February 17, 2025 – The 30th edition of Gulfood, set to take place in the United Arab Emirates from February 17 to 21, will feature a historic national representation from Chile. A total of 28 companies supported by ProChile will exhibit their healthy, safe, and sustainable food products, while 20 more companies will attend as visitors to what is considered the largest food and beverage platform in the Middle East and Africa.
Organized by Dubai World Trade Center, Gulfood will host over 5,500 exhibitors from 129 countries, driving the next chapter of global food innovation and trade. Chile will play a key role, presenting a comprehensive portfolio of products, including walnuts, almonds, dried plums, hazelnuts, raisins, and oats. Additionally, meat sector companies and the Faenacar trade association will participate to expand Chile’s meat exports to the Middle East.
Joining the Chilean delegation is Chilehalal, a certified food entity meeting religious standards, which was accredited in November 2024 by the UAE’s Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology to issue Halal certificates. This milestone marks Chile’s most diverse and robust delegation to Gulfood, aiming to diversify its range of goods and services not only in the UAE but across the Middle East.
ProChile’s Director General, Ignacio Fernández, highlighted the significance of Chile’s presence at Gulfood, stating: “Chile has demonstrated a strong national commitment to meeting international production standards, and this edition of Gulfood comes at a pivotal moment in our relationship with the UAE. Following the signing of Chile’s first-ever trade agreement in the Middle East last year—during President Gabriel Boric’s visit—our economic ties have strengthened. ProChile also signed key cooperation agreements with the UAE’s leading business chambers, including Dubai Chambers and Abu Dhabi Chamber. We are convinced that Chile has a lot to offer the Middle East.”
“Following the signing of Chile’s first-ever trade agreement in the Middle East last year—during President Gabriel Boric’s visit—our economic ties have strengthened.”
Chile’s expanded presence at Gulfood is also reflected in its infrastructure, with the national pavilion increasing by 50% from last year’s edition, reaching 246 m². Sharif Chacoff, ProChile’s Trade Attaché in the UAE, emphasized the growing impact of Chile’s participation:
“With more than 100 executives from Chilean companies, we continue to strengthen commercial ties not only with the UAE but across the Middle East. Gulfood is a vital business platform for Chilean exporters looking to diversify their markets, and we are seeing tangible results. In 2024, Chile’s food exports to the Gulf experienced remarkable growth, with shipments to Saudi Arabia increasing by 15% and to Kuwait by 31%, driven mainly by dried and fresh fruit. Moreover, with the first participation of Faenacar, we are expanding our export portfolio and introducing new Chilean products to the region.”
shipments to Saudi Arabia increasing by 15% and to Kuwait by 31%, driven mainly by dried and fresh fruit
Expanding Chile’s Footprint in the Middle East
With a strong and growing presence in the Middle East, Chilean food exporters used Gulfood 2025 as a strategic opportunity to strengthen trade ties and expand their reach in the region. The Chile Pavilion facilitated networking with key industry stakeholders, creating opportunities for new distribution partnerships, retail collaborations, and increased brand recognition.
The Chile Pavilion at Gulfood 2025 not only highlighted the country’s rich agricultural and seafood offerings but also underscored its role as a trusted global supplier of high-quality, sustainable, and innovative food products. With an eye on future growth, Chile continues to position itself as a key player in the international food industry, bringing the best of its land and sea to tables worldwide.
