Lithuania Brings ‘You are What You EAT’ Approach to the Gulfood 2024
The upcoming Gulfood 2024 is set to be an exceptional platform for the global food and beverage sector, showcasing the latest innovations and trends. Among the highlights of this event, Lithuania is poised to make a significant impact with its unique ‘You are what you E.A.T’ philosophy, emphasizing food that is Exceptional, Advanced, and Tasty. This approach underlines the Lithuanian food industry’s commitment to quality, tradition, and innovation.
The world’s largest annual food and beverage exhibition, scheduled for 19-23 February 2024 in Dubai at the World Trade Centre, will feature a noteworthy participation from 20 top-tier Lithuanian food manufacturers. These companies represent the best of Lithuania’s food sector, emphasizing sustainably produced items that adhere to the highest European Union standards, while incorporating advanced technologies and solutions, yet preserving traditions that have been handed down over centuries.
Renowned for its vibrant startup ecosystem, technological innovation, and pristine natural environment, Lithuania is also a country deeply rooted in agricultural tradition and sustainability. Its strategic location in Northern Europe offers an optimal climate for producing a wide variety of quality produce at scale. Lithuania’s commitment to blending technology with nature’s best is vividly demonstrated in its food production sector, which utilizes IT solutions for monitoring crop growth, innovative drying technologies, and even 3D food printing to create food products that are not only healthy and nutritious but also sustainable and environmentally friendly.
His Excellency Vytenis Tomkus, Vice Minister of Agriculture in Lithuania, will lead a high-level delegation to Dubai, highlighting the innovative food industry solutions and the quality of Lithuanian food products. This participation is a testament to Lithuania’s desire to expand its global reach, particularly in the Arab markets, building on the €16.1 million agricultural food exports to the UAE in 2023—a figure that reflects a 5.4 percent increase from the previous year.
The country’s focus on organic farming and sustainable production methods is noteworthy, with plans to increase its certified organic agricultural land to 13 percent by 2027. Among the exhibitors, companies like Amber Pasta, Naujasis Nevėžis, Cerera Foods, Varėnos Pienelis, Daumantai LT, and GOLSKI LT highlight the diversity and innovation within Lithuania’s food sector. Notably, CHAZZ, the world’s first adults-only potato chips manufacturer, will also make its debut at the event.
Mr. Šarūnas Celiešius, Director of LitFOOD, shared insights on Lithuania’s commitment to environmentally friendly and sustainable agriculture and food production technologies. From freeze drying and 3D printing to vertical farming, Lithuanian food producers are at the forefront of producing nutrient-rich and sustainable food products that meet the highest quality and safety standards.
The wide array of products presented by Lithuania at Gulfood 2024—ranging from innovative functional snacks and dairy products to sophisticated soft beverages and confectionery—underscores the country’s dedication to excellence. With a firm emphasis on quality, Lithuania is ready to captivate the global market, continuing its tradition of bringing exceptional, advanced, and tasty food products to consumers around the world.
