The 2026 edition of Gulfood, held from the 26th to the 30th of January in Dubai, once again proved why it is regarded as one of the most influential and expansive food and beverage exhibitions in the world. This year’s event was so immense in scale that it was hosted across two major venues simultaneously, the Dubai World Trade Centre and the Dubai Exhibition Centre at Expo City Dubai, a clear reflection of its ever-growing international significance. With thousands of exhibitors, tens of thousands of professional visitors, and participation from nearly every corner of the globe, Gulfood transformed the city into a vibrant crossroads of culture, commerce, and culinary innovation. Within this dynamic global arena, Cyprus emerged with a powerful and unified national presence that showcased the island’s quality, heritage, and expanding international ambition.

Cyprus’ participation was not merely symbolic; it was a coordinated and strategic showcase of the country’s food and beverage industry. Supported by the Ministry of Energy, Commerce and Industry and the Cyprus Trade Center in Dubai, the Cypriot delegation was carefully organized to present a cohesive national identity while allowing individual brands to shine. The pavilion drew steady attention throughout the exhibition, with buyers, distributors, chefs, and hospitality professionals exploring the diversity of Cypriot offerings. From traditional staples to modern innovations, Cyprus presented itself as both a guardian of Mediterranean culinary heritage and a forward-thinking exporter ready to meet contemporary global demands.

One of the most striking aspects of Cyprus’ presence was the breadth of industries represented. Rather than focusing on a single product category, the Cypriot delegation spanned olive oils, grains, bakery products, dairy, beverages, specialty foods, and natural ingredients. This diversity communicated a powerful message: Cyprus is not simply known for one iconic product but is a comprehensive food-producing nation capable of supplying a wide spectrum of high-quality goods. Visitors to the Cyprus stands frequently commented on the balance between authenticity and innovation, a hallmark of Mediterranean food culture that blends tradition with adaptability.

Olive oil producers and specialty food brands attracted significant attention, highlighting Cyprus’ deep agricultural roots and longstanding relationship with the land. Brands such as Ambrosia Oils (1976) Ltd, The King of Olives, Ecoterra LTD, represented the island’s dedication to premium olive cultivation and processing. Their stands featured elegant packaging, tastings, and educational discussions about origin, harvest methods, and flavor profiles. These interactions did more than promote products; they fostered appreciation for Cypriot terroir and craftsmanship. Buyers seeking authenticity and traceability found Cyprus’ olive oil sector especially compelling, reinforcing the country’s growing reputation in the premium category. Particularly impressive was Ambrosia’s olive oil infused with delicate golden flakes, a visually striking and luxurious product that caught our eye immediately.

Equally strong was the presence of grain, bakery, and staple food producers. Companies such as Mitsides Public Co Ltd, Cyprus Millers by Hadjigiorkis, Serano, Protino Foods Ltd, and Zorbas Group demonstrated the island’s industrial capabilities and commitment to quality manufacturing. These brands represent decades of expertise in flour, pasta, bakery goods, and processed foods, and their participation underscored Cyprus’ reliability as a large-scale supplier. Business-to-business meetings in these sectors were particularly active, as importers and retailers explored long-term supply agreements and private-label opportunities. The ability to combine traditional recipes with modern production efficiency proved to be a significant competitive advantage.

The salt and natural ingredient sector also played a notable role in the Cypriot showcase. MGP Cyprus Salt Co Ltd and M.P. Theodorou Salt Industry Co Ltd highlighted the island’s natural resources and commitment to purity and sustainability. These companies emphasized both culinary and industrial applications, demonstrating how Cyprus can serve niche markets while maintaining export scale. Their displays focused on product quality, mineral composition, and packaging innovations, attracting interest from gourmet distributors as well as large-volume buyers. The inclusion of these brands illustrated the depth of Cyprus’ food ecosystem, extending beyond finished goods to foundational ingredients.

