A higher than expected turnout marked the networking evening organized in Dubai by TUTTOFOOD Milan 2026, In collaboration with the Consortium of Parmigiano Reggiano e ICE - Agency, confirming the growing interest of the MENA and GCC markets towards the Milanese trade fair. 300 guests, including producers of the agri-food supply chain, buyers, institutional representatives and specialized press from the Middle East and North Africa area, participated in the event hosted in the elegant Living room by Chic Nonna, an example of Italian design in the heart of the Emirati metropolis.
The meeting, held in conjunction with Gulfood, represented an important opportunity to present the 2026 edition of TUTTOFOOD, scheduled fromMay 11-14, 2026, at Rho Fiera Milano, one year after the first edition organized by Fiere di Parma.
The evening was attended by Matthew Zoppas, President of ICE – Agency, Anthony Cellie, CEO of Fiere di Parma, Richard Caravita, Food & Beverage Global Brand Manager of Fiere di Parma, Thomas Rubella, CEO of Koelnmesse Italia, and Carmine Forbuso, CMO of the Parmigiano Reggiano Consortium, a partner of the TUTTOFOOD world tour. Parmigiano Reggiano itself was the symbolic protagonist of the event, which culminated with the evocative cutting of a wheel.
"TUTTOFOOD confirms its position as one of the most strategic global platforms for the agri-food and beverage sector," emphasized Antonio Cellie. "It's an international hub capable of connecting producers, distributors, and buyers from dozens of countries, with the goal of bringing together operators from around the world in Milan."
The success of the Dubai event reflects a Significant increase in participation of companies and operators from the MENA region at TUTTOFOOD 2026, with a particularly significant presence of exhibitors from Egypt and Saudi Arabia – the latter for the first time in Milan with its most important national collective – as well as from Central Africa. At the same time, there is a growth in 10% of buyers from large-scale retail trade and food service coming from the region, a sign of a structural and constantly consolidating interest.
"For MENA and GCC companies, participating in TUTTOFOOD means direct access to the European market and international buyers looking for reliable, recognizable, and high-value products," Cellie explained. "This need arises from the profound cultural changes underway in the region, which are redefining consumption, food demand, and, consequently, the entire production and distribution chain."
The most recent analyses on the agri-food trends of the Persian Gulf highlight an evolution towards consumption models that are increasingly oriented towards quality, transparency and origin of the productsThe project is emblematic in this sense “Made in Saudi”, the cornerstone of the government's strategy Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to strengthen local production, reduce dependence on imports, and introduce more stringent regulatory standards through the Saudi Food and Drug Authority. Measures such as mandatory calorie indications on menus and the ban on trans fats are already pushing the industry to profoundly rethink its offerings. Food and beverage is also considered a key pillar in supporting the goal of attracting 150 million visitors per year by 2030.
"In this context, TUTTOFOOD represents an ideal opportunity for discussion and development, thanks also to the dialogue with Italian food culture, recognized as a benchmark," Cellie added. "The event aims to be a strategic hub for consolidating business relationships, attracting new buyers, and supporting Italian companies in the highest-potential markets."
Secondo Matthew Zoppas, President of ICE – Agency, "The constantly growing data on Italian agri-food exports to MENA and Gulf countries confirm the strategic importance of these markets. ICE's support for TUTTOFOOD translates into concrete value for agri-food trade between Italy and the region."
Special thanks to ICE – Agency also came from Richard Caravita, who underlined the role of international roadshows in strengthening the event's global positioning: "An ongoing activity that makes TUTTOFOOD a privileged attraction for different dietary styles and an effective business facilitator."
The strategic partnership between the two companies contributes to further strengthening the international profile of the fair. Parma Fairs and Koelnmesse, organizer of Anuga, scheduled in alternate years with TUTTOFOOD. "A synergy that creates a stable point of reference for key decision makers in the global food business," declared Thomas Rubella.
"Milan, a globally iconic city, and Fiere di Parma's unique expertise in the agri-food sector," Cellie concluded, "are the elements that today place TUTTOFOOD at the center of a true food galaxy that unites Tuttofood, Anuga, and Cibus."
