Unique Flavors from Gulfood Exhibition
Spinach Lollipops and Other Gulfood Wonders
Gulfood, one of the world's largest and most influential food exhibitions, once again captivates visitors with surprising innovations and gastronomical adventures. Hosted by the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) until February 21, the event features more than 500 exhibitors from 129 countries, presenting a paradise for food industry enthusiasts. This year, several remarkable innovations are showcased, and here are five that are sure to catch your interest.
1. Coffee Cheese: Why Drink Coffee When You Can Eat It?
A Dutch company, Daily Dairy Holland, presents its coffee-flavored cheese, which has long been popular in the Middle East. They have refined the recipe for a richer flavor profile and a caramel aftertaste. The company spokesperson mentioned that the product is especially sought after in Saudi Arabia during Ramadan, when gatherings are frequent. "This unique product never fails to attract guests' attention," they added. This year, the company hopes to find suitable partners to enter the UAE market.
2. Date Mustard: Sweet and Tangy Flavor Harmony
Hungarian brand Zamat introduces a new fermented sauce that blends the sweetness of dates with the tangy nature of fermentation. Csanád Birtalan, the company's export director, noted that fermented foods are usually associated with sourness, but this product is different. "Fermentation reduces the sugar content in dates by 50%, enhancing the flavors, making both the sweetness of dates and the bitter-tangy nature of mustard more pronounced," he explained. Date mustard will soon offer opportunities to try unique flavor combinations.
3. Vegetable Lollipops: With Spinach, Beets, and Kale
If you've ever wondered how to make lollipops healthier, then the brand House of Pops offers a solution. In addition to beetroot, spinach, and kale-flavored lollipops, they are introducing an edible flower version, nominated in the best health and wellness product category. The founder stated that adding edible flowers has been on their wish list for two years and became possible in November 2024 after partnering with Bustanica. "We developed the recipe in 17 days, and the product hit the market by December," they added. The flower lollipop is stunning not only in taste but appearance as well.
4. Quinoa Jams: A Healthy Delicacy
Peruvian brand Kiria presents a sugar-free and preservative-free quinoa fruit jam suitable for diabetics. The company's founder and CEO stated it took nearly three years to perfect the jam's consistency. "Many people are allergic to preservatives, and we wanted to offer something healthy for everyone," they explained. Quinoa, widely available in Peru, proved to be an excellent base for creating an innovative and nutritious product.
5. Beetroot Cubes: A Nutrient-Packed Bite
The brand Super Garden introduces a dried beetroot cube, just 1 cm in size, but containing the nutrients of a whole beetroot. The company, which already showcased melt-free ice cream in 2023, comes forward this year with a new product that caught the attention of the European Space Agency as potential astronaut food. Another of the company's products, the coffee and date dried cube, has ten times the energy content compared to a Red Bull. The company's managing director mentioned they are in the final negotiation stages with a distributor in the United Arab Emirates, so these products should soon be available in the local market.
Gulfood 2025: The Future of the Food Industry
Gulfood 2025 is not just an exhibition but a platform showcasing the latest trends and technologies in the food industry. This year, numerous innovative products and ideas are presented, focusing not only on taste but also on health and sustainability. If you love gastronomical adventures and want to look into the future of the food industry, Gulfood 2025 is definitely worth visiting.
Dubai once again proves to be not just a city of luxury and glamour but also a place where gastronomical innovations and sustainability meet. Don't miss this exciting event and taste the flavors of the future!
