Gulfood

The Gulfood Fair—held annually in Dubai—is widely recognized as the world’s largest food and beverage trade exhibition, drawing around 5,000 exhibitors and over 100,000 visitors from more than 180 countries. For Sri Lanka, this high-impact platform offers a gateway to global markets, enabling exporters to showcase premium goods like Ceylon tea, spices, coconut-based items, coffee, fruits, and confectioneries to a diverse, international audience.

In the milestone 30th edition of Gulfood 2025 (held February 17–20), Sri Lanka made a significant impact with over 80 exhibitors, organized by the Export Development Board, Tea Board, and Sri Lankan diplomatic missions. This group highlighted the nation’s rich culinary heritage and innovation in value-added offerings. The event saw a staggering USD 20 billion in trade deals globally, reinforcing Gulfood’s position as a pivotal engine of international F&B commerce.

For Sri Lankan participants, Gulfood goes beyond showcasing products—it’s a strategic venue for forging lasting partnerships. Through organized networking sessions—like those held within the Consulate General in Dubai—exporters connected with key buyers, retailers, and distributors, such as SILA, SAFCO, and Barakath. These interactions encourage collaborations, boost visibility in major markets, and facilitate progress toward export targets (for 2025, set at USD 19 million)