Japan Pavilion Expands Presence at GULFOOD 2025

From 17 to 21 February 2025, JETRO organized the JAPAN PAVILION at the 30th edition of GULFOOD, held at the Dubai World Trade Centre. This year marked a significant milestone, as the pavilion was set up on a larger scale than ever before, reflecting the growing interest of Japanese food companies in the UAE and Middle East market.

With an overwhelming response to the event, nearly 80 Japanese companies applied for participation, despite an initial allocation of only 25 booths. To accommodate this demand and maximize business matching opportunities, JETRO expanded the pavilion to include five additional booths, allowing 30 companies to take part. Furthermore, a dedicated annex specializing in seafood products was introduced, featuring seven participating companies. In total, 37 Japanese companies actively engaged in business negotiations throughout the event.

Among the standout offerings, matcha and oysters garnered significant attention from visitors. However, the highlight of the pavilion was the successful debut of fresh pears from Chiba Prefecture. Traditionally harvested between summer and autumn, fresh pears have been challenging to export to winter events such as GULFOOD. However, thanks to Japan’s advanced refrigeration technology, the pears were successfully preserved and presented in their freshest form. This innovation signals a promising future in which UAE residents may enjoy fresh Japanese fruits throughout the year.

GULFOOD 2025 welcomed more than 144,000 visitors and 5,500 exhibitors from 198 countries, underscoring its role as the undisputed global hub for food innovation, trade, and economic transformation. The JAPAN PAVILION’s expanded presence and innovative offerings underscored Japan’s commitment to deepening trade ties and delivering premium-quality products to the global market.