The Thabico Group steps onto the global food stage at Gulfood 2026 in Dubai. SUPPLIED

Vietnam is stepping onto the global food stage with a new identity, and Gulfood 2026 in Dubai will be one of its most important showcases yet. As the world’s largest annual food and beverage sourcing event returns to the Dubai World Trade Centre from January 26 to 30, Vietnam is positioning itself not just as a supplier of tropical produce, but as a growing hub for high-quality, technology-driven food ingredients. At the heart of this shift is Thabico Group, whose participation reflects how Vietnamese agriproducts are moving decisively up the global value chain. For decades, Vietnam was best known for exporting raw agricultural commodities. Today, that model is changing. Rising investment in deep-processing technology, stronger environmental, social and governance commitments, and tighter alignment with international standards are helping Vietnamese companies capture more value and compete in demanding markets such as the Middle East, Europe and North America. Thabico’s entry at Gulfood 2026 highlights this transformation in a very practical way. Instead of focusing on fresh produce alone, the group is presenting standardized ingredient solutions designed for industrial production, efficient logistics and consistent quality—key requirements for global food and beverage manufacturers.

Why Vietnam’s agriproducts are changing

At a national level, deep processing has become a major growth engine for Vietnam’s agriculture sector. According to data from the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, exports of agricultural, forestry and fishery products reached a record $70.09 billion in 2025, up 12 percent and above government targets despite global economic uncertainty. Much of this growth came from processed products rather than raw exports. Coffee exports exceeded $8 billion for the first time, driven by roasted, ground and instant varieties. Fruit and vegetable exports hit a new high of $8.56 billion, supported by strong demand for frozen durian and processed coconut products. As more Vietnamese firms adopt advanced European and Japanese technologies, deep-processed goods are helping stabilize supply, reduce seasonal risks and improve margins. This national shift forms the backdrop for Vietnam’s growing visibility at Gulfood, where buyers are increasingly looking for reliable, scalable ingredient partners rather than just commodity suppliers.

What Thabico is doing differently at Gulfood Dubai

At Gulfood 2026 in Dubai, Thabico is presenting itself as a technology-led ingredient supplier for the global food and beverage industry. Its exhibit in the Za’abeel Beverage Area focuses on products designed for real-world manufacturing needs, including fruit purees, not-from-concentrate juices, juice concentrates, individually quick frozen fruits and vegetables, freeze-dried fruits, and a wide range of coconut-based ingredients such as coconut water and coconut milk. What sets Thabico apart is how these products are processed. Individually quick frozen technology helps preserve texture and original flavour, making products suitable for long-distance exports to markets like the Middle East, Europe and the United States. Freeze-drying retains a high level of nutrients and responds directly to the global rise in demand for healthy snacks and functional foods. Modern puree, NFC and concentrate lines ensure batch-to-batch consistency, simplify logistics and give beverage brands and food manufacturers greater flexibility in product development. This approach reflects a broader change in how Vietnamese companies are engaging with global buyers. Instead of selling what is available, they are increasingly supplying what the market needs. Technology alone is not enough to access premium supply chains. Importers in the Middle East and Europe now expect strict compliance with food safety, traceability and transparency standards. Thabico has made international standardization a core part of its strategy, aligning its systems with globally recognized frameworks such as BRC and FSSC 22000, while meeting market-specific requirements including Halal certification. Traceability is also a growing focus. Through planting-area codes and digital data systems, partners can track products from cultivation and input use through harvesting and processing. In parts of its supply chain, blockchain technology is used to strengthen data reliability, helping build trust with international customers and ensuring consistent supply. Beyond products and standards, Thabico is emphasizing production capacity and social responsibility as part of its Gulfood presence. The group operates six factories across key raw-material regions in southern Vietnam. In Tay Ninh, three high-tech facilities focus on purees, NFC juices, concentrates and freeze-dried products, with future lines planned for ready-to-cook frozen foods and plant-based products. In Dong Thap, processing plants specialize in coconut products, beverages, IQF and freeze-drying, supported by large-scale freezing capacity. A facility in Ho Chi Minh City produces cereals and dried powders, completing a diversified portfolio. ALSO READ: Vietnam highlights shift to beverage solutions Environmental and social responsibility are integrated into the group’s long-term plans. Thabico manages an 1,800-hectare organic coconut project in Tien Giang, with productivity reaching up to 16,000 coconuts per hectare each year. The project directly supports more than 1,500 farming households and includes over 1,200 certified hectares, with further expansion underway. The group has also committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, with a target to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 10 percent by 2030 through investments in biomass energy and solar power.

Vietnam’s message at Gulfood Dubai 2026

Through Thabico’s participation, Vietnam’s presence at Gulfood 2026 sends a clear message. The country is no longer positioning itself solely as a source of raw agricultural exports. Instead, it is presenting itself as a reliable supplier of ingredient solutions backed by technology, scale and international standards. For Middle East buyers seeking secure, high-quality and sustainable supply partners, Vietnam’s evolving agrifood sector—and companies like Thabico—are becoming increasingly hard to ignore. Visit Thabico's booth at Gulfood, Dubai World Trade Centre, Za’abeel Beverage Area, Za’abeel Hall 4, Booth Z4–59 from January 26 to 30. ICA/Expat Media
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