Chile Pavilion Shines at Gulfood 2026 with Strong Global Interest
Dubai, UAE – Gulfood 2026 – Chile’s participation at Gulfood 2026, the world’s leading food and beverage exhibition, has drawn robust international attention, reinforcing its standing as a global supplier of high-quality, innovative, and sustainable food products. In just the first three days, the Chile Pavilion has seen considerable traffic from buyers, distributors, and industry professionals from across the Middle East, Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas, all eager to explore new business opportunities and connect with Chilean exporters.
Chilean companies participating at the pavilion report active engagement, with a continuous stream of international visitors showing heightened interest in Chilean food solutions that match global consumption trends such as health, sustainability, and product versatility.
Among the highlights, dry fruits have emerged as key attractions. Items like raisins, dried cranberries, walnuts, and other dehydrated fruits have seen high buyer demand, appreciated for their consistent quality, traceability, and suitability across retail and industrial markets. Global buyers have praised Chile’s reliability, strong food safety standards, and its ability to cater to both premium and value-added segments.
“We have seen a strong response from importers and distributors, which underscores Chile’s reputation for combining quality, innovation, and sustainability across its food exports,” said Sharif Chacoff, Chile’s trade commissioner in the UAE and director of the local office of ProChile.
He added, “Chile’s food exports to the UAE grew by over 42% in 2025 compared to the year before, driven particularly by walnuts, which jumped over 550% year-on-year. This is because Chilean companies have a commitment to the highest quality, responsible production practices, technological development, and long-term partnerships with international clients.”
Beyond the spotlight on dry fruits, the Chile Pavilion is also showcasing a diverse product portfolio. This includes agro-industrial products such as oats, which benefit from rising global demand for healthier diets, alongside plant-based milks, natural juices, and a broad variety of dehydrated produce, demonstrating Chile’s adaptability and alignment with evolving food trends.
Supporting its strategic positioning, Chile has also hosted tastings and promotional activities at the pavilion, offering an interactive experience for visitors. These initiatives not only highlight the distinctive flavor and versatility of Chilean products but also spark productive B2B exchanges and long-term collaborations.
In summary, Gulfood 2026 stands as a significant benchmark for Chile’s food export strategy in the Middle East and worldwide. The impressive outcomes from the Chile Pavilion in the initial days underscore not just the competitiveness of Chilean producers, but also Chile’s ambition to be a global partner offering high-quality, healthy, and innovative food solutions to international markets.
Team V.DIR-EM-UAE
