200 Italian Companies Showcase Sustainable Food Products at ‘Gulfood’ 2024

The Italian Trade Agency (ITA) announced its participation in the Gulfood 2024 exhibition, the largest annual trade fair for food and beverages in the world, held at the Dubai World Trade Center from February 19 to 23.

The Italian pavilion, which will host over 200 Italian food manufacturers and producers, will focus on agricultural food products with the slogan “Made in Italy”. Additionally, 15 Italian chefs will participate in an Italian food tasting experience.

In 2023, exports of Italian food to the United Arab Emirates witnessed significant growth, reaching a percentage of 9.2% by October 2023, thus enhancing Italy’s position as a major provider of food products in the UAE.

Lorenzo Fanara, the Italian ambassador to the UAE, stated that Italy’s participation in the Gulfood exhibition in Dubai, with over 200 national companies, reflects the authenticity and high global quality that Italian products are known for, represented by the “Made in Italy” mark.

He also pointed out that the UAE represents an important market for Italian food exports and a valuable opportunity for Italian companies to establish new partnerships with Emirati counterparts.

According to Valerio Soldani, the Italian Commercial Commissioner in the UAE, exports from Italy to the UAE increased by 40% on an annual basis to a value of 419 million euros in December 2022, due to the increased demand for Italian food and agricultural products.

The growth continued to reach 376.7 million euros by October 2023, reflecting a significant increase of 9.2% compared to the same period in 2022.

He pointed out that organic food product exports have seen significant growth, representing 6% of Italy’s total exports in 2022, valued at 3.4 million euros.

This upward trajectory is expected to continue throughout 2023, highlighting the increasing demand for Italian organic food products over the past decade in line with the global trend towards healthy foods, emphasizing Italy’s commitment to sustainability.

The Food Laboratory, a cooking exhibition at Gulfood 2024, offers a unique experience with the participation of a select group of 15 Italian chefs showcasing a range of products made in Italy.

The objective is to convey the tasting experience and rich heritage of Italian cuisine.

Additionally, the Italian Food Laboratory will provide an opportunity to support the nomination of Italian cuisine to the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization.