K-Food Fair 2025 Ignites Interest in Korean Culinary Innovation at Dubai Showcase
The K-Food Fair 2025 captivated the culinary scene at Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Dubai, with a vibrant celebration of Korean food innovation and tradition. Held over two days, the event was jointly organized by the Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corporation (aT) and Korea’s Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, and spotlighted the growing appeal of K-Food in the GCC market.
A Curated Showcase of Premium K-Food Products:
With 30 top Korean food exporters and 8 premium Hanwoo beef producers, the fair displayed a diverse portfolio of products ranging from:
- Vegan kimbap and halal-certified sauces
- Kimchi, seaweed snacks, and ready-to-eat meals
- Ginseng-based drinks and functional health foods
These offerings reflected the evolving preferences of GCC consumers, including a strong inclination toward plant-based, sustainable, and health-focused food options.
Empowering Korean Brands for Halal Market Entry:
A key feature of the fair was the Halal Certification Seminar, led by Tomas Guerrero, providing essential insights into UAE’s regulatory landscape. This was complemented by academic and cultural sessions, including:
- “The Process of Forming Food Culture in the Middle East”
- “Business Etiquette and Culture in the Middle East”
These sessions helped Korean brands build cultural competency and understand the nuances of doing business in the Middle Eastern food sector.
Strong Industry Response and B2B Engagement:
The fair welcomed over 521 visitors, including distributors, F&B buyers, importers, and social media influencers from across the UAE. Numerous B2B consultations and product sampling requests were recorded, signaling strong market traction and commercial potential for K-Food brands.
Yongpil Jeon, Director of aT Center Dubai, commented:
“K-Food Fair is more than just a trade exhibition—it’s a strategic platform connecting Korean culinary excellence with Middle Eastern consumers. The enthusiastic response to Hanwoo beef and halal-certified Korean foods reflects our growing relevance in this diverse market.”
Driving Korean Food Export and Middle East Market Penetration:
K-Food Fair 2025 not only reinforced Korea’s position as a leader in global food innovation but also highlighted the rising synergy between Korean suppliers and Middle Eastern demand trends. With halal compliance, cultural alignment, and premium quality as focal points, Korea is well-positioned to grow its footprint across the UAE and broader GCC region.