Chile’s presence at Gulfood 2026, the world’s largest food and beverage trade exhibition, reflects more than just a product showcase.
From Jan 26-30, the South American nation demonstrated its role as a strategic partner in global food supply in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Furthermore, they presented a mix of premium and sustainable offerings to a market seeking quality.
ProChile, Chile’s government export promotion agency, has long promoted the country’s reputation as a reliable food supplier. The delegation’s presence in Dubai underscores Chile’s distinctive advantages, including its unique geography, a robust institutional framework, and a track record of meeting diverse market requirements.
Visitors at the Chile Pavilion experienced a selection of products spanning fresh and dried fruits, cereals, honey, plant-based products, and agro-industrial solutions, each reflecting the increasing demand in the Middle East for food security, traceability, and certified production.
The UAE and the Middle East are strategically important to Chile’s export plans. In recent years, exports to the region have grown steadily, reaching approximately US$ 250 million between January and November 2025. Moreover, these exports were led by high-demand items such as salmon, walnuts, and fresh fruits.
This growth aligns with a global shift toward secure and traceable food systems. Chile has been demonstrating its ability to export food to more than 170 global markets, and its acquisition of accreditation from Chilehalal further underscores its commitment.
Therefore, for Chile, participation in Gulfood was an opportunity to reinforce relationships and explore market needs. It also signals how Chile can serve as a long-term and reliable partner in food supply.
Visitors can see this commitment reflected not only in products but also in the processes behind them, such as careful sourcing, sustainable production, and rigorous quality control.
As for the participating companies, Gulfood represents a platform to engage directly with buyers, media, and potential partners. Beyond traditional B2B meetings, the exhibition encourages conversations about market trends, export opportunities, and evolving consumer expectations.
Chile’s delegates were not simply selling products, but they were also showcasing an entire ecosystem built to connect producers, distributors, and consumers across continents.
Chile’s Trade Commissioner in the UAE, Sharif Chacoff, highlighted the country’s principle: “Chile’s participation reflects our commitment to food security, sustainability, and international collaboration. We aim to be more than a supplier. We want to be a trusted partner capable of meeting the evolving demands of global markets like the UAE.”
Gulfood 2026 provides an ideal platform for that message. In a city where food trade, tourism, and cultural exchange meet, Chile’s pavilion allows visitors to experience the care and thought that go into each product. The delegation aims to convey a sense of Chile not just as a country of origin, but also as a partner invested in mutual growth.
As the global food market evolves, Chile is positioning itself to move beyond quantity-based exports. Emphasising quality and market insight, the country demonstrates that international trade can be both profitable and responsible.
Gulfood 2026 is more than a showcase; it is a testament to Chile’s vision of building lasting relationships in a rapidly changing market.
Through Gulfood 2026, Chile signals its readiness to meet global demand while also shaping the conversation around responsible and innovative food trade in the Middle East and beyond, in line with evolving market demands.
