In recent years, Middle Eastern markets have shown growing demand for high-quality agri-food products, with a strong focus on specialty items, innovation, and sustainability. For Italian companies, these regions represent fertile ground to expand their presence and tap into new consumption trends.
Dubai’s leading international trade fairs offer a privileged vantage point to identify growth opportunities and rethink digital export strategies.
In this context, IL DELTA GROUP has launched strategic collaborations with major events in Dubai, further strengthening its commitment to supporting Italian companies in exploring and capitalizing on these emerging markets.
The Potential of the Middle East for Italian Food & Beverage Companies
The MENA region (Middle East & North Africa) has become one of the most dynamic markets for agri-food exports. Local consumers are increasingly attentive to health, wellness, and product quality—opening up opportunities for Italian brands. Unlike mature markets, where competition is fierce and growth margins are limited, MENA markets still allow for broader expansion.
At the same time, the rapid adoption of digital technologies and innovative business models underscores the need for Italian companies to integrate digital tools into their internationalization strategies. Closely following—or actively participating in—major industry events provides valuable insights into global dynamics and helps shape more effective export strategies.
Here, digital solutions and a focused approach to emerging markets become strategic levers to enhance competitiveness and elevate Italian food heritage internationally.
Thanks to its B2B marketplace and digital presence, IL DELTA GROUP offers tools that complement physical fairs, ensuring continuous visibility in emerging markets. Through its online catalog and international newsletter—reaching over 11,000 importers and buyers across 71 countries—Italian companies can maintain constant exposure and capture opportunities beyond trade fair dates.
This multichannel export strategy combines the strength of international exhibitions with digital platforms, helping companies build year-round commercial relationships.
Trade Fairs in Dubai: New Horizons for Italian Food Exports
Among the most relevant trade shows for Italian agri-food businesses, Dubai hosts a series of internationally recognized events where IL DELTA GROUP is engaged as a media partner. These fairs provide Italian companies with direct access to local dynamics, new distribution channels, and strategic partnerships to consolidate their presence in emerging markets.
Private Label Middle East – September 15–17, 2025
The private label market in the Middle East and Africa is projected to reach $35 billion by 2026. Private Label Middle East offers a gateway for businesses aiming to shape the future of the sector.
The event brings together retailers, brands, and innovators, showcasing over 200 trusted manufacturers from 50 countries. Key topics include accessibility to a diverse consumer base and environmental responsibility.
ISM Middle East – September 15–17, 2025
ISM Middle East is the region’s leading trade platform for the confectionery and snack industry. As the only event of its kind in the Middle East, it provides a showcase of global innovations, emerging trends, and cross-sector opportunities.
The 2025 edition will expand exhibition space to meet the growing worldwide demand for sweets, snacks, and traditional confectionery. It is a must-attend event for buyers, distributors, retailers, and professionals looking to connect with leading international producers.
Gulfood Manufacturing – November 4–6, 2025
Recognized as a benchmark event for the global food industry, Gulfood Manufacturing hosts over 2,000 exhibitors presenting cutting-edge solutions for production optimization.
Key themes include:
- AI-powered manufacturing systems
- Circular economy-driven packaging
- Bioengineered ingredients reshaping the global food chain
The fair also spotlights fintech solutions for cost optimization and ROI-focused scalability strategies, aligning with the 2025 demand for greater economic resilience.
AgriNext Awards & Conference – November 5–6, 2025
AgriNext is an international event dedicated to agritech innovation. It gathers startups, businesses, investors, and institutions to discuss precision agriculture, sustainability, and advanced technologies in farming.
The event also hosts an awards program recognizing the most innovative solutions, fostering idea exchange and global partnerships.
Organic & Natural Products Expo Dubai – November 17–19, 2025
For over 23 years, the Organic & Natural Products Expo has been the region’s only dedicated B2B event for organic and natural goods. Hosted in the UAE—a strategic hub between Europe, Asia, and Africa—it leverages the country’s position as the world’s third-largest re-exporter, with trade flows exceeding $546 billion annually.
The expo focuses on five growing sectors:
- Food & Beverages
- Health & Wellness
- Beauty & Cosmetics
- Sustainable Living
- Environment
It is the largest regional meeting point for brands aiming to expand into high-potential markets.
Gulfood – January 26–30, 2026
The upcoming edition of Gulfood will expand its format, cementing its position as one of the world’s most influential food & beverage platforms.
With over 6,500 exhibitors from more than 130 countries, across 12 thematic sectors—including a new area for food technology—Gulfood 2026 will showcase innovative solutions and global food trends.
