As the global food industry converges in January, Gulfood 2026 has announced the launch of Gulfood Logistics at the Dubai Exhibition Centre (DEC) in Expo City Dubai. The initiative comes amid projections that the global logistics and transportation market will grow from $9.4 trillion in 2024 to $23.0 trillion by 2035, highlighting the strategic economic importance of logistics in global trade and food supply systems. As food supply chains become increasingly interconnected, Gulfood 2026 is emphasizing the role of logistics networks, cold-chain systems, and freight innovations that ensure safe, timely, and sustainable delivery of food worldwide. With 70–90% of global trade value moving by sea, logistics efficiency has emerged as a critical lever, directly impacting global GDP, supply reliability, and consumer access.
Gulfood Logistics demonstrates how collaboration between nations keeps food moving seamlessly across complex global landscapes. The platform showcases cutting-edge technologies, infrastructure, and partnerships that enable perishables to travel fresh, fast, and uncompromised from supplier to processor, retailer, and consumer. Anchored in Dubai, which serves as the Middle East’s largest logistics hub—accounting for roughly 30% of GCC logistics activity and contributing about 8% of UAE GDP—the sector underscores the city’s central role in global trade connectivity and economic diversification.
Mohammed Hamdan, UAE Area Head of Sales at Maersk, commented: “Maersk is proud to exhibit at Gulfood 2026 for the first time, engaging with partners across IMEA and Europe to strengthen supply chains from farm to fork. We’ll showcase strategies to build resilient, adaptive networks that ensure business continuity, alongside localized logistics solutions—from cold chain expertise to integrated supply chain management, designed for today’s complex environment.”
The exhibition will bring together logistics leaders, cold-chain specialists, global freight operators, and food producers, importers, exporters, and distributors. Attendees will explore solutions spanning temperature-controlled transport, smart warehousing, real-time cargo tracking, and cross-border freight optimization. Industry leaders such as Akkon Lines, Africa Global Logistics, DP World, Dubai South, Kezad Group, Maersk, Mohebi Logistics, MSC Shipping, Silo Group, and Ship Smart will showcase how advanced infrastructure and global networks ensure precision and reliability in moving perishables and food products.
Beyond showcasing solutions, Gulfood Logistics provides a comprehensive programme of thought leadership sessions addressing critical trends in food logistics, including cold-chain optimization, last-mile delivery, regulatory compliance, sustainability strategies, and digital transformation. These sessions equip delegates with actionable insights to enhance resilience, reduce waste, and capture growth opportunities in an increasingly interconnected global food economy.
By connecting logistics innovators with food industry stakeholders and investors, Gulfood Logistics at Gulfood 2026 offers a unique perspective on the evolving role of supply chains and reinforces the pivotal role logistics plays in ensuring food security, maintaining quality, and expanding international trade.
