Overview of Free From Food Dubai 2024
Date & Venue:
The Free From Food Expo Dubai 2024 will take place on October 2nd and 3rd, 2024, at the Le Méridien Dubai Hotel & Conference Centre. This premier event will run from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM on both days.
About:
Free From Food Expo Dubai is the leading B2B trade show in the Middle East dedicated to healthy, free-from, organic, plant-based, and functional food segments. The event brings together top international food manufacturers, importers, traders, and retailers, offering a strategic platform to foster innovation, collaboration, and business growth. Partnering with organizations like the UAE Food & Beverage Business Group (FBMG), the expo integrates matchmaking programs and an insightful Future Food Forum to address key trends in the food industry.
Industry Segments:
Healthy food, Free-from food, Organic, Vegan, Plant-based, Functional food, Gluten-free, Lactose-free, Nut-free, Sugar-free, Keto, Paleo.
Market Size & Overview of the Industry Segment:
The global healthy food market continues to expand rapidly, driven by rising consumer demand for organic, vegan, gluten-free, and other specialty dietary products. In 2023, the healthy food market was valued at approximately $941 billion globally, with a projected CAGR of 8.5% until 2030. In the Middle East, particularly in the UAE, the demand for healthier and “free-from” products is experiencing substantial growth as consumers become more health-conscious and as regulations for food transparency tighten. Dubai is emerging as a hub for food innovation, and the Free From Food Expo is a crucial platform for both local and international businesses to tap into this dynamic market.
Attendance & Participation:
The 2024 edition expects to host over 2,000 B2B visitors and feature more than 50 global exhibitors from various regions, including Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. The show offers an extensive business matchmaking program, enabling visitors to meet key decision-makers and form valuable partnerships.
Who Should Visit:
This event is tailored for food manufacturers, importers, distributors, retailers, hospitality providers, and industry professionals involved in the healthy, free-from, and functional food sectors. It also caters to those seeking insight into the latest innovations in plant-based, organic, and vegan product lines. Additionally, executives, government regulators, investors, and procurement specialists looking to expand their portfolio in the Middle East’s booming healthy food market will find immense value in attending.
This overview sets the stage for the Free From Food Dubai 2024, a key trade fair that will impact the evolving food industry in the Middle East and beyond.
Exhibitor Analysis of Free From Food Dubai 2024
Top 5 Major Exhibitors:
- Artisanal Africa Pty Ltd – Artisanal Africa Pty Ltd is a woman-empowered, BEE level 1 business based in South Africa. The company is dedicated to researching, selecting, and developing unique products with the goal of building trusted brands that reflect African diversity and innovation. It is deeply rooted in passion for food, people, and purpose-driven business, aiming to bring the richness of African products to a global audience.
- Global Cuisine – Global Cuisine, founded in 2020, is a South African company specializing in the production of frozen snacks and foods, inspired by global cuisines. The company operates from a fully food-safety-certified facility and offers halal-certified products. Their product range includes pastries, quiches, samoosas, spring rolls, and rotis, all made with high-quality, natural ingredients.
- Tru Native F&B Pvt. Ltd. – Tru Native F&B Pvt. Ltd., also known as TruNativ, is a health and wellness FMCG brand focused on simplifying nutrition for the everyday consumer. The company offers a range of nutrition products like protein supplements, fiber, and sugar alternatives aimed at bridging micro and macronutrient deficiencies. Founded with a mission to provide affordable and sustainable nutrition, TruNativ’s products are designed to cater to the health needs of families and fitness enthusiasts alike.
- LBB Innovative Foods – LBB Innovative Foods is a Cape Town-based food manufacturing company that specializes in developing and manufacturing high-quality specialty food products for retailers and importers. The company focuses on innovation, private label solutions, and adhering to strict international food safety standards such as BRC and Halaal certifications. Their product range includes confectionery items like fudge, Turkish delight, and healthy snacks, driven by a mission to offer delicious, trusted food products.
- Vita-Me – Vita-Me is a UAE-based company that specializes in freeze-dried fruits, offering nutrient-dense, high-quality products. Their advanced freeze-drying technology preserves the natural vitamins, minerals, and flavors of fresh produce sourced globally. Vita-Me emphasizes sustainability and convenience, making healthy eating accessible. The company provides a variety of freeze-dried fruits like strawberries, apples, mangoes, and pineapples sourced from regions known for producing premium quality fruits.
Participating Countries:
The trade show has exhibitors from 15 countries. The top 5 participating countries based on company counts are:
- South Africa (41%)
- United Arab Emirates (13%)
- United Kingdom (10%)
- Spain (8%)
- United States (5%)
These countries together represent over 75% of the total participation, highlighting the strong international presence at this trade fair.
Major Types of Companies:
The total number of unique company types represented at the event is 7. The top 5 company types and their percentages are:
- Food Brands (46%)
- Food Manufacturing (44%)
- Consulting Services (13%)
- Exporters (8%)
- Importers (5%)
These company types represent the backbone of the expo, with Food Brands and Food Manufacturing making up nearly 90% of all exhibitors.
Major Product Categories:
The expo features 7 unique product categories, and the top 5 categories by company representation are:
- Organic Products (20%)
- Beverages (15%)
- Snack Foods (15%)
- Bakery Products (10%)
- Supplements (2%)
The emphasis on organic products aligns with the global trend towards healthier food options.
