Dubai has become the epicenter of global food innovation as Gulfood 2026 launched across two major venues on Monday, attracting hundreds of industry professionals and food enthusiasts. The expanded event, spanning both the Dubai World Trade Center and Dubai Exhibition Center, has doubled in scale compared to last year’s edition, reflecting the growing significance of the Middle East’s food and beverage market.
Among the most striking innovations presented was Ocard’s luxury mineral water containing authentic 24-karat gold flakes, produced at one of Europe’s oldest gold mining plants in Uzbekistan. Priced at approximately AED 360 per bottle in the US market, the product represents the premium segment of functional beverages.
Health-conscious consumers found numerous alternatives, including Liife’s protein-enhanced sparkling waters containing 10 grams of clear whey protein, available in innovative flavors like blood orange ginseng and raspberry peach. Zerup from Singapore presented sugar-free caramel popcorn sweetened with monkfruit extract, alongside their zero-calorie beverage line.
Practical culinary solutions emerged with Austria’s Holzmann introducing ready-to-use frozen caramelized onions that eliminate preparation time, with one kilogram replacing up to six kilograms of raw onions. Meanwhile, Wild Bee Honey showcased their Gulfood Innovation Award-nominated products featuring morel mushrooms, moringa, and saffron preserved in honey.
Nutritional innovation took center stage with Co Nature’s sublingual collagen strips for instant nutrition delivery and nutritional yeast flakes fortified with 300% of daily Vitamin D requirements. Liviano’s chocolate hummus, combining premium cocoa with protein and fiber, offered versatility as dessert, dip, or spread.
The event also featured artistic presentations including fruit bouquets arranged as the UAE flag and socially conscious initiatives from South Africa-based companies creating healthy spinach cookies while providing employment opportunities for women and youth.