The 2025 edition of Gulfood, the UAE’s flagship trade show for the agri-food sector, opened today at the Dubai World Trade Centre, and will run through February 21. The UAE remains a vital market for Italian food and beverage exports, which grew 6% in the first ten months of 2024, reaching €344 million. Among the fastest-growing sectors, beverages, spirits, and vinegar saw a 32% surge to €29 million in exports, with Italy ranked as the UAE’s sixth-largest supplier in these categories. Baked goods grew by 23%, reaching €55 million, while dairy exports recorded the most significant increase, up 36% to €30 million.
The Italian Trade Agency (ITA) is showcasing Italy’s culinary heritage at Gulfood 2025 through the Italian Food Lab, an interactive space featuring live showcooking and masterclasses. Renowned Italian chefs based in Dubai and globally will lead immersive culinary experiences, demonstrating traditional techniques and creating signature dishes using premium ingredients from Italian exhibitors.
The Italian Food Lab’s opening was attended by Lorenzo Fanara, Italy’s Ambassador to the UAE, Edoardo Napoli, Italy’s Consul General in Dubai, Matteo Zoppas, ITA President, and Valerio Soldani, Director of ITA’s Dubai office.
“Italian food is synonymous with culture, heritage, and the Mediterranean Diet. Throughout the UAE, people can enjoy the best of Italian cuisine, thanks to a thriving network of Italian restaurants, chefs, and importers. We aim to expand Italian food’s presence in the UAE, and there’s no better place than Gulfood to do so. We’re looking forward to a successful fair, showcasing Italy’s finest food brands and culinary traditions,” said Ambassador Fanara.
Matteo Zoppas added: “Our governments share a strong relationship, as evidenced by the upcoming ‘Italy-UAE Business Forum’ in Rome, with the presence of Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, and Sheikh Sultan III bin Muhammad Al-Qasimi. The demand for Italian food is growing here, and we are making significant inroads with major retailers. During a recent bilateral meeting between Italy’s Agriculture Minister Francesco Lollobrigida and the UAE’s Minister of Foreign Trade, Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, the rice sector was given particular focus. On the first day of the fair, a meeting was held with leading Italian rice producers and the Ente Risi (Italian Rice Authority), strengthening collaboration between the two countries. Additionally, the UAE’s diverse population is opening up new opportunities for products like pork and wine.”
