As the global food industry prepares to converge in Dubai this January, Gulfood 2026 has announced the launch of a dedicated new platform, Gulfood Logistics, to be hosted at the Dubai Exhibition Centre (DEC) in Expo City Dubai.
The move reflects the rising economic significance of logistics, with the global logistics and transportation market projected to expand from $9.4 trillion in 2024 to $23 trillion by 2035. As food supply chains become increasingly interconnected and complex, Gulfood 2026 is sharpening its focus on the logistics networks, cold-chain systems and freight innovations that keep food moving across borders. With an estimated 70–90 per cent of global trade by value transported by sea, efficiency in logistics is now a critical driver of economic growth, supply reliability and consumer access.
Gulfood Logistics will spotlight how cross-border collaboration enables food to move safely, securely and sustainably across global markets. The platform will showcase the technologies, infrastructure investments and partnerships that allow perishables to travel fresh and uncompromised from producers to processors, retailers and consumers.
Anchored by Dubai’s strategic position linking Europe, Asia and Africa, the UAE has emerged as the Middle East’s largest logistics hub, accounting for nearly 30 per cent of GCC logistics activity and contributing around eight per cent to national GDP. This positioning reinforces Dubai’s growing role in global trade connectivity and economic diversification.
Commenting on Maersk’s participation, Mohammed Hamdan, UAE Area Head of Sales, said the company is proud to exhibit at Gulfood 2026 for the first time. “We look forward to engaging with partners across IMEA and Europe to strengthen supply chains from farm to fork. We will showcase strategies that build resilient and adaptive networks, alongside localised logistics solutions, from cold-chain expertise to integrated supply chain management, designed for today’s complex operating environment,” he said.
Global logistics leaders on the exhibition floor
The event will bring together logistics leaders, cold-chain specialists and global freight operators alongside food producers, importers, exporters and distributors. Visitors can expect to see solutions spanning temperature-controlled transport, smart warehousing, real-time cargo tracking and cross-border freight optimisation.
Major industry players confirmed to exhibit include Akkon Lines, Africa Global Logistics, DP World, Dubai South, Kezad Group, Maersk, Mohebi Logistics, MSC Shipping, Silo Group and Ship Smart, showcasing how advanced infrastructure and global networks enable precision and reliability in food movement.
Driving trade expansion and supply chain resilience
Gulfood 2026 will also feature a comprehensive thought-leadership programme focused on the most pressing trends shaping food logistics. Sessions will cover cold-chain optimisation, last-mile delivery, regulatory compliance, sustainability strategies and digital transformation, offering practical insights to help businesses strengthen resilience, reduce waste and unlock growth opportunities.
By connecting logistics innovators with food industry stakeholders and investors, Gulfood Logistics aims to provide a clear view of how supply chains are evolving and the pivotal role logistics plays in food security, quality assurance and trade expansion.
More information and registration details are available at www.gulfood.com/logistics.
