ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has made its largest-ever showing at Gulfood, the world’s leading food and beverage trade exhibition, with a total of 142 Pakistani companies participating in the 2026 edition, according to a statement from the Ministry of Information released on Monday.

The record participation reflects Islamabad’s broader push to boost food exports, diversify overseas markets and strengthen Pakistan’s integration into global food value chains at a time when the country is seeking export-led growth to stabilize its economy.

Gulfood’s 31st edition, being held in Dubai, brings together more than 8,500 exhibitors from 195 countries, showcasing over 1.5 million food and beverage products across 12 sectors, making it one of the most influential platforms for global agri-food trade.

Of the 142 Pakistani firms, 67 companies are participating under the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP), while 75 companies are taking part independently, across four specialized pavilions covering rice, pulses and grains, world food, beverages, and meat and poultry. Notably, 30 rice exporters are participating under TDAP, underlining Pakistan’s position as one of the world’s leading rice suppliers.

“Pakistan’s largest-ever participation at Gulfood is a strong reflection of our commitment to economic diplomacy and export-led growth,” Pakistan’s Consul General in Dubai said, according to the statement.

Officials from TDAP and the Pakistan mission in Dubai visited the pavilion on the opening day on Sunday, meeting exhibitors and overseeing branding, pavilion layout and business-to-business engagements. Pakistani companies expressed satisfaction with logistical arrangements and official facilitation, the statement said.

International and regional buyers showed “strong interest” in Pakistani products including rice, cereals, dairy items, spices, processed foods, bakery products, meat, salt, juices and beverages, signalling promising export prospects, according to TDAP.

Pakistan has been increasingly using global trade exhibitions to promote value-added food exports, particularly to Gulf and Middle Eastern markets, which remain among the country’s largest destinations for rice, meat and processed food products.

In addition to exhibition activities, TDAP’s Director General for Agro Division represented Pakistan at the Gulfood Future Food 500 Summit, where he highlighted government initiatives aimed at attracting investment into agriculture and food processing, and underscored Pakistan’s role in global food security, including its supply of rice to more than 100 countries worldwide, the statement said.