Sri Lanka Gulfood 2026 preparations are setting the stage for a significant international showcase as the country positions its food and beverage sector before a global audience, highlighting export readiness, product diversity, and growing demand across key regional markets.
Sri Lanka Gulfood 2026 pavilion expands reach for food exporters
Sri Lanka is preparing for a landmark appearance at Gulfood 2026, one of the world’s largest and most influential food and beverage exhibitions, as the country seeks to elevate its export profile on a global platform. Organised under the leadership of the Sri Lanka Export Development Board, the participation reflects a broader strategy to position the island as a reliable source of premium, value-added food products for international markets.
The Export Development Board, as the apex government institution for export promotion, plays a central role in guiding Sri Lanka’s international trade engagement. Each year, the Board facilitates participation in more than 20 major global trade fairs, supporting exporters across agriculture, food, and value-added manufacturing. Events such as Anuga, SIAL, Biofach, Seafood Expo Global and Natural & Organic Products Expo form part of this outreach, with Gulfood in Dubai standing out as the flagship platform due to its scale and commercial influence.
At Sri Lanka Gulfood 2026, the national pavilion will prioritise inclusive growth by ensuring that small and medium-sized enterprises account for approximately half of the participating companies. This approach is designed to strengthen export competitiveness while enabling smaller producers to access buyers, distributors and partners that would otherwise remain beyond reach. Alongside SMEs, large and established exporters will anchor the pavilion, creating a balanced representation of Sri Lanka’s export ecosystem.
Gulfood is recognised as the largest food and beverage sourcing and innovation exhibition globally, drawing industry leaders from across the supply chain. The 2026 edition will span the Dubai Exhibition Centre and Dubai World Trade Center, hosting more than 8,500 exhibitors and showcasing over 1.5 million products across 12 industry sectors. With participation from 195 countries, the event offers unmatched exposure to decision-makers across the Middle East, Africa and South Asia.
Sri Lanka’s Country Pavilion will be located at the Dubai Exhibition Centre within Expo City and will cover 510 square metres. This makes it the largest business-to-business country pavilion ever organised by Sri Lanka, reflecting growing international demand for Sri Lankan food and beverage offerings. The expanded footprint signals confidence in the country’s export capacity and underscores its ambition to secure long-term trade partnerships.
A total of 61 Sri Lankan exporters will participate, representing a diverse cross-section of the industry. These include leading producers in coconut-based products, spices, tea, dairy, processed foods and value-added agricultural goods, alongside innovative SMEs specialising in organic, natural and wellness-focused offerings. This mix allows buyers to engage with both scale-driven suppliers and niche producers aligned with evolving consumer preferences.
Visitors to the pavilion will encounter a wide range of products, including premium coconut derivatives, spices, teas, processed foods and ready-to-eat innovations developed for global markets. The showcase reflects Sri Lanka’s emphasis on quality, traceability and market-oriented production, reinforcing its reputation for authenticity and consistency.
The Middle East, Africa and South Asia region remains a priority growth market for Sri Lankan exports. In 2024, Sri Lanka exported agricultural commodities worth approximately US$ 1.38 billion to the region, with food and beverage products accounting for more than US$ 1.17 billion of that total. The wider Middle East and Africa food and beverage market, valued at around US$ 133.68 billion in 2024, is projected to grow steadily through the end of the decade, driven by population growth, urbanisation and demand for imported premium foods.
Against this backdrop, Sri Lanka Gulfood 2026 offers exporters a strategic gateway to strengthen buyer relationships, explore new distribution channels and align products with regional demand trends. Beyond trade promotion, the pavilion will also highlight Sri Lanka’s commitment to sustainable sourcing, responsible value chains and innovation-led growth.
Through its expanded presence at Gulfood 2026, Sri Lanka is not only marketing products but also reinforcing its position as a trusted and forward-looking participant in the global food trade. The initiative reflects a long-term vision to build resilient export growth while ensuring that both large companies and emerging enterprises benefit from international market access.