Department Seeks Food Exhibitors for Gulfood 2020 Tradeshow in Dubai

Deadline to Register for Cost-Share Program is November 16

ANNAPOLIS, MD – The Maryland Department of Agriculture encourages Maryland food businesses who are looking to expand their products into international export markets to attend the Gulfood 2020 tradeshow, Feb. 16-20, 2020, in Dubai. Gulfood is the world’s largest annual food and beverage trade exhibition.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is offering a 50% cost-share program for Southern U.S. Trade Association (SUSTA) members that covers booth costs, travel for up to 2 company employees on a U.S. carrier, lodging for up to 2 people per company at the federal per diem rate, booth furniture, and more. Companies must register before November 16. Booths are available on a first-come, first serve basis.

Interested Maryland companies must register for SUSTA, a non-profit organization that facilitates agricultural trade between small to medium-sized southern U.S. companies and overseas importers, to be eligible for this cost-share program. Sign up to become a SUSTA member on their website. After becoming a SUSTA member, companies interested in the cost-share program should reach out to the department’s Director of International Marketing Theresa Brophy at 410-841-5781 or theresa.brophy@maryland.gov as soon as possible for next steps.

In the past five years, companies in the SUSTA booth at Gulfood have had sales of more than $40 million. Just last year, the tradeshow attracted more than 98,000 visitors and 5,000 exhibitors from 192 countries. The United Arab Emirates and neighboring countries import nearly 90% of their food. Value-added food categories like Halal foods, poultry, cheeses, non-alcoholic beverages, pet foods, and sauces all have great potential in this market.

For more information on Gulfood 2020, visit their website.

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