Sri Lanka sets stage for landmark presence at Gulfood 2026

Sri Lanka is set to make a remarkable presence at Gulfood 2026, one of the world’s largest and most prestigious food and beverage exhibitions, organised by the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (SLEDB). With its participation, the island nation aims to showcase its rich food ingredients, premium-quality products, and dynamic export potential on a truly global stage.

The EDB is the apex Government organisation responsible for developing and promoting exports, with the vision of positioning Sri Lanka as a leading export hub for premium products and services. Annually, the EDB conducts over 20 international trade fairs with the objective of assisting Sri Lankan exporters and industries in expanding their business globally. Key fairs targeting agriculture and food products include Anuga (Germany), SIAL (France), Biofach (Germany), Seafood Expo Global (Spain), Organic & Natural Expo (Dubai), and Natural and Organic Products Expo (UK), with Gulfood (Dubai) standing out as the flagship event among them. The EDB supports SME companies while also providing assistance and facilitation to large companies to attend these events. 

At Gulfood 2026, the Sri Lanka pavilion facilitates approximately 50% SME participation, thereby enhancing their contribution to Sri Lanka’s export competitiveness and promoting sustainable economic growth, the EDB said in a statement.

Gulfood is the biggest F&B sourcing and innovation show of the year and will take place across two mega venues - Dubai Exhibition Centre and Dubai World Trade Center. The event features over 8,500 exhibitors, 1.5 million products, 12 sectors, and participants from 195 countries, making it a truly global platform. Gulfood serves as a strategic hub for the food and beverage industry, connecting producers, exporters, and buyers, fostering innovation, and facilitating trade. 

For Sri Lankan exporters, it provides a unique opportunity to showcase high-quality products, strengthen international business relationships, and tap into high-potential markets across the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia (MEASA) region, while offering unparalleled opportunities for networking and trade.

Sri Lanka’s Country Pavilion, located at the Dubai Exhibition Centre, Expo City, will cover 510 square meters, marking the largest B2B country pavilion ever organised by Sri Lanka. This expansion reflects the growing global recognition and demand for Sri Lankan food and beverage products, the EDB noted.

According to the EDB, The Middle East, Africa, and South Asia (MEASA) region holds significant potential for Sri Lankan exports. In 2024, the country exported agricultural commodities worth $ 1,381 million to the MEASA region, including food and beverage products valued at $ 1,171.31 million. The broader Middle East and Africa food and beverage market was valued at approximately $ 133.68 billion in 2024 and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.5% from 2024 to 2031, highlighting the region’s strong and growing demand for imported quality food products.

A total of 61 Sri Lankan exporting companies will participate, representing a diverse array of sectors including 28 large companies: Waguruwela Oil Mills, Aussee Oats Milling, NDC Exports, Consolidated Business Systems Limited, Elpitiya Plantations PLC, Ceylon Agro-Industries Limited, Sunshine Tea, Bespice, Adamexpo, Renuka Agri Foods PLC, Jaindi Exports, Ceylon Cold Stores PLC, Cargills Ceylon PLC, Wichy Plantation Company, C.W. Mackie PLC, Colombo Export & Import Agencies, Link Natural Products, Ceylon Eco Spices, Tropical Life International, New Lanka Cinnamon, Ranfer Teas, Cherish Biscuits, Metshu Exports, Expo Commodities, Global Trading Services, Pelwatte Dairy Industries, Maliban Biscuit Manufactories, and CBL Natural Foods, along with 33 SMEs including Siddhalepa Exporters, Bio Extracts, Muswenna Tea Factory, Greenfield Bio Plantations, D&R Exports, Saya International Tea and Food Exports, Ranre International, Virco International, Tradlanka Agricultural Enterprises, Planto Ceylon, Prestige Quality International, Rancrisp Marketing, Ellawala Horticulture, Ethical Extracts, Supreme Agro Exports, Everblot Food Products, Nelna Agri Development, Knuckles Valley Plantation, P.T.C Agro, Russel’s, Kumara Cinnamon Exporters, Scattered Harvest, Ceylon Coco Green Manufacturing, Diana Biscuits, Centra Exports, Wedagedara Producers, Lavinia Foods, Authentic Lanka Exports, Sinolan Tea, Development Facilitators, Sisili Trading, Virgin Cinnamon International, and Worldwide Commodities.

Visitors can explore premium value-added coconut products, processed foods, spices, tea, and innovative ready-to-eat offerings. This vibrant showcase underscores Sri Lanka’s expertise in producing high-quality, authentic, and market-oriented products.