Chile officially inaugurated today its National Pavilion at Gulfood Dubai 2026, the world’s largest and most influential food and beverage trade exhibition, during an opening ceremony led by H.E. Ambassador Patricio Diaz, Ambassador of Chile to the United Arab Emirates, together with the ProChile UAE team, led by Sharif Chacoff, Chile’s Trade Commissioner in the UAE, Lorena Sepúlveda , deputy Director of ProChile. and representatives of the Chilean exporting companies participating in the event.
The official opening marks a key milestone in Chile’s presence at Gulfood 2026 and reinforces the country’s commitment to strengthening trade relations with the United Arab Emirates and the wider Gulf region, positioning Chile as a reliable, long-term partner in global food supply.
During the ceremony, authorities highlighted the strategic importance of Gulfood as a platform to connect Chilean exporters with importers, distributors, retailers and food manufacturers from the Middle East, Africa and Asia. The Chile Pavilion showcases a diversified export offering including nuts, dried fruits, prunes, raisins, cereals, honey, plant-based products and value-added food solutions, aligned with regional demand for food security, quality and traceability.
Official Statements
“I have the honor of being here today at the inauguration of Chile’s stand at Gulfood, an immensely important trade fair in an equally important market for Chile, here in Dubai.Today, we can see how our presence and participation in this market continue to grow steadily—constantly improving our stand and our level of participation, with an increasing number of companies and experiences.In this sense, we are very pleased and believe that this is the way we should continue working throughout 2026 and into the future.”, said H.E. Ambassador Patricio Diaz, Ambassador of Chile to the United Arab Emirates.
“Today’s inauguration of the Chile Pavilion reflects the strong commitment of the Government of Chile and ProChile to advance international cooperation and trade,” said Sharif Chacoff, Chile’s Trade Commissioner in the UAE. “We are proud to present Chilean companies at Gulfood 2026 and strengthen our strategic partnership with the UAE and Gulf markets.”
Lorena Sepúlveda , deputy Director of ProChile: “Chile is among the world’s main providers of walnuts, prunes, plums, and other fruits, all of which are present at Gulfood 2026; and for the first time we will have products such as plant-based milks such as oat, coconut or almond. We are here to showcase Chile’s sophisticated, high-added value food offering, and that we are a reliable business partner for the UAE and the Middle East”
Taste of Chile’s rich culinary heritage
Within the framework of the official inauguration of the Chile Pavilion at Gulfood 2026, and following the conclusion of the opening ceremony, attendees and invited guests were offered an immersive taste of Chile’s rich culinary heritage.
The gastronomic experience featured a curated selection of iconic Chilean products and traditional dishes, allowing the audience to discover the country’s flavors through an authentic sensory journey. The tasting included premium Chilean salmon, the traditional refreshment mote con huesillo, classic empanadas, cholitos (mussels), pastel de choclo, and a variety of other typical Chilean foods that reflect the diversity and identity of Chilean cuisine.
This culinary showcase served as a celebration of Chile’s culture, quality, and agri-food excellence, reinforcing the country’s strong positioning as a reliable and innovative food exporter on the global stage.
Institutional Presence and Strategic Vision
The inauguration of the Chile Pavilion reflects the coordinated work between Chile’s Embassy in the UAE and ProChile, Chile’s export promotion agency, aimed at supporting the internationalization of Chilean companies and fostering sustainable trade partnerships in high-growth markets.
Chile’s food export sector continues to demonstrate strong performance globally, supported by high food safety standards, certified production systems, sustainability practices and open market access. These attributes position Chile as a competitive and trusted origin for international buyers seeking long-term supply reliability.
Chile Pavilion at Gulfood 2026
Throughout Gulfood 2026, the Chile Pavilion will serve as a hub for B2B meetings, product showcases, networking activities and institutional engagements, enabling Chilean companies to present their capabilities and explore new commercial opportunities with regional and international partners.
The participation of Chile at Gulfood 2026 underscores the country’s role as a strategic contributor to global food systems, capable of responding to evolving consumer trends and the needs of international markets such as the UAE.
Meet Chile at Gulfood 2026
Dubai Exhibition Centre – EXPO City
Visitors, importers and business partners are invited to visit the Chile Pavilion at Gulfood 2026, where representatives from the Chilean delegation will be available for business meetings and strategic discussions throughout the exhibition.
SOUTH HALL 4 – WORLD FOOD | BOOTH 26 – 2
NORTH HALL 7 – PULSES & GRAINS | BOOTH N7 – D30
