Gulfood 2026
Açai leader SAMBAZON eyes Japan, Middle East to drive next growth phase
World’s largest açaí brand SAMBAZON is building on rapid growth in Japan and the Middle East to establish açaí as a lifestyle in the region
Middle East
Middle East Focus: Hunter Foods spicy chips, Gulf exports and matcha nuggets
Hunter Foods spicy chips, Gulf exports and matcha nuggets feature in this edition of Middle East Focus
聚焦中东：主要食品市场、阿联酋饮食习惯和游戏化
本期聚焦主要食品市场、阿联酋饮食结构与游戏化等精彩内容
Japanese crisps hit by Iran conflict
The Middle East fuel shock has forced a Japanese snack maker to halt production, exposing how quickly energy disruption can ripple through the wider food system
Abundant coffee crops; consumer wobbles and the Iran conflict: Another shake-up for coffee prices?
Coffee prices had finally started declining: but what’s next?
Iran at war: What food and beverage needs to know
Israel and US attacks on Iran have long-lasting implications for global food and drink industries. Here’s the latest
中東フォーカス：主要食品市場、UAEの食生活、ゲーミフィケーション
今月のMiddle East Focusでは、主要食品市場、UAEの食生活、ゲーミフィケーションを取り上げています。
Opinion
Middle East turmoil exposes dairy to new challenges
No one expected plain sailing in 2026 – but a fresh conflict in the Gulf introduces new variables
Bakery, snacks and cereals: The next cost shock may start in the Gulf
Geopolitics rarely stays confined to energy markets. Sooner or later, it reaches the food system
Saudi introduces tougher controls to prevent food fortification fraud
New Saudi regulations tighten control of nutritional claims to curb food fortification fraud and protect consumers
Iran Conflict: What does this mean for global food sector?
The ongoing tensions in Iran could disrupt supply routes and drive volatility across key food commodities such as rice and meat
Why familiarity drives texture acceptance in food and drink
Consumers are more receptive to new food and drink products when textures reflect familiar eating experiences
Middle East Focus: Top food markets, UAE diets and gamification
Top food markets, UAE diets and gamification feature in this edition of Middle East Focus
Gulfood 2026
Hunter Foods’ spicy chips bring extra heat to Middle East chilli lovers
Snacking giant Hunter Foods has launched a range of new snacks meant for ‘true chilli lovers’ in the Middle East, bringing more bold heat and flavour to the region
What is yerba mate and why is this natural energiser going global?
Yerba mate is breaking out from its South American roots, fuelled by soaring exports, innovation and booming global demand for natural energy beverages
Estonia’s Middle East playbook: Key insights for food exporters to the Gulf
Estonia is tapping healthier food trends and grain-based product demands to further its ‘Northern Standard’ approach in the region
Africa’s dual bakery market surges as bread demand rapidly rises
Industrial and informal bakeries across Africa are expanding and adapting fast as bread solidifies its position as a critical, high‑volume breakfast staple
Top functional ingredients shaping food & drink in 2026
Protein, fibre, nootropics and antioxidants are emerging as key functional ingredients shaping food and drink innovation as wellness continues to steer buying decisions
聚焦中东：清真标准统一、沙特 Nutri-Score 及更多动态
本期内容涵盖中东地区清真标准统一化进程、沙特 Nutri-Score 营养标签，以及区域市场其他动态
Gulfood 2026
Farm Fresh redefines healthy snacking with matcha chicken nuggets
UAE-based Farm Fresh has taken the concept of functional snacking to a new level with its matcha-infused chicken nuggets, blending flavour and function with novelty
Middle East Focus: Halal harmonisation, Saudi Nutri-Score and more
Halal harmonisation, Saudi Nutri-Score and more feature in this edition of Middle East Focus
Which Middle East markets are leading food and beverage sales?
