Applications have now closed.

What types of businesses should apply?

Export-ready Victorian food and beverage companies based or headquartered in Victoria are welcome to apply.

Companies representing the following sectors are encouraged to apply:

• dairy & plant-based dairy alternatives
• bakery & cereals
• savoury snacks
• seasonings, dressings & sauces
• syrups & spreads
• oils & fats
• hot drinks
• baby cereals & dry/wet meals
• meat

Note: no confectionary or alcoholic products are allowed at this trade show.

Please note that this is a competitive expression of interest process with a limited number of participants. Applications will be thoroughly reviewed against the category opportunities in market. Before applying, please familiarise yourself with the terms and conditions for participating in Victorian Government trade mission programs.

About the market

The Gulf region is an important economic partner for Victoria with food and beverage. The United Arab Emirates is currently Victoria’s ninth largest food and fibre export market valued at $693 million in 2022-23.

Traditionally there has been consistent demand for Victorian agricultural commodities and premium food and beverage products, especially in the Gulf countries which continue to import up to 90 per cent of their food requirements.

Governments across the region are putting into action extensive plans for economic diversification and sustainable development, with national programs including ‘We the UAE’ 2031, Saudi Vision 2030, Qatar National Vision 2030 and New Kuwait 2035.

These ambitious plans, coupled with a growing young population and an increase in the number of international major events being held in the region present significant opportunities for Victoria in premium food and beverage.

Post pandemic, consumer demand is driving specific demand for food products that are organic, clean, green and can help promote immunity.

About the opportunity

Global Victoria will host a trade mission to Dubai to support export-ready Victorian food and beverage businesses to participate at Gulfood from 17 – 21 February 2025.

Gulfood Dubai is one of the largest food sourcing trade shows in the world. In 2024 the show featured over 5,500 exhibitors and attracted more than 100,000 attendees representing 190 countries.

The Global Victoria trade mission to Gulfood will provide a limited number of participating businesses with tailored pre-trade show support, including 1:1 virtual consultation, business matching and optional supermarket tour, delivered in partnership with Export Connect. Products will be showcased on the Victorian stand within the Australia pavilion with a premium ‘grocery style’ display wall. The stand will also feature a meeting space for buyer discussions.

With global importers and distributors in attendance, Gulfood 2025 provides an opportunity to connect you to international trade opportunities and to amplify your product awareness.

What's included?

Global Victoria will support costs incurred during the Gulfood program of events, from 17 to 21 February 2025 including:

• A designated space on the product display wall in the Victorian area of the Australia pavilion and access to meeting spaces.
• Trade show passes for a maximum of two representatives per Victorian company.
• Individual business listing in the Gulfood Exhibitor Directory.
• Pre-show and on-the-ground support services from delivery partners, such as Export Connect and Victorian Government Trade and Investment (VGTI) team in Dubai.
• Transport for optional retail tour and site visit program.

What’s not included?

Global Victoria will not pay for:

• visas
• airfares
• accommodation
• travel insurance
• meals outside the program events and functions not hosted and/or co-supported by Global Victoria
• ground transport such as taxis, Ubers and public transport
• freight – shipment and storing of product samples.

Our terms and conditions

Familiarise yourself with Global Victoria's terms and conditions for participation in this trade mission program.

Contact us

For more information about this trade mission, connect with Jai Jackson-Jin – Trade Manager, Food and Fibre.