Sri Lankan F&B sector gears up for Gulfood 2026 showcase

• Applications now open for the 2026 exhibition
• Application form can be downloaded from the EDB website 
• Deadline: 4 July 2025 

By Rukaiya Riza

The Export Development Board (EDB) has announced that efforts are underway to  participate at the Gulfood 2026, which is one of the largest Food and Beverage (F&B) exhibitions in the world.

The event is scheduled to be held from 26th and 30th January 2026. According to organisers, the latest edition of Gulfood “enters a bold new era”. As for the first time in its history, the world’s largest F&B sourcing event will span two iconic venues, Dubai World Trade Centre and Dubai Expo City, creating the most expansive, immersive, and strategically connected edition to date.

The Gulfood 2026 will draw over 6,500 exhibitors with representation from over 130 countries, and 12 power-packed sectors, including an all-new tech vertical and future-focused platform.

Accordingly, Sri Lankan exporters will have the opportunity once again to exhibit their products and meet global buyers, while being exposed to new trends and technologies in the food and beverage industry.

Exhibitors will be able to present their products under the categories of; processed fruits, vegetables, coconut and coconut based products, spices, tea, confectionery, dairy products, organic and herbal foods amongst others.

In a notice, EDB said interested local F&B exports that can produce food items to global food safety standards and have the ability of supplying the masses are being invited to participate at the event.  Shortlisted applicants will be interviewed by a panel appointed by the EDB to select suitable partners for the programme.

Although all participants will share the space and construction cost, the EDB said it may consider providing financial assistance towards part cost of space/ construction for selected SME companies, subject to availability of funds.

Financial support can be availed to some SMEs on need and dependent on the financial capability. The selection will be done through an  interview process by an EDB appointed panel.