The Middle Eastern food industry is booming, with billions of dollars of growth expected over the next decade
UAE government survey flags high salt, low vitamin D in local diets
New UAE data has shown excess salt consumption and poor vitamin D levels, findings set to guide national reformulation and health initiatives
Middle East focus: Our top 10 Middle East stories in 2025
We reveal the top 10 Middle East food and beverage stories of 2025, including Saudi Arabia’s rapid market evolution, rising regional manufacturing investment and changing consumer demand
Middle East Focus: Food sector AI, coconut nectar, trout and more
Food sector AI, coconut nectar, trout and more feature in this edition of Middle East Focus
3 crucial steps to harmonise halal standards across regions
Halal food trade faces challenges in regional, much less global, standardisation – experts outline three key steps to move toward a unified system
Vietnam’s Vinh Hoan meets convenience and wellness needs with pangasius
Vietnam’s Vinh Hoan is maximising pangasius fish commercial potential with a circular model supporting convenient nutrition and supplement innovation
Nutri-Score ‘most effective’ nutrition label for Saudi consumers
Nutri-Score has outperformed other internationally recognised labelling systems in a Saudi context, a new study has confirmed
Trendspotting 2026
Crunch, cream, contrast: Texture takes the spotlight in 2026
Forget flavor fatigue – next year will be all about how snacks feel. From crisp layers to creamy centers, texture is fast becoming the biggest lever of indulgence and loyalty
UAE food sector embracing AI, cloud tech to drive efficiency
AI and cloud tech are transforming the UAE food industry amid government initiatives to modernise operations, reduce costs, and enhance supply chain efficiency
Middle East Focus: Brooklyn Creamery cold-chain, South Korea exports and more
Brooklyn Creamery cold-chain, South Korea exports and more feature in this edition of Middle East Focus
New trout brand taps UAE fishing roots, convenience demand for launch
Finnforel has launched sustainably farmed rainbow trout in UAE, tapping the country’s fishing heritage and demand for clean-label convenient nutrition
CG Foods eyes Middle East, Europe for instant noodle entry
Nepal’s CG Foods is pitching Wai Wai instant noodles as versatile snack and meal alternatives, eyeing entry into Middle East and European markets
Middle East Focus: Halal food production, Insta nutrition advice +more!
Halal food production, Instagram nutrition advice and more feature in this edition of Middle East Focus
UAE to link beverage prices to sugar levels: What does industry need to do?
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) will implement a tiered excise tax on sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) from January 2026
Fermented fungi firm targets taste gap in plant-based, hybrid proteins
Aussie-based Nourish Ingredients focuses on global rollout for plant-based and hybrid protein categories after FEMA GRAS approval
South Korea targets Saudi Arabia for K-food export growth
South Korea is eyeing Saudi Arabia as a key food exports market, doubling down on inter-government collaborations and local regulatory deep dives
Middle East rises in global halal food manufacturing race
As demand for halal food grows, the Middle East is emerging as a strong competitor to South East Asia in global halal manufacturing
Middle East Focus: Saudi Arabia entry, Turkey food fraud risks and more
Saudi Arabia entry, Turkey food fraud risks and more feature in this edition of Middle East Focus
Experts warn against young adult reliance on Instagram for nutrition advice: UAE study
A new study has revealed that nearly two-thirds of young adults in the UAE turn to social media for nutrition advice, with Instagram topping the list.
Agthia profits fall amid weak snack and protein demand
The firm has posted a second straight quarterly profit drop as snack and protein demand weakens, highlighting geopolitical and supply challenges in the region
Bigger local chickens at heart of Tanmiah-McDonald’s Saudi deal
Tanmiah and McDonald’s look to improve Saudi Arabia poultry supply chains with a focus on bigger chickens and local sourcing
How Brooklyn Creamery mastered cold-chain in hot markets
Cold-chain innovation by Brooklyn Creamery has powered frozen dessert delivery in challenging markets such as India and UAE
How Kerry’s salt and sugar reduction tech is quietly driving its bottom line
As brands face mounting pressure to cut sodium and sugar without compromising taste, reformulation is no longer a niche concern – it’s driving real commercial gains. Kerry’s behind-the-scenes tech is helping reshape everyday foods and quietly lifting margins
中東フォーカス：English Tea Shop、飲料トレンド、コーヒー
ここでは、English Tea Shop、飲料トレンド、コーヒーなどを特集しています。
Middle East Focus: English Tea Shop, beverage trends, coffee and more
English Tea Shop, beverage trends, coffee and more feature in this edition of Middle East Focus
4 things food brands must know to enter Saudi Arabia
Explore the top four insights food brands need to tap into Saudi Arabia’s fast-evolving F&B market, driven by rising demand and shifting consumer trends
Food fraud in Turkey reveals critical risks
Food fraud in Turkey is widespread and growing more sophisticated, with serious consequences for public health and trust in the supply chain
Uncle Saba’s Poppadoms: Building a global better-for-you snack brand
Uncle Saba’s Poppadoms has grown from its traditional roots to become a global snack brand sold in 25 countries - this is its story
Brazil nuts: Boosting health, forests, and livelihoods
Brazil nuts offer more than nutrition – they also protect rainforests and support local communities