Photos: Gulfood 2024, the largest edition of the F&B super-show, is now open

The largest-ever edition of Gulfood, the benchmark event for the global F&B community, kicked off today (19 February) at the Dubai World Trade Centre, opening its doors to 150,000 attendees from 190 countries.

With an estimated USD 12 billion in international trade deals on the table, an exhibition floor spanning 24 event halls packed with displays of cutting-edge products solutions by a record 5,500+ exhibitors, and interactive features including Top Table and Dubai World Cuisine which will convene over 100 renowned international chefs with 25 Michelin stars between them, expectations are very high for this year’s edition of the world’s largest annual food and beverage sourcing event, which looks set to have a lasting influence on the F&B industry.

Visitors on the first day of Gulfood in Dubai World Trade Centre and Exhibition halls, Dubai.

Exhibitors at Hayatna at Gulfood.

Exhibitor at Fresh Fruit Company stand at Gulfood

“At a pivotal moment, the world’s largest F&B event will be the only place to get out ahead of how the global food community, from industry leaders and policymakers to innovators and chefs, are responding. We look forward to welcoming the F&B world as we inspire the future food economy,” commented Trixie LohMirmand, Executive Vice-President, Dubai World Trade Centre. Above are visitors at Crown farms from Fujairah at Gulfood.

Exhibitors at Saudi pavilion.

As Gulfood approaches its milestone 30th anniversary in 2025, the global food and beverage (F&B) industry is looking more than ever to a multifaceted future, characterised by greater digitalisation and technological innovation to drive efficiency and cut costs, more circular food systems to reduce food loss and waste, and an ever-greater focus on safety, security and transparency down the supply chain.

At this year’s Gulfood Inspire Conference, over 200 influential figures from the global F&B industry, including food futurists, policymakers, industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and culinary experts will lead a series of dynamic and engaging keynotes, panel discussions, fireside chats, showcases and workshops. A highlight of this year’s Gulfood Inspire Conference, for the first time over 60 leading global food futurists will convene to give invaluable insights into the trends in technology (e.g. personal AI), culture, demographics, lifestyle and flavours that are shaping the future of food.

The future of food systems is a theme that will carry through the Inspire conference, including: how the industry is adapting to emerging consumer trends and lifestyles, evolving science including how generative AI and blockchain can improve food security and the development of novel foods.

Visitors pass by the Dubai Industrial City stand at Gulfood.