Egypt Participates with Over 175 Food Companies in Gulfood 2026
Al-Wakil: Holding the Exhibition in Two Separate Venues Poses a Major Challenge for Organizers
Promising Opportunities for Frozen Exports, and Commitment to International Standards is Key to Sector Advancement
Egypt is participating with a large delegation comprising over 175 companies in the 31st edition of the Gulfood 2026 exhibition in Dubai. The companies are part of the unified Egyptian pavilion organized by the Food Industries Export Council and the General Authority for Exhibitions and Conferences.
Eng. Alaa Elwakil, Head of the Exhibitions Committee at the Food Industries Export Council, stated that holding the exhibition across two separate venues (the Dubai World Trade Centre and Expo City Dubai) represents a new experience and a significant challenge for the organizers. He expressed hope for its success with the support of the UAE, which would enhance the exhibition’s status as the world’s largest food industry event.
Read also A new issue of Commodity Market magazine on the occasion of Gulfood 2026
Al-Wakil clarified that the Egyptian pavilion is primarily concentrated at Expo City Dubai, hosting more than 170 companies, while approximately 20 companies specializing in juices and beverages are participating at the Dubai World Trade Centre venue.
He pointed out that the Egyptian pavilion focuses on showcasing a variety of high-quality food products with promising growth potential. He highlighted the distinction of Egyptian frozen exports (such as vegetables, strawberries, and potatoes), whose value exceeded one billion dollars over eleven months last year. Frozen strawberries alone accounted for $672 million during that period.
Al-Wakil noted that the sector for products of agricultural origin has opportunities to achieve growth exceeding 20% in the coming period. However, this is contingent upon full compliance with European standards, particularly regarding pesticide residues, which requires joint efforts from all stages of the production chain.
He warned of the challenge posed by the European Union’s decision to increase inspection rates of Egyptian shipments by 20%. He emphasized the pivotal role of the Egyptian Food Safety Authority in protecting the reputation of Egyptian exports, as a single non-compliant shipment could negatively impact the overall image of Egyptian products in global markets.
