Game-Changing Collaborations and Global Launches Define Day 2 at Gulfood Manufacturing 2025
— The Ultimate Global Platform for FoodTech Innovation
Uniting industry powerhouses with next-gen disruptors, the second day of Gulfood Manufacturing 2025 in Dubai proved that innovation is no longer optional — it’s the future. A flurry of strategic partnerships, product premieres and immersive sensory showcases on the show floor reaffirmed the event’s reputation as the definitive arena for foodtech advancements.
Amid rapidly shifting sector dynamics, the event spotlighted the defining trends shaping the industry’s evolution. With Artificial Intelligence propelling a projected 45% CAGR for food manufacturing technologies through 2027, and 75% of F&B producers prioritising sustainability over cost efficiency, the global food industry is accelerating towards an era of smart, green manufacturing.
With attendance from major global players such as Arla Foods Ingredients Group, Cargill, Givaudan Suisse SA, Heat and Control, Ingredion, Ishida Middle East, Rieckermann GmbH, Tetra Pak, and Symrise AG, the exhibition floor was a hive of technological breakthroughs and future-forward solutions.
Nations expanding this year’s participation included Japan, Korea, and Russia, manifesting the show’s growing international pull and underscoring Dubai’s emergence as a regional manufacturing epicentre with year-on-year double-digit expansion.
Bold Collaborations Fuel a Tectonic Shift in Taste & Technology
The convergence of projected 6.5% CAGR in the Middle East’s food and beverage sector and the region’s growing role in AI-led industrialisation has further cemented Gulfood Manufacturing as the epicentre of innovation-led growth.
A standout highlight was the pioneering collaboration between global biosolutions leader Novonesis and gastronomic icon Noma.
Andrew Taylor, Executive Vice President of Food & Beverage Biosolutions at Novonesis, stated:
“What it means to be delicious varies by location. That’s why we have local labs all over the world. By teaming up with Noma, we are taking our knowledge of taste and texture to the next level, creating foods that are healthier, more flavorful, and better for the planet.”
Meanwhile, manufacturing leader Tetra Pak unveiled its Tetra Pak® Factory OS™ — a game-changing suite of digital and automation innovations designed to revolutionize traditional food and beverage plants into AI-enhanced ‘smart factories’.
Konstantin Kolesnik, Managing Director of Tetra Pak Arabia Area, remarked:
“We are thrilled to be leveraging the dynamic backdrop of Gulfood Manufacturing this year to announce and showcase the latest innovations… Our presence at this event is centered around highlighting innovation that enables our customers to meet changing consumer needs, advance sustainability, and tap new opportunities for growth.”
Global Heavyweights Launch Next-Gen Products
From state-of-the-art engineering to transformative formulations, Day 2 saw marquee companies unveil their next-generation technologies and collaborations.
Heat and Control debuted their FastBack® Symphony On-Machine Seasoning (OMS) System.
Bobby Kane, General Manager for Western Europe, UK and Middle East at Heat and Control, said:
“Our focus this year is on equipment that optimises operations while supporting sustainable production. Water management is especially important in this region, and our advanced solutions help food manufacturers save water, reduce costs, and boost line efficiency.”
Packaging innovator SIG introduced its global tie-up with Nutrition from Water (NXW), marked by the launch of a new algae-based protein beverage in aseptic packaging.
Abdelghany Eladib, President & General Manager, India, Middle East and Africa at SIG noted:
“Our innovation and end-to-end system approach create real impact for both customers and consumers… showing how packaging can deliver safe, sustainable, and affordable nutrition while driving circularity and future-proof solutions.”
The FoodTech Summit: Where Disciplines and Visions Collide
At the intellectual heart of Gulfood Manufacturing, the FoodTech Summit brought together thought leaders, visionaries, and cutting-edge startups to spotlight the disruptive power of emerging technologies — from digital twins and clean label innovation to cold chain analytics and smart ingredient reformulation.
Renowned digital futurist Mark Minevich, President of Going Global Ventures, opened the summit with a keynote titled Physical AI and Agentic AI: Redefining the Future of Food Manufacturing.
“Gulfood Manufacturing is where the future of food is being redefined. Here, Physical AI and intelligent food systems are transforming manufacturing, strengthening supply chains, and shaping resilient food ecosystems that will feed the world while setting benchmarks for sustainable, sovereign food ecosystems.”
Sudhakar Tomar, President, India, Middle East Agri Alliance and Chairman, Bharat Subcontinent Agri Foundation, emphasised:
“Gulfood Manufacturing champions innovation and advanced manufacturing that shape the everyday food people trust and rely on… Dubai’s shift from being an importer to a convergence point where trade and technology comes together.”
Recognising Excellence: The 2025 Gulfood Manufacturing Industry Excellence Awards
The event culminated in the prestigious Gulfood Manufacturing Industry Excellence Awards, celebrating those reshaping the industry with vision, innovation and impact. Winners across key categories included:
- AI & Smart Manufacturing Innovation: Ishida Middle East – Sentinel 5.0
- Best Food Safety Innovation: Aasted ApS – StellaNova with CIP System
- Best Packaging Innovation: SIG – SIG Terra Alu-free + Full Barrier
- Best Processing Innovation: KayDee Solutions LLC – Robot Avocado Line
- Functional Ingredient of the Year: ADM – Lactobacillus gasseri CP2305 / ROBERTET – Lipowheat®
- Multisensory Experience Innovation: Novonesis – Novamyl® BestBite
- Non-Functional Ingredient of the Year: dsm-firmenich – ModulaSENSE® & TasteGEM® Carbonation Boosters
- Plant-Based Manufacturing Company of the Year: SMS Corporation & Adaaya Farm
- Renewable Energy Initiative: Krones AG – LineFlex eSync Pasteuriser
- Sustainable Company of the Year: Tetra Pak
As the event enters its final day — open from 10:00am to 17:00pm on November 6 — global attention remains fixed on the trends, collaborations and technologies emerging from Gulfood Manufacturing 2025, proving that the road to a smarter, more resilient and sustainable food industry runs through Dubai.
For more details or to register, visit: https://www.gulfoodmanufacturing.com/
Team V.DIR-EM-UAE
