Since its inception, Gulfood has been more than just an exhibition; it has been a driving force behind economic growth, global trade, and international connections. To mark the 30th edition of Gulfood, we spoke with Greg Tyler, CEO and President of the USA Poultry & Egg Export Council (USAPEEC), to reflect on the company’s long-standing relationship with the show and how Gulfood has contributed to its expansion and economic success over the years.

USAPEEC’s journey with Gulfood began with a modest booth in the USA Pavilion, aimed at raising awareness of the availability of US poultry and egg products in the Middle East. Over time, the impact of Gulfood became undeniable.

“We surveyed our members several years ago about the trade development activities they benefit from most in the region, and the overwhelming response was the Gulfood Show,” Tyler shared. Since then, USAPEEC has significantly increased its presence at the event, investing more in its pavilion space and continuously improving its exhibition experience.

Fast-forward to the present, USAPEEC now boasts a two-story pavilion in the meat hall, alongside 16 member companies, bringing the total number of exhibitors to 18. The show has played a pivotal role in increasing USAPEEC’s reach across the MENA region, facilitating vital business connections that have translated into remarkable growth.

The Economic Impact of Gulfood
 

The economic impact of Gulfood on USAPEEC has been profound. With each edition, the company has seen tangible benefits, including a surge in buyers, increased demand for its products, and higher sales. Tyler explains, “In the 12 months following the 2024 show, we estimate sales reached $19 million, and we expect this figure to continue growing in the years ahead.”

In addition to this significant economic impact, USAPEEC’s presence at Gulfood has allowed the organisation to diversify its offerings. With exhibitors ranging from chicken, turkey, and duck producers to egg traders, USAPEEC now represents a broader spectrum of the poultry and egg industry, making it a key player on the global stage.

“The demand for our products has expanded beyond the MENA region,” Tyler says. “We now have a waiting list of companies eager to exhibit alongside us, and we continue to see growth in both our sales and in the number of companies interested in joining us at the show.”

A Vision for the Future
 

USAPEEC’s growth at Gulfood has also been a story of continuous improvement and innovation. In 2017, the organisation received an award for the best large pavilion design, a testament to the sophistication and professionalism that the company has brought to the event. “We strive each year to improve our pavilion and create the best possible environment for business,” Tyler says.

Looking ahead, USAPEEC’s aspirations for Gulfood remain ambitious. With plans to expand its pavilion even further in future editions, the organisation is poised to take full advantage of the growing opportunities in the MENA region and beyond. “We are eager to continue expanding our presence and sales at Gulfood,” Tyler concludes.

A Catalyst for Growth
 

From its early days as a small trade show to its current status as a global industry leader, Gulfood has always been about more than just showcasing products. It has been a catalyst for business, a bridge for international trade, and a platform for economic growth.

As we celebrate the 30th edition of Gulfood, it’s clear that the show has had an immeasurable impact on companies like USAPEEC and the broader food and beverage industry.

Stay tuned for the second instalment of the From the Beginning series, where we will dive deeper into the exciting developments, economic and trade impact, and transformative moments that have defined Gulfood’s evolution over the past three decades.

Join us in 2025 as we celebrate 30 years of shaping the global food landscape and look ahead to a new era of culinary innovation and excellence. Together, let's continue to write this extraordinary story. Register now by visiting gulfood.com/.