Free From Food Expo – Europe’s leading innovation platform for the free-from, organic, vegan, functional and healthy ingredient food industries – brings its recipe for success to the Middle East from 19–20 September 2023, when it holds its first ever event in Dubai. 

In a post-Covid era characterised by increased consumer interest in health and wellness, a clear growth in demand exists in the Free From & Healthy Food Markets, particularly in the Middle East. Due to the growing interest in healthy eating, the increased prevalence of food intolerances (including coeliac disease, gluten and lactose intolerance), alongside the rise in disposable income, Middle Eastern consumers have demonstrated a growing appetite for Free From and Healthy Products. 

The GCC gluten-free food products market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 9 per cent from 2021–2025, while sugar-free, vegan/plant- based food, protein-rich foods, and non-alcoholic drinks are all expected to perform well.

As evidenced by the increased number of gymnasiums, fitness centres, and interest in ‘better-for-you’ food, the GCC is a market ripe with opportunity for international free-from food and functional ingredients businesses. 

Within this context, Free From Food Dubai will be a uniting force bringing together eminent international food manufacturers, distributors and local key decision-makers in the retail, food services, catering, wholesale, and all other ‘Free From’ & Healthy Ingredient distribution channels.

Two-day, fully B2B event

This two-day, fully B2B event, will feature a physical showcase of innovative businesses and products, an extensive curated matchmaking programme with guaranteed high numbers of meetings for participants, and a conference programme with global industry expert keynote speakers. 

Presentations covering an array of categories – including free-from, vegan/plant-based, natural/organic, functional/healthy ingredients, and product features – will provide invaluable market insights and education for professionals. 

Unique matchmaking service

Attendees and exhibitors will be able to make the most of their time with efficient matchmaking services organised by Global Management Dubai – the meeting specialist and experienced organiser for the Saudi Export Development Authority and the Saudi Pavilion at Gulf Food. 

Previous attendees to the Amsterdam 2021 and Barcelona 2019 Free From Food (FFF) editions reported that the unique matchmaking is one of their favourite parts of the FFF event, with 97 per cent of attendees making new business connections, and 95 per cent of attendees expecting sales following the event. 

Since the UAE relies on agrifood import for 90 per cent of food requirements, foreign companies can feel confident that local partners will be open to foreign business connections. With an innovative exhibition, and its extensive networking and matchmaking approach, Free From Food Dubai 2023 will be the premier event in the Free From and Healthy Food Markets in the Middle East. 

Pre-Registration is now open for exhibitors, and visitors are encouraged to connect with their peers via Twitter, LinkedIn, or Facebook in advance of the show. For more information and to receive the latest updates, visit: https://dubai.freefromfoodexpo.com