excellence and versatility of Italian food products.

“Italy highlights the evolution and adaptability of the food production sector, demonstrating how Italian brands continue to align with global consumer demands while preserving their rich culinary heritage. Among the key trends, three stand out as particularly significant: sustainability, health-conscious products, and authenticity,” Soldani explains.

Demand for Italian food products is growing in the UAE. In 2023, Italy ranked 17th among the largest food exporters to the UAE, with exports totalling €395.8 million.

“The UAE remains a key market for Italian exports, with a remarkable 6 per cent growth in the first 10 months of 2024, bringing the total to approximately €344 million. This surge highlights the increasing demand for Italian products in the region and reflects Italy’s strong reputation for quality and innovation,” says Soldani, adding, “Italian products have become synonymous with quality, craftsmanship, and tradition. In particular, Italian food is seen not just as a culinary option but as a symbol of excellence.”

Malaysia’s F&B sector is undergoing a significant transformation, taking into account key trends that are shaping the industry’s growth and evolution.

“Incorporating healthy trends and integration of technological advancements are at the core of Malaysian food industry that will be highlighted in this year’s Gulfood show. At the same time, we will showcase the dynamic and evolving nature of the Malaysian food industry,” says Megat Iskandar, Trade Commissioner of Malaysia to the UAE.

The vibrant economies of the Gulf region and their growing tourism sectors have created a strong appetite for diverse international cuisines. Malaysian halal food, with its unique blend of flavours and spices, is becoming increasingly popular in the region.

“Malaysian cuisine is known for its rich and diverse flavours, influenced by Malay, Chinese, Indian, and indigenous cultures. This fusion creates unique and delicious dishes that appeal to a wide range of tastes,” says Iskandar.

Mexico is positioning itself at the forefront of global food trends with a focus on eco-conscious production processes and high-quality products.

“Mexico is committed to sustainability, organic production, and developing high-value food products. Key trends in Mexico’s food industry include the use of natural sweeteners, an increasing demand for plant-based proteins, and the adoption of eco-friendly agricultural practices. Additionally, the international promotion of traditional Mexican cuisine and ingredients is a significant trend that we aim to highlight at Gulfood 2025,” says Luis Alfonso de Alba, Ambassador of Mexico to the UAE.

At Gulfood 2025, the Mexican Pavilion, coordinated by Tradenex, showcases a diverse range of products from 16 Mexican companies. The pavilion features chickpeas, corn, beans, sweeteners, dried fruits, honey, isotonic drinks, grains, cereals, corn and wheat flours, as well as an assortment of condiments, sauces, avocados, guacamole, and canned vegetables and fruits.

“Mexican food products are becoming increasingly popular in the Gulf region due to their high quality, nutritional value, and unique flavours. The rising demand for natural and organic ingredients, such as Mexican honey and dried fruits, aligns well with the region’s emphasis on health-conscious eating,” says de Alba.

He also notes that shared culinary traditions between Mexican and Arabic cuisines, which feature bold spices, grilled meats, and vibrant street food cultures, present significant market opportunities. The availability of vegetarian options in Mexican cuisine further caters to the Gulf’s growing interest in plant-based meals.

Like many countries around the world, Lithuania is embracing significant shifts in its food production sector, driven by fast-changing consumer demands and sustainability initiatives.

“In Lithuania, the food production sector is undergoing significant transformations driven by consumer preferences and global sustainability goals,” says Dr Ignas Hofmanas, Minister of Agriculture of the Republic of Lithuania.

Demand for Lithuanian food and beverage products is growing in the Gulf region.

“Lithuanian products are renowned for their high quality and authentic flavours, resulting from stringent production standards and the use of natural ingredients. With a global shift towards healthier eating, Lithuanian producers have developed products that cater to health-conscious consumers, which resonates well with the Gulf market’s increasing focus on wellness,” Dr Hofmanas adds.

In response to the region’s market needs, many Lithuanian producers have adapted their processes to meet halal standards, broadening their appeal to consumers in the Gulf.

At Gulfood 2025, Lithuania presents a diverse selection of high-quality products, highlighting the country’s strong agricultural traditions and innovative approach to food production. The showcase will feature the latest in sustainable practices, including eco-friendly packaging, energy-efficient production, waste reduction initiatives, and organic farming. n