2026-02-26
Sri Lanka made a remarkable presence at Gulfood 2026, one of the world’s largest and most prestigious food and beverage exhibitions, organized by the EDB Sri Lanka. With its participation, the island nation aims to showcase its rich food ingredients, premium-quality products, and dynamic export potential on a truly global stage.
The Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB Sri Lanka) is the nation’s premier government agency dedicated to advancing and promoting exports. Guided by its vision to establish Sri Lanka as a leading global hub for premium products and services, the EDB organizes more than twenty international trade fairs each year to support exporters and industries in expanding their global market presence.
Key fairs targeting agriculture and food products include Anuga (Germany), SIAL (France), Biofach (Germany), Seafood Expo Global (Spain), Organic & Natural Expo (Dubai), and Natural & Organic Products Expo (UK), with Gulfood (Dubai) standing out as the flagship event among them.
EDB Sri Lanka supports SME companies while also providing assistance and facilitation to large companies. At Gulfood 2026, the Sri Lanka pavilion facilitated approximately 50% SME participation, thereby enhancing their contribution to Sri Lanka’s export competitiveness and promoting sustainable economic growth.
The Gulfood is one of the world’s largest annual food and beverage (F&B) trade exhibitions, held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Gulfood 2026 took place across two mega venues - Dubai Exhibition Centre and Dubai World Trade Centre featuring over 8,500 exhibitors, 1.5 million products, twelve sectors, and participants from 195 countries, making it a truly global platform. Gulfood serves as a strategic hub for the food and beverage industry, connecting producers, exporters, and buyers, fostering innovation, and facilitating trade. For Sri Lankan exporters, it provides a unique opportunity to showcase high-quality products, strengthen international business relationships, and tap into high-potential markets across the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia (MEASA) region, while offering unparalleled opportunities for networking and trade.
Sri Lanka’s Country Pavilion, located at the Dubai Exhibition Centre, Expo City, covered an impressive 510 square meters, marking the largest B2B country pavilion ever organized by Sri Lanka. This expansion reflects the growing global recognition and demand for Sri Lankan food and beverage products.
A total of 61 Sri Lankan exporting companies participated in the exhibition, representing a diverse array of sectors including 28 large companies: Waguruwela Oil Mills, Aussee Oats Milling, NDC Exports, Consolidated Business Systems Limited, Elpitiya Plantations PLC, Ceylon Agro-Industries Limited, Sunshine Tea, Bespice, Adamexpo, Renuka Agri Foods PLC, Jaindi Exports, Ceylon Cold Stores PLC, Cargills Ceylon PLC, Wichy Plantation Company, C.W. Mackie PLC, Colombo Export & Import Agencies, Link Natural Products, Ceylon Eco Spices, Tropical Life International, New Lanka Cinnamon, Ranfer Teas, Cherish Biscuits, Metshu Exports, Expo Commodities, Global Trading Services, Pelwatte Dairy Industries, Maliban Biscuit Manufactories, and CBL Natural Foods, along with 33 SMEs including Siddhalepa Exporters, Bio Extracts, Muswenna Tea Factory, Greenfield Bio Plantations, D&R Exports, Saya International Tea and Food Exports, Ranre International, Virco International, Tradlanka Agricultural Enterprises, Planto Ceylon, Prestige Quality International, Rancrisp Marketing, Ellawala Horticulture, Ethical Extracts, Supreme Agro Exports, Everblot Food Products, Nelna Agri Development, Knuckles Valley Plantation, P.T.C Agro, Russel’s, Kumara Cinnamon Exporters, Scattered Harvest, Ceylon Coco Green Manufacturing, Diana Biscuits, Centra Exports, Wedagedara Producers, Lavinia Foods, Authentic Lanka Exports, Sinolan Tea, Development Facilitators, Sisili Trading, Virgin Cinnamon International, and Healing Life International (Pvt) Ltd.
Visitors explored premium value-added coconut products, processed foods, spices, tea, and innovative ready-to-eat offerings. This vibrant showcase underscores Sri Lanka’s ability in producing high-quality, authentic, and market-oriented products.
The Middle East, Africa, and South Asia (MEASA) region holds significant potential for Sri Lankan exports. In 2024, the country exported agricultural commodities worth US$ 1,381 million to the MEASA region, including food and beverage products valued at US$ 1,171.31 million. The broader Middle East and Africa food and beverage market was valued at approximately USD 133.68 billion in 2024 and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.5% from 2024 to 2031, highlighting the region’s strong and growing demand for imported quality food products.
Gulfood 2026 provided Sri Lankan exporters a strategic platform to strengthen business relationships, engage with international buyers, and explore new markets across this high-potential region. Through this pavilion, Sri Lanka not only promotes its diverse products but also highlights its legacy of innovation and sustainable value chain practices, reinforcing the island nation’s reputation as a trusted source of premium food and beverage offerings on the global stage.