Food Africa – 9–12 December 2025
Here’s an in-depth article in English about Food Africa, covering its importance, structure, opportunities, and what to expect. If you like, I can also draft a shorter summary or a version aimed at potential exhibitors.
Food Africa: Gateway to the African & Middle Eastern Food & Beverage Markets
Food Africa is one of the leading international trade exhibitions for the food and beverage (F&B) sector in Africa and the Middle East. Held annually in Cairo, Egypt, it provides a major platform for producers, suppliers, importers, and other stakeholders to connect, showcase products, explore trends, and close business deals. (foodafrica-expo.com)
Key Facts & Logistics
- When & Where: The next Food Africa will be held from 9–12 December 2025 at the Egypt International Exhibition Center (EIEC) in Cairo. (foodafrica-expo.com)
- Opening Hours: Typically from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM each day. (foodafrica-expo.com)
- Size & Scale:
- In past editions, it has attracted over 30,000 visitors and more than 1,000 exhibitors with an exhibition area of ~45,000 square meters. (jetro.go.jp)
- Exhibitors come from dozens of countries (often 30-35 or more) and visitors from upwards of 100+ countries. (Interpack)
- Organizer: Food Africa is organized by IFP Egypt in partnership with Messe Düsseldorf via its interpack alliance, among others. (interpackalliance.com)
Who Attends & Who Exhibits
Exhibitors
Producers of food & beverage products (fresh, processed, frozen, etc.), ingredients, additives, packaging, equipment, private label suppliers, ethnic & halal food suppliers, organic & health food players. (jetro.go.jp)
Visitors / Buyers
Wholesalers, distributors, importers, retailers, supermarkets and hypermarkets, foodservice operators (restaurants, hotels, cafés), government officials, regulatory bodies, chefs, food technologists, investors interested in the region. (kayso.org.tr)
What’s On Offer: Features & Highlights
Food Africa is more than just product displays. Its program includes features designed to support business, innovation, and market insight. Some of the main attractions:
- Hosted Buyers / Matchmaking Program
Exhibitors can meet qualified buyers, importers, and distributors through pre-arranged meetings. This accelerates deal-making onsite. (interpackalliance.com)
- Conferences & Panels
Expert panels and sessions address trends such as food safety, consumer behaviour, regulatory issues, supply chain challenges, innovation in processing and packaging, sustainability, and export opportunities. These conferences provide valuable insight for navigating African markets. (kayso.org.tr)
- Live Cooking Shows & Demonstrations
Culinary showcases and live demonstrations bring attention to food culture, provide experiential marketing opportunities, and allow exhibitors to show their product in use. Chefs, both local and international, typically participate. (kayso.org.tr)
- Specialized Pavilions / Thematic Zones
Among the specialized zones at Food Africa are Fresh Produce (“Fresh Africa”), Ingredients & Additives, Halal & Ethnic Foods, Organic/Natural Foods, Frozen & Refrigerated Foods, and more. These help segment the market for both exhibitors and visitors. (kayso.org.tr)
- Packaging & Processing (pacprocess MEA)
Alongside Food Africa, there is often a concurrent exhibition focused on processing & packaging technology for the food industry. This allows stakeholders to see full value chain solutions. (kayso.org.tr)
Market Context & Strategic Importance
Why Food Africa matters, especially for companies outside Africa (for example in Europe, Asia, etc.):
- Growing Demand: Africa’s population is expanding rapidly, urbanization is increasing, incomes are rising, creating demand for more varied, higher-quality, processed, packaged, and imported food products. Egypt, in particular, is a major gateway due to its strategic location, agricultural calendar, and linkages to other African & Middle Eastern markets. (interpackalliance.com)
- Export Opportunity: For exporters, the event offers direct access to buyers who are actively sourcing new suppliers, new products, or new brands. It’s also an opportunity to test product viability in the region, get feedback, and understand the regulatory and logistical challenges.
- Regulation & Standards: Food safety, packaging standards, halal certification, quality tracking, cold chain, and other regulatory compliance are key concerns for buyers in these markets. Exhibitors must be prepared. The event’s conference sessions often cover these.
- Innovation & Trends: Healthy foods, organic, free-from products, convenience foods, ethnic & specialty foods, functional foods, sustainable packaging are growing in demand. Food Africa acts as a platform to see what is emerging, what competitors are doing, and what buyers are asking for.
Benefits for Exhibitors & What to Prepare
If you are considering exhibiting or visiting as a supplier, here are some of the main benefits and preparation tips:
Benefits:
- Direct access to buyers who have purchasing power and are seeking new international sources.
- Brand exposure in a region where local brands are strong but imported goods are increasingly desired for quality or specialty niches.
