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U.S. Agriculture on the Global Stage: Reflections from Gulfood 2025

Published:

March 24, 2025 at 1:08 PM

Administrator Daniel B. Whitley and U.S. Deputy Chief of Mission Eric Gaudiosi stand together with FAS overseas staff at the Gulfood 2025 trade show. The group poses in front of an exhibition booth featuring trade materials and promotional banners

At the Dubai World Trade Centre, Gulfood 2025 wasn’t just a trade show.

At the Dubai World Trade Centre, Gulfood 2025 wasn’t just a trade show – it was a marketplace shaping the future of food commerce. As the world’s largest food and beverage event, it remains vital for U.S. agriculture, providing a platform to showcase American products and expand. market access.

From February 17-21, the show attracted more than 97,000 food industry professionals from 185 countries, connecting U.S. farmers, ranchers and agribusinesses with key buyers and decision-makers. Representing the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Foreign Agricultural Service, discussions focused on expanding trade opportunities and reinforcing the United States’ role in global food innovation.

Administrator B. Daniel Whitley, dressed in a suit, stands to the right of exhibitors from Alaska Seafood at Gulfood 2025. The group is smiling, and behind them, a booth showcases images of fresh seafood and branding for U.S. seafood exports

Trade partnerships took center stage at the USA Poultry and Egg Export Council pavilion, where industry leaders highlighted the collaboration between USAPEEC, USDA and the Indiana Soybean Alliance. The pavilion connected U.S. exporters with global buyers, reinforcing America’s agricultural competitiveness.

At the U.S. Meat Export Federation stand, producers and exporters connected with importers from Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and beyond. These engagements reinforced the value of USDA’s cooperator programs, which help expand market access and support U.S. exporters.

In a podcast interview, I reflected on Gulfood’s evolution: “When we were here in 2022, it was the first full Gulfood post-COVID. Now, in 2025, we’ve seen an incredible increase in participation, with 187 American businesses here this year – and I’m certain we’ll surpass 200 next year.”

Administrator Daniel B. Whitley, positioned at the center, poses with exhibitors from the California Department of Food and Agriculture at Gulfood 2025. The group stands in front of a display promoting California-grown agricultural products

This year’s Gulfood featured 5,500 exhibitors from 129 countries, connecting major retailers, food manufacturers and restaurateurs. The Middle East remains a key export destination, as the region imports more than 95 percent of its food supply. U.S. agricultural exports to the United Arab Emirates now exceed $1 billion annually, reinforcing the importance of trade events like Gulfood in expanding market opportunities.

A highlight was the Halal World Food pavilion, featuring manufacturers from 50 countries. As demand for halal-certified U.S. products grows, Gulfood remains a critical platform for American exporters.

Speaking on the scale of U.S. agricultural trade, I noted, “What surprises most people is the size of the business. Some of the largest importers in the world bring in multiple Panamax loads of grain each month – it’s a staggering amount of food moving across global markets.”

Gulfood 2025 reaffirmed a simple truth – U.S. agriculture is shaping the future of global food trade. The connections, commitments and collaborations formed at this event will drive long-term success for U.S. farmers, ranchers and agribusinesses worldwide.

As Gulfood 2026 expands to Expo City Dubai, U.S. agriculture will drive the future of global trade. The United States isn’t just competing – it’s leading.