Gulfood 2026 launches supply chain section

Gulfood 2026 has launched a new section, Gulfood Logistics, highlighting the growing role of transport, cold chain, and freight networks in the global food economy. The move comes as supply chains face rising pressure from trade growth, climate risks, and tighter delivery timelines. 

The global logistics and transportation market is expected to expand from US$ 9.4 trillion in 2024 to US$ 23 trillion by 2035, underlining why food producers and traders are paying closer attention to how goods move across borders. With an estimated 70–90 per cent of global trade by value carried by sea, efficiency in shipping and warehousing is becoming a key factor in food availability and pricing. 

The new Gulfood Logistics platform will run at the Dubai Exhibition Centre at Expo City Dubai, bringing logistics providers together with food manufacturers, exporters, and buyers. The focus will be on cold-chain systems, temperature-controlled transport, smart warehousing, and real-time cargo tracking—areas critical for moving perishables safely and quickly. 

Dubai’s position as a major trade hub also plays into the launch. The UAE accounts for about 30 per cent of GCC logistics activity and logistics contributes roughly 8 per cent of national GDP, reinforcing its role as a link between Asia, Europe, and Africa. Industry players say closer coordination between food and logistics sectors will be essential as global food trade continues to grow and diversify. 

Petrochem’s investment highlights the growing need for large-scale, specialized logistics solutions in the UAE. By consolidating production, storage, and management, the company can operate faster, improve coordination, and better respond to market needs—making the new terminal a central hub for industrial logistics in the Middle East.