Perhaps the most celebrated segment of Cyprus’ participation was its dairy industry, which consistently drew crowds and generated lively engagement. Halloumi,  Cyprus’ globally recognized cheese, served as a cultural ambassador, symbolizing both tradition and economic strength. Leading dairy producers such as Pantziarou Bros Dairy Products Ltd, Papouis Dairies Ltd, Petrou Bros Dairy Products Ltd (Alambra), Charalambides Christis Ltd, Olympus Food Cyprus Ltd, and Dodoni (Cyprus) Ltd presented extensive product lines ranging from halloumi and feta to yogurts and specialty cheeses. Tastings, culinary demonstrations, and direct discussions with producers created memorable experiences for visitors. The dairy segment successfully conveyed Cyprus’ commitment to quality standards, export readiness, and product innovation, all while maintaining strong ties to heritage and authenticity.

Complementing the dairy leaders were additional specialty producers such as Eleftherios G. Eleftheriou (AchnaGal) Ltd, Multego Trading LTD (Zerzekkis), Lefkonitziatis Dairy Products Ltd, A. Hadjipieris Ltd, and Five Trees Ltd. These brands added depth and character to the Cypriot presentation, showing that beyond the major industrial players lies a network of mid-sized and boutique producers committed to excellence. Their participation emphasized the diversity of Cypriot entrepreneurship and highlighted the country’s ability to nurture both large enterprises and artisanal businesses. For international buyers, this mix provided flexibility, opportunities to work with established exporters as well as discover unique niche offerings.

Cyprus also made a strong impression in the beverages sector, an area that continues to grow in international demand. Companies such as KEAN Soft Drinks Ltd, KEO Plc, New Sevegep Ltd, Amoresi Ltd (Zoi Juices), and Laiko Manufacturing & Trading Ltd showcased a refreshing range of juices, soft drinks, wines, and specialty beverages. These brands emphasized natural ingredients, regional flavors, and modern branding strategies that appeal to younger demographics while maintaining trust among established consumers. The beverage stands were particularly active with hospitality professionals and distributors seeking products suitable for hotels, restaurants, and retail chains. This segment demonstrated Cyprus’ adaptability to evolving global trends in health, flavor innovation, and packaging design.

Beyond product displays, Cyprus’ presence at Gulfood 2026 was marked by purposeful networking and structured business engagement. Meetings were arranged throughout the week between Cypriot companies and potential partners from the Middle East, Asia, Europe, and Africa. These discussions covered distribution agreements, export logistics, branding collaborations, and market entry strategies. The role of the Ministry of Energy, Commerce and Industry and the Cyprus Trade Center in Dubai was instrumental in facilitating these interactions. Their support ensured that the Cypriot pavilion functioned not only as a showcase but also as a platform for tangible commercial growth.

The exhibition also served a broader cultural purpose. Cyprus used the opportunity to reinforce its identity as a Mediterranean nation with a rich culinary heritage and a strong agricultural tradition. Visitors were not only introduced to products but also to stories, narratives about family businesses, regional recipes, and the historical significance of ingredients. This storytelling approach humanized the brands and fostered emotional connections, which are increasingly important in modern consumer markets. The result was an experience that extended beyond transactions and into relationship building.

The dual-venue nature of Gulfood 2026 underscored the magnitude of the event and amplified the visibility of participating countries. Being present in such a vast international environment allowed Cyprus to position itself alongside major global food exporters while maintaining a distinctive identity. The collective presence of so many Cypriot brands under one national banner strengthened recognition and conveyed unity, professionalism, and confidence.

Overall, Cyprus’ participation in Gulfood 2026 stood out as a strong and meaningful presence that further elevated the country’s profile within the global food and beverage industry. Backed by national institutions and represented by a diverse and passionate group of producers, the Cypriot delegation successfully highlighted excellence across multiple sectors. From olive oils and grains to dairy products and beverages, the island demonstrated both its competitive strength and its ability to preserve cultural authenticity while meeting modern market demands. The days in Dubai created new commercial opportunities, reinforced existing partnerships, and strengthened Cyprus’ image as a reliable, innovative, and quality-driven food producer, an impression that is expected to continue opening doors well beyond the exhibition itself.

Author: Isabel Uson

Isabel Uson Tirone is a dynamic marketing and communications professional with a strong focus on content strategy, event promotion, and community engagement. She currently serves...