Gulfood 2025, the world’s largest annual food and beverage exhibition, transformed the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) into a global culinary stage—and this year, Uruguay emerged as one of the undeniable stars. Known for producing the best beef and lamb in Latin America, Uruguay didn’t just showcase its premium cuts—it gave visitors a taste experience they won’t soon forget.
From the very first sizzle of meat on the grill, the Uruguay Pavilion became a magnet for visitors, with the irresistible aroma of perfectly cooked, grass-fed beef drawing crowds from across the exhibition floor. And once people stopped by for a taste, the reactions were nothing short of amazement.
The Unforgettable Taste of Uruguay’s World-Class Beef and Lamb
Uruguay has long been known for its commitment to producing meat of unparalleled quality, but at Gulfood 2025, visitors got to experience firsthand why its beef and lamb are hailed as the best in Latin America.
Every bite told a story of tradition, natural farming, and ethical production—leaving food lovers, chefs, and buyers alike stunned by the depth of flavor and tenderness.
The offerings included:
- 🌿 100% Grass-fed, hormone-free beef – Naturally raised on Uruguay’s lush pastures, delivering a taste that many visitors called the best beef they had ever eaten.
- 🐑 Free-range lamb – Ethically raised, with a delicate, juicy texture that had people returning for seconds.
- 🔍 Fully traceable meats – Uruguay’s world-leading traceability system added peace of mind to every flavorful bite.
- 🍽️ Live tastings – Fresh off the grill, every sample left visitors in awe of Uruguay’s culinary excellence.
“I’ve never tasted anything like this before,” was a common refrain from attendees, many of whom returned multiple times just to savor the flavors one more time.
Crowds Amazed by Uruguay’s Flavor Explosion
The Uruguay Pavilion quickly became one of the most talked-about stops at Gulfood 2025. Passersby, initially drawn by the irresistible aroma of slow-grilled meat, found themselves amazed by the flavors that followed.
Some highlights that left visitors speechless:
- 🔥 Live grilling demonstrations – The sight (and smell) of Uruguay’s world-class chefs expertly preparing juicy cuts had crowds gathering at all hours.
- 🤩 “This is unforgettable!” – From casual foodies to international buyers, visitors were blown away by the tenderness, juiciness, and depth of flavor in every bite.
The pavilion wasn’t just a showcase—it was a celebration of taste, and the enthusiasm from visitors made it clear that Uruguay had stolen the culinary spotlight.
The Flavor That Opened Doors: Uruguay’s Global Expansion Begins
While the focus was on flavor, Uruguay’s participation at Gulfood 2025 had a clear business goal: strengthen its position as a global leader in premium meat exports. And with the overwhelming response from attendees, it’s safe to say the mission was a success.
The delegation seized the moment to:
- 🔗 Forge new partnerships with food distributors, retailers, and hospitality groups across the UAE and the wider MENA region.
- 🏛️ Strengthen trade ties by aligning with regional food safety and halal certification standards.
- 🌱 Promote Uruguay’s sustainability efforts, which resonated strongly with buyers focused on ethical and eco-friendly sourcing.
Exclusive Interview: Insights from Uruguay’s Meat Industry Leader
During the event, LatinGulf.ae, sat down for an exclusive interview with Josefina Valenti, Marketing Manager at the Uruguay National Meat Institute. They discussed Uruguay’s presence at Gulfood 2025 and its growing role in the global meat industry.
Uruguay National Meat Institute “Uruguay Meats” (INAC) plays a vital role in promoting Uruguay’s meat industry on the global stage, ensuring that the country’s beef and lamb meet the highest international standards for quality, sustainability, and traceability. In this exclusive interview, Valenti shares insights into why Uruguay’s beef has gained worldwide recognition, how visitors at Gulfood 2025 reacted to their flavorful offerings, and the nation’s ambitions for expanding its presence in the UAE and the broader MENA region.
L&G: What are the main opportunities that the UAE and Gulf markets offer for Uruguayan meat?
Josefina: Hello, thank you very much. Uruguay has not been present in this market for many years, but we see the UAE not only as a key market but also as a hub for the Middle East, helping to introduce both beef and lamb, which are highly consumed here.
Uruguay has extensive experience in producing high-quality beef and lamb, and this region is experiencing growing demand for protein as it becomes increasingly cosmopolitan and diverse. Given these factors, we see great potential for growth in the Gulf region.
L&G: What logistical challenges does exporting meat from Uruguay to the UAE entail?
Josefina: These are challenges that Uruguay is very familiar with. We are a country that primarily relies on exports, with our main markets being Asia, Europe, and the United States. Each of these markets presents its own logistical challenges, and recently, we have also gained access to Southeast Asian markets.
For Uruguay, managing complex export logistics is not just a challenge—it’s part of our standard operations.
L&G: What are Uruguay’s expectations for Gulfood 2025? Is this your first time showcasing Uruguayan meat here?
Josefina: We have been participating in this trade fair for three years now. We offer on-the-go tastings to introduce people to Uruguayan beef and lamb.
Our goal is to strengthen our presence in this market and work on brand promotion to emphasize the quality and origin of our products. We are aware that Australia and New Zealand dominate the sector here, so we have a big task ahead in positioning Uruguay as a trusted, high-quality meat supplier.
L&G: Great. Is there anything else you’d like to add?
Josefina: Just an open invitation to try Uruguayan meat! I encourage everyone to give it a chance because its quality will not disappoint.
Final Thoughts: A Flavorful Triumph for Uruguay at Gulfood 2025
As Gulfood 2025 draws to a close, one thing is certain: Uruguay’s beef and lamb didn’t just meet expectations—they exceeded them, leaving visitors amazed by every bite. The nation’s reputation for delivering the best beef and lamb in Latin America was cemented by the passionate reactions of those who experienced the flavors firsthand.
With a focus on sustainability, ethical practices, and unforgettable taste, Uruguay is poised to expand its global presence—especially in the UAE and MENA region. The partnerships forged and the excitement generated at this year’s event signal that Uruguay’s journey as a global leader in premium meat exports is just beginning.
(C) Latin&Gulf 2025
