NOVA MARKET INSIGHT
Manny de Sousa
Chief Executive Officer
Leah le Roux
Head of Central Operations
Nova's CEO, Manny de Sousa, and Head of Central Operations, Leah le Roux, attended Gulfood 2026 in Dubai.
1. Why Nova Attends
We believe it is our responsibility to attend the major global food trade shows. This is where innovation, supplier movement and category opportunities emerge. It is here our clients are connected to diversified supply channels, stronger data and the right partners to support execution.
2. A Better Format for Serious Sourcing
The move to two locations improved the experience. More space, clearer category segmentation and easier access to suppliers made conversations more meaningful and insights deeper. After years of crowded aisles, the 2026 remix made sourcing more efficient.
3. India's Stronger Presence
With India as the Official Partner Country, more than 600 Indian exhibitors participated, the largest Indian presence in Gulfood history. For Nova, this mattered. India is one of our key procurement corridors, and the show gave us access to a broader and deeper network of quality manufacturers and innovators.
268,643
EVENT ATTENDEES
8,500
EXHIBITORS
195
ATTENDING COUNTRIES
1.5M+
PRODUCTS SOURCED
280K
SCAN ACROSS TWO FULLY SOLD-OUT MEGA VENUES
PURCHASE INTEREST
FOR ITEMS CAME TO SOURCE
Beverages
14.8%
Snacks
11.2%
Rice, Pulses, Grains
10.5%
Sweets
7.9%
Meats & Seafood
7.4%
Dairy
7.2%
Dry Goods
6.4%
Frozen
5.6%
Organic & Health
4.9%
Ready Prepared Foods
3.9%
Vegetables & Fruits
3.9%
Agritech & Farm
3.4%
Specialty Foods
2.7%
Others
9.7%
BUYERS INDUSTRY
Importers/Trader/Distributor
Manufacturer
Foodservice/Horeca
Manufacturing Companies
Others
Retail
A TRULY GLOBAL AUDIENCE
SPANNING SIX CONTINENTS
FACTORS INFLUENCING
SOURCING DECISIONS
PRODUCT QUALITY
69%
SUPPLIER RELIABILITY
58%
COST-EFFECTIVENESS
39%
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN
28%
LOGISTICS AND PROXIMITY
19%
ABILITY TO SCALE SUPPLY
14%
SUSTAINABILITY PRACTICES
10%
REGULATORY COMPLIANCE
8%
Diversified supply is now essential
Broader supplier networks are reducing risk and strengthening supply chain resilience.
Innovation is spreading faster
New products, better technology and evolving categories are opening fresh opportunities.
Supplier relationships still matter
Trust, communication and consistency remain the foundation of long-term success.
India remains a major sourcing opportunity
Scale, capability, adaptability and quality continue to grow across key food categories.
THE TAKEAWAY
Gulfood 2026 reinforced the scale, diversity and speed of the global food industry. For Nova, being there is about more than observation. It is about evaluating suppliers, building relationships and turning global insight into better sourcing outcomes for our clients.
