Meat Sector Activity at Gulfood 2026 Reflects Shifts in Global Protein Trade

Gulfood 2026 is taking place in Dubai from 26 to 30 January, bringing together food and beverage companies from across the global supply chain. The event spans two venues—Dubai World Trade Centre and Dubai Exhibition Centre at Expo City—and includes more than 8,500 exhibitors. Among the largest represented categories is meat and animal protein, covering fresh, frozen, and processed products.

Exhibitors from multiple regions are using the event to present red meat, poultry, and processed meat products aimed at international buyers. Participation includes both established exporters and suppliers from emerging markets seeking to expand distribution beyond domestic and regional trade.

Focus on Market Access and Compliance

A significant portion of meat sector activity at Gulfood 2026 is centred on export requirements and market access. Halal certification, cold-chain management, and regulatory compliance are recurring themes across exhibitor materials and business discussions. Several national pavilions are highlighting government-backed export programmes and certification frameworks designed to support cross-border meat trade.

The introduction of Gulfood Logistics at the 2026 edition reflects increased attention on transportation, storage, and supply chain coordination, particularly for frozen and chilled meat products. Logistics providers are presenting services related to temperature control, traceability, and delivery timelines.

Product Mix and Processing Trends

In addition to raw meat cuts, exhibitors are presenting a range of processed and semi-processed products, including marinated meats, portion-controlled formats, and foodservice-oriented items. These products are primarily targeted at hospitality, airline catering, and institutional buyers.

While alternative proteins are present at the event, meat products remain a core category in terms of exhibitor numbers and floor space. Industry messaging around sustainability in the meat sector is largely focused on operational measures such as packaging, feed efficiency, and waste reduction, rather than broad environmental positioning.

Regional Participation

Countries from Asia, the Middle East, Central Asia, and Eastern Europe are represented across meat and livestock-related categories. Trade delegations are using the event to conduct buyer meetings and announce commercial agreements, although most reported outcomes relate to export volumes and distribution partnerships rather than new production capacity.

Industry Context

Gulfood 2026 is taking place amid continued volatility in global food supply chains, cost pressures, and regulatory scrutiny. For meat producers and exporters, the event functions primarily as a commercial meeting point rather than a platform for product launches. Activity on the show floor reflects ongoing adjustments in pricing, logistics, and product specifications driven by international market conditions.

Sources

1. Dubai’s Gulfood 2026: Two venues, 8,500 exhibitors and the world’s biggest food show — The Times of India, January 2026

2. Gulfood 2026: Eight food trends on show, from protein-fibre to premium products — The National (UAE), January 2026

3. Gulfood 2026 launches Gulfood Logistics — Tea & Coffee Trade Journal, January 2026

4. Emirates Flight Catering and Bustanica debut expanded food service solutions at Gulfood 2026 — Vertical Farm Daily, January 2026

5. In a first, India to showcase over 160 agri exhibitors at Gulfood 2026 — The Economic Times (India), January 2026

6. Tajik dried fruit producers showcase products at Gulfood 2026 in Dubai — FreshPlaza, January 2026

7. 30 Vietnamese businesses participate in Gulfood Dubai 2026 — Vietnam News, January 2026

8. Mohammed bin Rashid tours Gulfood 2026 — Sharjah 24, January 2026