The fourth day of Gulfood 2026 solidified the event’s role as a critical hub for the global food and beverage industry, demonstrating how commerce, policy, and scale converge to drive tangible transformation in the world’s food systems. The Dubai-based event served as a high-velocity trade floor where major commercial agreements and high-level government endorsements took center stage.
Strategic Local Partnerships Bolster Food Security
A key highlight of the day was the formalization of a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Emirates Bustanica and Spinneys/Waitrose. The agreement will see the development of a new private-label retail brand under Bustanica’s ‘Eat Better’ concept, a significant step towards advancing healthier, locally sourced food solutions in the UAE.
Tom Harvey, General Manager, Commercial at Spinneys, commented on the partnership, “The MOU signed with Bustanica today is a very important step in a partnership that has been forged through meeting with organisations, like Bustanica, at events like Gulfood. It enables us to continuously expand our range, not only here in the UAE but into other markets across the GCC, and beyond in the coming years.”
Major Manufacturing Investment Anchored in Dubai
Underscoring the event’s commercial impact, Solico Group announced the launch of its AED 130 million SoFood Dubai factory. This major investment reinforces the UAE’s growing manufacturing capabilities within the food ecosystem.
Mr. Gholamali Soleimani, Founder and Group Chairman of Solico Group Food industries, stated, “Food security cannot rely on trading alone. It is built through manufacturing capability, localisation, and long-term investment. By producing in the UAE, at scale and with flexibility, we are contributing to the country’s food security vision while serving the wider region from within it. Gulfood is the perfect platform for us to meet the right people who share our vision and build a circular food economy.”
A Global Platform for Policy and Innovation
Gulfood reinforced its position as a trusted convener for high-level dialogue, with global ministers converging to discuss the evolution of global food systems. The event’s expanded dual-venue format was noted as a significant value-add for fostering connections.
H.E Trevor Jones, Minister of Agriculture, Food, and Agribusiness for Ontario, remarked, “The World Economy Summit panel discussion explored dynamic themes like the future of food, investments in technology, innovation and strategic investments in food trade. The dual-venue format of Gulfood 2026 is particularly impressive, presenting significant opportunities for learning and connecting with other individuals from the global F&B ecosystem.”
Commercial Momentum and Startup Spotlight
The commercial impetus of the show was evident as it attracted influential international buyers and provided a platform for new innovations. This year also saw a spotlight on new sectors, including a dedicated startup zone where first-time exhibitors launched new products.
Can Yurdakul, Co-Founder & CEO of ANT Systems, which launched its globally patented sub-soil water reservoir technology, commented, “Gulfood is where food security, agriculture and sustainability converge, giving us direct access to the decision-makers shaping the future of farming.”
About Gulfood
Gulfood is the world’s largest and most influential annual F&B sourcing and innovation event. The 2026 edition marks its 31st year, hosting over 8,500 exhibitors from 195 countries across more than 280,000 sqm at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) and Dubai Exhibition Centre (DEC). The event reinforces Dubai’s position as a global headquarters for food trade and intelligence.
Source: Zawya