Major Product Items:
The total number of unique product items at the event is 147. The top 15 product items based on the number of exhibitors are:
Raw Honey, Pizza Bases, Alkaline Ionised Water, Frozen Falafel, Cold-Pressed Juices, Gluten-Free Breads, Gluten-Free Pastries, Gluten-Free Flours, Frozen Plant-Based Burgers, Classic Falafel Mix, Sparkling Vitamin Water, Wheat Tortillas, MCT Oils, African Superfoods, Keto Snacks.
This analysis of the exhibitors showcases the diversity and innovation in the food industry, particularly within the healthy, organic, and free-from food segments.
Interesting Insights of Free From Food Dubai 2024
Exhibiting Countries of Top 5 Company Types
- Food Brands - United Kingdom, United States, South Africa, France, Poland
- Food Manufacturing - Poland, South Africa, India, Ireland, Spain, United Kingdom
- Consulting Services - South Africa, United Arab Emirates
- Exporters - India, United States, Georgia
- Importers - United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom
Exhibiting Countries of Top 5 Product Categories
- Organic Products - South Africa, United States, United Kingdom, France
- Beverages - United Kingdom, South Africa
- Snack Foods - United States, United Kingdom, Poland, South Africa
- Bakery Products - Poland, Ireland, Spain
- Supplements - United Kingdom, South Africa, India
Exhibiting Countries of Top 10 Products
- Raw Honey - United States, South Africa
- Pizza Bases - Ireland, Spain
- Alkaline Ionised Water - United Kingdom
- Frozen Falafel - South Africa
- Cold-Pressed Juices - South Africa
- Gluten-Free Breads - Spain
- Gluten-Free Pastries - Spain
- Gluten-Free Flours - Spain
- Frozen Plant-Based Burgers - South Africa
- Classic Falafel Mix - South Africa
Top 5 Exhibiting Countries and Their Product Details
- South Africa
- Food Brands, Food Manufacturing, Consulting Services
- Organic Products, Beverages, Snack Foods
- African Superfoods, Ready-to-Drink Ginger Beer, Frozen Falafel, Cold-Pressed Juices
- United Arab Emirates
- Consulting Services, Food Brands, Importers
- Organic Products
- Bakery Ingredients, Dairy Commodities, Freeze-Dried Fruits
- United Kingdom
- Food Brands, Online Platform, Importers
- Beverages, Snack Foods, Supplements, Organic Products
- Alkaline Ionised Water, Sparkling Vitamin Water, MCT Oils, Keto Snacks
- Spain
- Food Manufacturing, Food Brands
- Bakery Products, Snack Foods, Organic Products
- Wheat Tortillas, Whole Wheat Tortillas, Pizza Bases, Gluten-Free Breads
- United States
- Food Brands, Food Manufacturing, Exporters
- Snack Foods, Organic Products
- Superfood Snack Bars, Purple Corn Snack Bars, Raw Honey
Key Highlights of Free From Food Dubai 2024
Key Industry Segments:
Free From Food Dubai 2024 focuses on several dynamic and fast-growing segments within the food industry, driven by increasing consumer demand for healthier and specialized dietary options. The key industry segments include:
- Healthy Food: With a strong emphasis on nutrition and wellness, the event covers a broad spectrum of health-oriented food categories, including functional foods and supplements.
- Free-From Food: Products that are free from allergens (gluten-free, lactose-free, nut-free, etc.) continue to dominate, addressing the rising demand for dietary inclusivity and allergy-free options.
- Organic Food: Organic certification is gaining importance globally and in the Middle East, with consumers looking for ethically sourced and pesticide-free products.
- Plant-Based: The shift towards plant-based alternatives is becoming mainstream, with categories like plant-based meat, dairy alternatives, and plant-derived snacks.
- Vegan Food: Veganism is not just a trend but a growing movement with increasing interest in plant-based diets and products free from animal-derived ingredients.
These segments collectively reflect the event's commitment to promoting healthier lifestyles through innovative food options.
Market Trends:
- Clean Label and Transparency: Consumers are increasingly prioritizing transparency in food production, looking for clean labels with clear ingredient lists. Terms like "organic," "non-GMO," and "free-from" continue to resonate strongly in the marketplace.
- Plant-Based Innovation: The plant-based food sector is experiencing rapid growth as consumers seek sustainable and ethical alternatives to animal products. Innovations in meat and dairy alternatives, such as plant-based burgers and milks, are a central focus of this trend
- Functional and Nutritional Foods: As health consciousness rises, functional foods designed to offer specific health benefits (such as boosting immunity, gut health, and energy) are gaining prominence. Products rich in superfoods, collagen, and probiotics are examples of this trend.
- Sustainability and Eco-Friendly Packaging: The emphasis on sustainability extends to packaging, with an increasing focus on recyclable, biodegradable, and eco-friendly materials. Consumers are demanding that brands take responsibility for reducing environmental impact.
- Personalized Nutrition: There is a growing trend toward personalized food choices that cater to individual dietary needs. From keto-friendly snacks to sugar-free and low-carb options, brands are targeting niche markets with specific health or lifestyle requirements.
These market trends highlight the increasing consumer demand for health-focused, sustainable, and innovative food solutions, positioning Free From Food Dubai 2024 as a leading trade fair for industry players seeking to navigate these evolving dynamics.
Conclusion
Free From Food Dubai 2024 is set to be a pivotal event for the Middle Eastern food industry, spotlighting the growing demand for healthy, organic, and allergen-free products. With an impressive lineup of global exhibitors and participants, it provides a platform for innovation, networking, and business growth across key segments such as plant-based, free-from, and functional foods. Attendees can expect to discover cutting-edge market trends and form valuable partnerships that will shape the future of the healthy food industry.