- Networking with peers and potential partners (distributors, importers, agents) in Africa and Middle East.
- Learning: via seminars, debates, workshops, feedback.
- Finding insights into consumer preferences, logistics, pricing, and unmet demand.
What to Prepare:
- Product readiness
Make sure your products meet local / national regulations (labelling, packaging, halal or other certifications, quality and safety).
- Effective marketing materials
Brochures, product sheets, samples, strong visuals, maybe some sort of live demos when possible. Multilingual materials (Arabic / English) can help.
- Logistics & Export Infrastructure
Understanding shipping costs, customs duties, cold chain if needed, storage, shelf life. Be ready to discuss terms of trade, MOQ (minimum order quantities), payment terms, etc.
- Stand design & visitor engagement
A well-designed booth helps, but beyond that plan for ways to engage visitors: product tastings, live cooking, interactive displays, etc.
- Follow-up strategy
Leads generated at fairs need to be followed up. Data capture (business cards, digital options), well-prepared offers, adaptability to local preferences and pricing.
Challenges & Considerations
While Food Africa offers many opportunities, there are also challenges to be mindful of:
- Regulatory complexity: Each country has its own import rules, standards, certificates (e.g., halal, organic), labelling requirements. Getting these right is essential.
- Cost barrier: Transport, customs, tariffs, shipping time, packaging for long transit—all these raise costs.
- Local competition: There are many local producers; international ones must find differentiators (quality, brand identity, product uniqueness, consistency) to compete.
- Cultural & taste preferences: What sells in Europe may not directly map to what sells in Africa or the Middle East. Adapting product profiles (spice levels, flavours, packaging sizes, price points) can make a difference.
What to Expect in the 2025 Edition
Based on what is known so far about Food Africa 2025:
- Large scale: over 45,000 sq m expected, with over 1,000 exhibitors and multiple thousands of visitors. (jetro.go.jp)
- Broad product categories: everything from beverages, frozen & chilled foods, organic and diet foods, halal, condiments, snacks, dairy and non-dairy products, to bakery, meats, poultry, and more. (jetro.go.jp)
- Major attention to Fresh Produce / Fruits & Vegetables via the Fresh Africa pavilion. (foodafrica-expo.com)
- Strong programming: live cooking shows, conference tracks, especially around processing & packaging. Also a Hosted Buyers programme to accelerate deal-making. (kayso.org.tr)
- Increasing international participation, not just from Africa and the Middle East, but from Asia, Europe, etc. This offers cross-regional opportunities.
Strategic Tips for Companies (Italian or Otherwise)
If you are an Italian food producer or exporter considering entering Food Africa, here are some strategic pointers:
- Position your product clearly: Italian food has strong brand recognition. Emphasize origin (PDO, PGI, region), quality, traditional methods. Also consider Halal certifications if targeting Muslim consumers.
- Adapt packaging & sizes: Smaller pack sizes or different portioning may sell better in many African markets.
- Local partnerships: Work with local distributors or importers who understand distribution channels, regulatory compliance, and consumer preferences.
- Leverage digital & content marketing: Use the fair as a content opportunity—pre-fair marketing, digital catalogs, product stories, and follow up via online platforms to maintain relationships post fair.
- Pricing strategy: Transparent pricing, competitive shipping/logistics terms, possibly offer trial quantities or promotional deals to get initial entry.
Why Food Africa Represents a New Frontier
- Untapped Market Potential: Many African economies are growing rapidly. Consumer demand for convenience, imported food, functional foods, health and wellness products, and newer flavours is rising.
- Hub Location: Egypt’s location gives firms exposure both to the domestic market (which is large) and to other African and Middle Eastern importers and distributors.
- Modernization & Investment: The food processing, cold chain, packaging, retail infrastructure is upgrading. Government policies are also increasingly favorable for food industry investment.
- Diversification: Suppliers who rely solely on traditional markets may face saturation; Food Africa opens paths to diversifying risk across new geographies.
Conclusion
Food Africa stands as a strategically important trade exhibition for any company in the food & beverage sector looking to expand into Africa and the Middle East. It combines scale, reach, and a powerful combination of marketplace, content, and networking.
For producers and exporters, participation not only means product visibility but also access to real business leads, a chance to learn about evolving demand and regulatory standards, and to build long-term partnerships.
If you are preparing for Food Africa 2025, now is the time to start planning: define which markets you want to target, ensure your product and packaging meet local requirements, prepare marketing and sampling materials, and put in place a strong follow-up plan.
The event reaffirms its commitment to sustainability, food security, and the redefinition of global food supply chains.
For more information, you can contact us here
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