Dubai – Qahwa World

Business France, the French national agency for international economic development, announced its largest-ever participation at Gulfood 2026, featuring 110 French brands across four pavilions under the “Taste France” banner.

This year, the exhibition is held at two main venues: Dubai World Trade Centre and Expo Dubai, with French participants showcasing a wide range of food and beverage products, including dairy, meat, poultry, seafood, beverages, and international food specialties.

  • French Participation by Venue:

Expo Dubai – Global Foods Platform 8-80: 67 companies

Dubai World Trade Centre: 43 companies, organized by sector:

Dairy: Sheikh Rashid Hall, Stand R-H47

Meat, poultry, seafood: Sheikh Saeed Halls, Hall 3

Beverages: Za’abeel 5 Hall, Stand Z5-J21

The French pavilions focus on four key sectors and feature new launches and exclusive innovations, including packaging and portion sizes suited to fast-paced lifestyles, health-oriented products, and premium items combining taste and functional benefits.

Commenting on the participation, Axel Barrau, General Manager of Business France in the Middle East, said:
“Gulfood 2026 provides a strategic opportunity to showcase France’s strengths in agri-food, highlighting products that meet the evolving needs of the regional market, with a focus on quality, sustainability, and innovation.”

  • UAE Market Context:

The UAE imports approximately 85% of its food needs, valued at over €21.4 billion in 2024, with rising demand for ready-to-eat meals, premium and functional foods, certified organic and plant-based products, and e-commerce-friendly items.

  • Visitor Experience at the French Pavilion:

Visitors can access live cooking demonstrations, interactive tastings, and artisanal coffee and tea sessions, alongside products tailored to practical consumer needs in the region.

  • Business France Digital Marketplace:

The platform connects global buyers with over 2,800 certified French suppliers and more than 28,000 products. Around 350 regional buyers have already joined, supporting long-term business partnerships.

  • About Business France:

Business France is a French government agency promoting exports and foreign investment in France. It manages the international internship program V.I.E and operates a global network in 55 countries. In 2024, it contributed to €1.8 billion in additional exports for French SMEs and mid-sized companies and supported the creation or maintenance of over 31,010 jobs.