Dubai is gearing up to host the largest edition of Gulfood, one of the world’s premier food and beverage sourcing events, from February 19 to 23. Organized by the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), the event is set to feature an unprecedented 5,500+ exhibitors and visitors from over 190 countries, spanning an impressive 24 halls.
The international focus of Gulfood extends beyond culinary trends to pressing global issues such as transforming food systems, feeding a growing population, and addressing the impacts of climate change. Key topics on the agenda include innovations in ag-tech, the integration of artificial intelligence in food production, strategies to reduce food loss and waste, and the exploration of alternative proteins like cultured meat.
Trixie LohMirmand, Executive Vice President at Dubai World Trade Centre, emphasized the significance of Gulfood as a platform for the global F&B industry to convene and gain insights from leading food futurists. LohMirmand noted that Gulfood is uniquely positioned to identify business opportunities and forge partnerships in the midst of industry-transforming technologies such as AI.
Renowned Applied Futurist, Tom Cheesewright, highlighted the transformative impact of technology on the food market and predicted continued evolution over the next decade. Cheesewright specifically mentioned the role of AI in accelerating the understanding of human health and influencing consumer behavior, making the coming years a fascinating time for the future of food.
Under the theme ‘Real Food, Real Business,’ Gulfood 2024 aims to bring together global brands and thousands of exhibitors to showcase authentic food products, ingredients, and culinary practices. The event is expected to facilitate over $12 billion in commercial deals, with participation from established brands and new exhibitors alike.
New country pavilions, including Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Venezuela, will add to the international diversity of the event. Ghitha Holding, a subsidiary of International Holding Company PJSC, expressed enthusiasm for Gulfood as a platform fostering collaboration and business growth with a focus on sustainability.
The Gulfood Inspire Conference will delve into trending topics such as the tech-powered future of digitalization, innovations in circular food systems, and capitalizing on investment opportunities. Over 200 industry leaders, ministers, chefs, futurists, and experts will lead engaging discussions and workshops, offering valuable insights into the future of the F&B industry.
Top Table, a popular feature, will showcase internationally renowned chefs presenting masterclasses and talks, highlighting traditional cooking methods and authentic ingredients. This year’s lineup includes chefs with over 21 Michelin stars between them, creating an exceptional live culinary showcase.
The Dubai World Cuisine movement, aimed at shaping the cultural identity of Dubai through collaborations between homegrown and international chefs, will continue with city-wide dinner collaborations.
The YouthX Chef Challenge, back for its third edition, will provide promising F&B talents with a career-changing experience. The international grand finale will feature teams from leading establishments competing for a chance to win an internship at an international 3-Michelin star restaurant.
Gulfood 2024 has attracted interest from top brands in various categories, reflecting a shared commitment to innovating for a more sustainable and thoughtful future for the global F&B ecosystem. The event promises to be a pivotal moment for industry leaders, policymakers, and professionals to explore the future of food and establish meaningful connections in the ever-evolving landscape of the food and beverage industry.
Benjamin Turner is a journalism graduate with keen interest in covering Technology news – specifically wall street business. He has as a keen eye for technologies and has predicted quite a few successful startups over the last couple of years. Benjamin goal with this website is to report accurately on all kinds of stock news, and have a great deal of passion for Technology news reporting. Benjamin is diligent and proactive when it comes to Technology news reporting.
