Gulfood Manufacturing 2025 has wrapped up its most ambitious and commercially impactful edition yet, reinforcing Dubai’s fast-rising position as a global manufacturing and food-tech hub. The event, which grew by double digits from last year, showcased how the UAE continues to attract capital, talent, and technology at a scale unmatched in the region.
The momentum reflects broader macro trends. Dubai is now ranked the world’s top destination for Greenfield foreign direct investment and sits at the centre of a 43.65% CAGR surge in AI adoption — conditions that are propelling next-generation industrial growth. With the global food processing market projected to reach $318.29 billion by 2034, the UAE is positioning itself directly at the intersection of this transformation.
Record Footprint and Major Commercial Wins
This year’s edition brought together 2,500+ exhibitors from 79 countries across 21 halls, the largest turnout in the show’s history. Deals were signed on the show floor at unprecedented speed, compressing what is normally months of negotiations into three days. Industry leaders, including ADM, Bühler, Ingredion, Tetra Pak, TNA Solutions, and Symrise, used the platform to launch innovations, secure partnerships, and close machinery sales.
Japan, Korea, and Russia participated for the first time, broadening the geographic diversity of exhibitors. “The response has been fantastic… It’s clear that this is a market we want to grow with,” said Ryo Takeshita of ASTRA Inc., reflecting global appetite to invest and scale in the UAE’s manufacturing ecosystem.
Givaudan unveiled Myromi, an AI-powered handheld aroma device, while SIG confirmed the sale of nine filling lines, underscoring robust demand for sustainable, high-efficiency packaging solutions. Meanwhile, a major acquisition — Zakka Multitech’s purchase of Al Thika Packaging — marked one of the event’s most notable regional consolidation moves.
Investment Confidence Surges
Investors and venture capital firms described the event as a catalyst for connecting global supply chains and unlocking new markets. “Manufacturing is now becoming a major focus area, powered by technology and Industry 4.0 advancements,” said Manik Pasricha of Titan Capital, highlighting how the shift is opening doors for both startups and large-scale producers.
Alan Foy of Venturewave Capital added: “The Middle East is rapidly becoming a global hub for food security and advanced manufacturing… Events like Gulfood Manufacturing play a vital role in driving that vision forward.”
New Partnerships, New Technologies
The event saw an ecosystem-wide unveiling of future-ready technologies — from AI-driven automation to sustainable materials and biosolutions. Tetra Pak globally launched its Factory OS™, while Novonesis announced a collaboration with Noma to “scale deliciousness.”
Panels at the FoodTech Summit spotlighted future manufacturing models, from circular supply chains to metaverse-powered industrial training. On packaging sustainability, Dr. Mike Cheetham of Hotpack Global noted an industry shift: “Now, there’s a nice sensible mix of packaging options… including PIR/PCR recyclates, biopolymers and exciting new generation polymers such as PHA & PBS.”
Looking Ahead
The next edition of Gulfood Manufacturing will take place from 3–5 November 2026 at Dubai World Trade Centre, aiming to build on a record-breaking year that has firmly positioned the UAE as a global centre for manufacturing innovation, technology scaling, and F&B investment.
