Gulfood stands work hard: thousands of visitors, tasting, refrigeration, hygiene rules and buyers who want to sit down and negotiate. The stand has to be a small food operation as well as a brand showcase.
Sampling and preparation
Allow a preparation counter out of sight, hand-washing where the municipality requires it, refrigerated storage sized for the whole show day, and a sampling counter at the aisle with sneeze guards where needed. Power for refrigeration must be ordered from the organiser in advance and is often 24-hour.
Storage and waste
Food stands need two to three times the storage of a technology stand: packaging, stock, chilled goods and waste. Build it in from the first concept.
Buyers need a table
Importers and retail buyers come to taste, then to talk terms. A closed meeting room or semi-private hospitality area with a table for six repays its space many times over.
Finishes
Wipe-clean, food-safe surfaces on all counters, sealed flooring, bright even lighting and refrigerated displays integrated into the joinery rather than standing in front of it.
Budget and timing
Food stands cost 10–20% more than equivalent general stands because of refrigeration, plumbing-adjacent fittings and storage. A 36 m² custom Gulfood stand typically runs AED 75,000–125,000 excluding VAT. Brief by October for a February show.
Exhibiting at Gulfood?
Tell us your products, sampling plan and refrigeration needs. We design a stand that passes inspection and sells.
Exhibix Gulf is an independent contractor and is not affiliated with Gulfood or DWTC. Confirm current dates and rules on the organiser’s website.
