Seven Maltese F&B Companies Target Global Buyers at Gulfood 2026

TradeMalta took seven Maltese food and beverage companies to Gulfood 2026 in Dubai, running the Malta Pavilion from 26 to 30 January. The event is the world’s largest annual F&B trade exhibition, this year hosting over 8,500 exhibitors from 195 countries.

The Maltese delegation brought a diverse product range: beer, soft drinks, energy drinks, snacks, biscuits, crackers, sauces, condiments, and powdered mixes for cakes and custard. For small producers on a small island, access to that scale of buyer network is rare.

TradeMalta’s role went beyond logistics. The agency provided pre-event preparation, funding through its International Trade Promotion Incentive Schemes, and promotional guidance. On the ground, its officials facilitated networking and made sure exhibitors could maximise commercial opportunities.

Tania Brown, TradeMalta’s CEO, said the agency’s presence at every stage ensures that businesses “connect meaningfully with international partners and position their products competitively within global markets.” Carmen Walls, Senior Manager who led the mission, noted that the level of interest in Maltese products and the quality of engagements “reaffirm the value of Malta’s participation.”

For the Maltese economy, such missions matter beyond the deals closed. They test whether products designed for a domestic market can travel. They also build relationships with distributors who can open entire regions. Without TradeMalta’s coordination and subsidy schemes, few small F&B firms could afford the upfront cost of a stand at Gulfood.

The participation feeds into a broader strategy to boost sustainable export growth and build long-term partnerships. Each successful engagement at a show like Gulfood reduces Malta’s reliance on any single export market and raises the visibility of the country’s food production sector internationally.