The Dubai World Trade Centre event was the largest of its kind, utilising 30 per cent more floor space than Gulfood in previous years. The record-breaking scale of Gulfood 2023 is partly due to the introduction of Gulfood Plus, a brand new bespoke hall where first-time exhibitors will showcase product innovations on 10,000 sqm of added floor space. More than 125 country pavilions have been set up, including first-time exhibitors Armenia, Cambodia and Iraq. The pavilions from South Africa and Australia will return after a break.

The Gulfood Inspire conference brought together the core themes of sustainability, quality and access. Ministers, leaders of global F&B value chains, entrepreneurs, civil society and industry experts delivered a series of keynote speeches, panel discussions and showcases addressing timely topics including:

• Sustainable food production;
• Food security and sovereignty;
• Investments in agri-food and food technologies;
• Innovations and opportunities;
• Education and access to food;
• Waste reduction;
• Ensuring international supply chains;
• Challenges and innovations in food services.