Global Food Week 2024 Concludes With AED 6.2 Billion In Trade Deals And International Collaboration

Global Food Week concluded with significant trade activity, resulting in deals worth AED6.2 billion over three days. This marked a 59% increase from the previous edition's AED3.9 billion. The event facilitated over 1,600 meetings between global buyers and exhibitors, discussing additional deals valued at AED1.7 billion. Numerous Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) and agreements were signed, highlighting the event's role in fostering international collaboration in the food and beverage sector.

The event was organised by ADNEC Group alongside the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA). It attracted substantial investments and strategic partnerships, strengthening both regional and global food systems. This reinforced Abu Dhabi's status as a hub for agricultural innovation, supporting global efforts towards sustainable food security solutions for future generations.

Global Food Week 2024, supported by ADQ, an investment company based in Abu Dhabi, featured four major events. The Global Food Security Summit brought together 21 government ministers and over 80 global experts to discuss vital topics like climate-smart agriculture, agri-tech, and supply chains. These discussions aimed to address critical issues impacting food security worldwide.

The Abu Dhabi International Food Exhibition provided participants access to a vast network of investors and one of the fastest-growing global food markets. It served as a commercial platform for showcasing innovations and products to regional and international stakeholders. The exhibition drew 34,437 visitors, marking a remarkable 103% growth from the previous edition’s 16,899 visitors.

The event also included the 3rd Abu Dhabi International Food Exhibition and the 10th Abu Dhabi Date Palm Exhibition. Alongside these was the inaugural Abu Dhabi Coffee Festival, which showcased national programmes aimed at ensuring food availability within an integrated food security system.

This year saw participation from 1,900 companies and brands—a 46% increase—with 600 new exhibitors from 67 countries marking a 42% rise compared to the last edition. Companies demonstrated advancements in food technology and sustainable industries during these exhibitions.

Local Agricultural Achievements

The UAE Farmers’ Market highlighted local agricultural milestones. Hassan Juma Al Zaabi, owner of VIP Farm and winner of the Sheikh Mansour Agricultural Excellence Award for Best Greenhouse Farm, emphasised supporting food security through local agriculture. His achievements underscored the importance of self-sufficiency in enhancing national food security.

Abu Dhabi’s efforts in advancing the food industry extend to companies like Polaris Technology. Invited by the Emirates Entrepreneurship Association, Polaris showcased AI-powered solutions for resource planning in the food and restaurant sectors.

Focus on Date Production

The Abu Dhabi Date Palm Exhibition partnered with the Khalifa International Award for Date Palm and Agricultural Innovation to explore advanced technologies in date production. Dr. Abdelouahhab Zaid, Secretary General of the award, stated that this initiative fosters agricultural innovation while supporting international collaboration.

The event underscored its pivotal role in promoting international cooperation within the global food sector while highlighting advancements in technology and sustainability across various exhibitions.

With inputs from WAM