252 Italian firms to showcase leading technologies at Gulfood Manufacturing 2025
Italy has reaffirmed its status as a global leader in industrial technology, with exports of packaging and food processing machinery to the United Arab Emirates soaring to €161 million by mid-2025. The figures underscore the UAE’s growing demand for “Made in Italy” solutions, renowned for their innovation, performance, and craftsmanship.
According to recent trade data, Italy now leads the UAE market in both sectors. Packaging machinery exports reached €53.7 million, a 58.3% increase year on year, giving Italy a 34.7% market share, while food and beverage processing machinery surged 87.5% to €107.3 million, capturing 35.4% of the market.
This impressive growth cements Italy’s reputation as a reliable industrial ally, helping to advance the UAE’s national objectives in food security, manufacturing diversification, and high-tech modernisation. Italy’s industrial strength will be prominently displayed at Gulfood Manufacturing 2025, taking place from 4–6 November 2025 at Dubai World Trade Centre, where 252 Italian exhibitors will participate — forming one of the largest international delegations.
The Italian Trade Agency (ITA), working alongside UCIMA (Italian Packaging Machinery Manufacturers Association) and the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, will spotlight the best of Italian engineering within a dedicated Italian Lounge. The showcase will connect Gulf-based manufacturers, investors, and distributors with Italy’s most forward-thinking firms, highlighting the country’s latest sustainable, efficient, and digitalised manufacturing technologies.
“Italy’s participation at Gulfood Manufacturing marks more than a trade milestone; it embodies the deep industrial partnership between our nations. Italian technology perfectly aligns with the UAE’s pursuit of innovation, sustainability, and high-performance manufacturing,” said Lorenzo Fanara, Ambassador of Italy to the UAE.
The UAE’s rapidly growing food manufacturing market — valued at USD 23.21 billion in 2025 and forecast to exceed USD 52.76 billion — continues to drive demand for automation and modern equipment. Italian expertise, celebrated for its precision and durability, is shaping this transformation with advanced, sustainable, and adaptable solutions.
“The Gulf is undergoing a manufacturing transformation, with Italian engineering at its core. Our Food Processing and Packaging machinery exports to the UAE have grown strongly over this year, reflecting the market’s trust in Italian quality, precision and sustainability. As the hospitality and food sectors continue to expand, Italian innovation will remain a defining force in enhancing production efficiency and competitiveness across the Gulf,” said Valerio Soldani, Trade Commissioner, Italian Trade Agency – Dubai.
The rise in Italian exports reflects a wider regional trend towards high-tech manufacturing and value-added production that underpins the Gulf’s drive for economic diversification and food security. Italian manufacturers continue to set global benchmarks by integrating design, digital innovation, and mechanical excellence to deliver superior industrial solutions.
With the UAE emerging as the Gulf’s central hub for logistics and manufacturing, Italy remains a key strategic partner — advancing innovation, sustainability, and industrial collaboration across the region.
