The 2026 edition of Gulfood (January 26–30), the world’s largest food and beverage trade show, once again confirmed its role as one of the main commercial drivers of the industry, generating a record economic impact that exceeded AED 168 billion (USD 45.7 billion) in deals during the week of the event.
Within this context, the nut and dried fruit sector had a particularly strong presence, driven by growing global demand and an increasing focus on products with greater traceability and higher sustainability standards.
The International Nut & Dried Fruit Council (INC) led one of the most active sector pavilions at the fair, bringing together 34 co-exhibitors from 15 countries and facilitating strategic meetings aimed at strengthening the international supply chain. In its official post-event assessment, the INC highlighted three key points:
- the need to strengthen international cooperation to ensure more resilient supply chains;
- the growing interest in premium products with verifiable origin across Gulf markets;
- and the rising demand for sustainability certifications, which is becoming a key commercial requirement for buyers in the Middle East and Asia.
Spain Emerges Strongly in the International Pistachio Market
One of the most discussed developments in the sector was the growing interest in Spanish pistachios, which are beginning to gain ground against traditional origins such as the United States, Iran, and Turkey. Spanish producers stood out at Gulfood thanks to their traceability, quality, and sustainable agricultural practices, positioning Spanish pistachios as a premium alternative for international buyers seeking certified products with verifiable origin.
The trends observed at Gulfood 2026—focused on sustainability, robust certifications, traceable origins, processing innovation, and strengthened international logistics—suggest sustained growth for the global nut industry in the coming years.
All indicators point to a future characterized by greater market diversification, particularly in the Gulf and South Asia; an accelerated professionalization of the value chain (quality standards, certifications, and smart packaging); and expanded bilateral trade, driven by the active participation of industry organizations such as the INC.
This scenario reaffirms nuts and dried fruits as one of the most dynamic and strategic segments of global food trade for the 2026–2027 period.
