Sri Lanka to field 61 companies at Gulfood 2026 in largest B2B pavilion

Sri Lanka is set to take part in Gulfood 2026 with a 510-square-meter country pavilion at the Dubai Exhibition Centre, Expo City, the largest B2B country pavilion ever organized by Sri Lanka, and with 61 exporting companies. The presence is being organized by the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (SLEDB). 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 EDB is the apex government organization responsible for developing and promoting exports, with the vision of positioning Sri Lanka as a leading export hub for premium products and services. Annually, the EDB conducts over 20 international trade fairs with the objective of assisting Sri Lankan exporters and industries in expanding their business globally. 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. Each time, the EDB supports SME companies while also providing assistance and facilitation to large companies. At Gulfood 2026, the Sri Lanka pavilion facilitates approximately 50% SME participation, enhancing their contribution to Sri Lanka’s export competitiveness and promoting sustainable economic growth.

Gulfood 2026, one of the world’s largest and most prestigious food and beverage exhibitions, is the biggest F&B sourcing and innovation show of the year and will take place across two mega venues, the Dubai Exhibition Centre and Dubai World Trade Center. The event features over 8,500 exhibitors, 1.5 million products, 12 sectors and participants from 195 countries. 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.

The expansion of Sri Lanka’s country pavilion reflects growing global recognition and demand for Sri Lankan food and beverage products.

A total of 61 Sri Lankan exporting companies will participate, 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.

The 33 SMEs are 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 Worldwide Commodities.

Visitors can explore premium value-added coconut products, processed foods, spices, tea and innovative ready-to-eat offerings. The showcase underscores Sri Lanka’s expertise in producing high-quality, authentic and market-oriented products.

The 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.

Gulfood 2026 provides Sri Lankan exporters a strategic platform to strengthen business relationships, engage with international buyers and explore new markets across the region. Through the pavilion, Sri Lanka is promoting its diverse products and highlighting 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.