Vietnamese spice exporters eye Middle East, North Africa markets at Gulfood 2026
Vietnamese exporters head to Gulfood 2026 in the United Arab Emirates' Dubai to capture rising Middle East demand for spices and processed foods.
THE HANOI TIMES — Nearly 120 Vietnamese companies will take part in Gulfood 2026 on January 26-30 in the United Arab Emirates’s Dubai as they seek to expand exports to the Middle East and North Africa, where demand for spices and processed agricultural products remains robust.
The VPSA's joint exhibition area for 18 member companies at Gulfood 2026. Photo: VPSA
Gulfood 2026, the world’s largest food and spice exhibition, will bring together thousands of businesses from more than 190 countries and territories. The event serves as a key global meeting point for producers, exporters, distributors and international retail networks in the food and seasoning sectors.
Among the Vietnamese participants, the Vietnam Pepper and Spice Association (VPSA) will organize a joint exhibition area for 18 member companies, including Artexport Hanoi, Elmar Trading and Production and Hoang Kim Ngan Import Export, at the North Hall (DEC).
Their participation shows Vietnam’s growing visibility and role in the global spice supply chain.
According to VPSA, Vietnamese exporters will showcase flagship products such as pepper, cinnamon, star anise, chili, ginger, turmeric and a range of value-added processed spices that meet international quality and safety standards.
Beyond the VPSA pavilion, other Vietnamese exporters, including Generalexim JSC, Hanfimex Group and Intimex Group JSC, will also exhibit across Gulfood’s specialized halls.
The exhibition offers companies direct access to major importers, distributors, retail chains and food groups from the Middle East, Europe, Africa and South Asia, helping them secure new contracts and build long-term partnerships.
Alongside Gulfood, Vietnam’s trade office in India is encouraging exporters to explore AAHAR 2026, South Asia’s leading food exhibition scheduled for mid-March 2026 in New Delhi, as part of efforts to diversify export markets.
In 2025, Vietnam’s pepper and spice exports exceeded $2 billion for the first time, with pepper alone contributing more than $1.6 billion and reinforcing Vietnam’s position as the world’s leading exporter.
Asia remained Vietnam’s largest pepper market, importing about 117,300 tons, or 47.4% of total shipments, up 9.4% from 2024.
Other key destinations included the United Arab Emirates with 22,200 tons, up 36%, China with 19,900 tons, up 88% and India with 12,500 tons, up 18%.
Vietnam’s pepper output in 2025 was estimated at 175,000-195,000 tons, accounting for roughly 36% of global supply, well ahead of other major producers such as India at 15.8% and Brazil at 15%.
