Expoculinaire 2025 review

The 7th ExpoCulinaire, held May 21-23 at ExpoCentre Sharjah, UAE was a resounding success! A comprehensive three-day trade show for market leading HoReCa products and services attracted over 5,800 attendees.

Our partners, The Emirates Culinary Guild, delivered an unmatched culinary event featuring four major highlights: the record-breaking 28th Emirates International Salon Culinaire, the all NEW National Cuisine Challenge, Semifinal of the Global Chefs Challenge for the World Association of Chefs Societies Africa and Middle East Region and the Artisan Bakery Arena. More than 1,200 participants - including chefs, international competitors and a team of world-renowned judges came together to showcase culinary skills on an unprecedented scale.

The event was vibrant and bustling with exciting new product launches, high-energy competitions and expert-led Education & Training Sessions—delivered by five top Culinary Institutes - offered invaluable opportunities for skill enhancement. Complemented by our ExpertDemos powered by Foodverse, the programme delivered cutting-edge insights, hands-on knowledge and real-time feedback tailored for top HoReCa professionals.

Statistics

Voices from the industry

Gallery and Video

Attending brands

the show in numbers

Over 5,800 attendees

86% from the UAE
14% international

( 59 countries )

4,800+trade visitors from hotels

chef data

exec Chef 22 % Sous Chef 13%

Commis Chef 16 % pastry Chef 11%

student Chef 11 % other chefs 23%

Baker 6% Kitchen Manager 4 %

PURCHASING ROLE OF VISITORS AT
EXPOCULINAIRE 2025

Accredited Education & Training Sessions Delivered by Leading Culinary Institutes - Chefs Training Centre, International Centre for Culinary Arts, Dubai College of Tourism, Ecole Ducasse Abu Dhabi (NEW) and IRCA Academy (NEW). Participants were shown new skills, latest product and techniques first hand by renowned culinary lecturers.

Over 20+ Hours of certified live teaching
700+ attendance certificates awarded
5 international culinary institutes
Exclusive to expoculinaire

ExpertDemos brought together a stellar lineup of leading HoReCa professionals, including renowned chefs and top product suppliers.

Over 30 hours of live culinary demonstrations
Interactive Q&A with expert chefs and real-time feedback
Showcasing professional techniques, applications, and innovations
Powered by ICCA’s world-class culinary team

This dynamic feature provided exhibitors with a unique opportunity to demonstrate the benefits and real-world value of their products to a highly engaged and professional audience.

ExpoCulinaire 2025 Educ & Training (3).jpg

partners powering education & training

partners powering expert demo

The 28th emirates international salon culinaire

The largest Culinary Competitions in the Africa and Middle East region, organised by the Emirates Culinary Guild and endorsed by Worldchefs.

More than just a showcase of skill, these competitions attracted culinary professionals with purchasing power — those who source, specify and make key decisions. Trade visitors experienced a dynamic atmosphere filled with live judging, tastings and meaningful interactions with competitors and jury members from around the globe.

✔ More than 2,460 chefs involved
✔ Over 930 chefs competitors
✔ 12 participating Countries
✔ Featuring 39 individual Classes
✔ 23 international judges

🥇102 Gold Medals (2 distinction)

🥈159 Silver Medals

🥉195 bronze

other culinary competitions included - National Cuisine Heritage Challenge [new], Artisan Bakery Arena & Global Chefs Challenge – Regional Semifinal

Africa & Middle East Regional semifinal | Official Event of Worldchefs

✔ Seven nations competed head-to-head for a coveted spot in the World Finals at the Worldchefs Congress in Wales, 2026.

✔ After a thrilling and high-calibre competition across multiple categories, UAE, Qatar and Namibia emerged victorious and will proudly represent the Africa & Middle East region in wales, 2026!