Gulfood - February 2025

Trade Tasmania, as outlined in the Tasmanian Trade Action Plan 2024-25, continues to support emerging and export-ready Tasmanian businesses with opportunities in key markets through trade and investment missions, events, and global programs.

In the recently released Trade and Investment Mission Plan July 2024 to June 2027, a trade and investment mission to the Gulf Region has been planned for February 2025.

The Australia and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries [Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), and the United Arab Emirates (UAE)] share a significant economic relationship, encompassing trade and investment across a broad range of goods and services.

Recent trade statistics identified GCC member countries KSA and the UAE as top 20 markets, with a focus on exports of food products, particularly meat, and advanced manufacturing.

The Gulf trade and investment mission will centre around Gulfood 2025. Gulfood 2025 will provide an opportunity to connect Tasmanian producers with suppliers, distributors, wholesalers and industry leaders. It will also provide a platform to explore the latest trends and innovations shaping the future of the industry.

Gulfood 2025 will be held from 17 to 21 February at Dubai World Trade Centre and is the world’s largest food and beverage sourcing event. In 2024 the show featured more than 5,500 exhibitors, from over 190 countries in 24 halls, with participants reporting the event assisted in facilitating over USD$12 billion worth of trade deals.

The Department of State Growth is planning a presence within the Australian pavilion at Gulfood 2025. The Australian pavilion will be located within the World Food halls.

Tasmanian food and beverage businesses (excluding alcohol and confectionery manufacturers) who are established or emerging exporters are invited to submit an express of interest (EOI) to attend under the TASMANIAN banner. It is important to note that Gulfood does not allow the exhibition of alcohol or confectionery at this show.

Priority will be given to those likely to achieve commercial outcomes or strengthen the Tasmanian brand in-market.

Please note Tasmania’s participation at Gulfood 2025 will be subsidised by the Department of State Growth, however there will be a participation cost of approximately $2,500 (excluding GST) to each participating business.

Submit your expression of interest

Interested businesses are encouraged to submit their Expression of Interest by Monday, 26 August 2024.

Further Information

• No alcohol is allowed to be exhibited at Gulfood.
• No confectionery is allowed to be exhibited at Gulfood.
• Expressions of interest will remain confidential and are non-binding.
• Your expression of interest does not guarantee participation in the tradeshow.
• Priority will be given to those likely to achieve commercial outcomes or strengthen the TASMANIAN brand in-market.
• An invitation will be issued to successful businesses.
• Selected businesses will be responsible for organising, confirming and paying for
  • their delegate’s flights, accommodation, visas and on-ground costs
  • freight logistics, additional storage, and any on-stand equipment in addition to what is provided
  • any complementary ingredients to accompany showcased products or samples
  • company specific marketing collateral for use on the stand, all equipment necessary for sampling, including not but not limited to knives, toothpicks, plates, cutting boards, etc.
• Delegates are required to adhere to UAE entry requirements applicable at the time of travel.
• Selected businesses will be responsible for maintaining
  • company staffing on the TASMANIAN stand during exhibition opening hours
  • ensuring all products and samples are within use by dates for the term of the event.
• If your business is selected to participate on the Tasmanian stand you must use complementary Tasmanian ingredients, where possible, to accompany your main product showcase. Alternatively, you may be asked to use an unbranded product.
• Selected business will have the first option to participate in the broader Gulf trade and investment mission program, where appropriate opportunities are identified. Further details will be provided closer to the time.
• Selected businesses may be required to participate in trade show preparation training as a condition of acceptance.
• Selected businesses will be responsible for the participation cost of $2,500 (excluding GST) plus the cost of any special equipment rental.
• Selected business participants have the opportunity to apply for the Accelerating Trade Program which offers support on a co-contribution up to $10,000 to support in market trade activities. Conditions apply.

Please email trade@stategrowth.tas.gov.au with any enquiries.