Estonia plans to increase its presence in UAE’s F&B sector

Sajjad Ahmad, Deputy Business Editor

Estonia is committed to improve cooperation with the UAE in the food and beverages (F&B) sector and increase its exports to the country in the coming years, said Piret Hartman, Estonia’s Minister of Regional Affairs and Agriculture at the Gulfood on Wednesday.

Speaking at the Estonian Pavilion, she said, “We want to see more and more Estonian firms to come to the UAE and explore opportunities offered by the private sector and the government entities.”

Hartman added, “This year we have 19 companies participating in the event. We look forward to introduce companies to the UAE which are ready to collaborate locally and internationally. We have a wide range of firms with good potential and resources to work with the local companies.”

About the cooperation with the UAE in food sector, She explained, “We share the aim of sustainability. We have technological advantages in food sector which we aim to share with the local firms in the UAE.”

She said,” Our participation is increasing year by year in Gulfood.the event offers more connections and possibilities and in future we will have more potential. We want to see more and more Estonian firms to come to the UAE and explore opportunities offered by the private sector and the government entities.”

Estonia returns to Gulfood 2025 for the 8th consecutive year, reaffirming its role as a pioneer in natural, high-quality, and innovative food production.

From plant-based alternatives and collagen-infused wellness products to organic, clean-label and food tech solutions. Estonia’s top F&B brands are ready to meet the UAE’s demand for health-driven and sustainable products.

Estonia’s participation reflects its long-term commitment to fostering trade relations in the region.

Hartman concluded, “Estonia’s food and beverages industry is deeply rooted in our connection to nature. We are proud to present a diverse selection of sustainable, innovative, and high-quality food products at Gulfood 2025. Our food industry is driven by a commitment to food innovation stemming into health-conscious, environmentally responsible, and cutting-edge solutions, which align with the UAE and GCC’s evolving food preferences. Through this platform, we aim to build lasting trade relationships, drive business growth, and introduce Estonian excellence to new markets.”

The Estonian Pavilion (S-G52, Trade Centre Arena) proudly showcasing some of Estonia’s most innovative and high-quality food and beverage brands, reinforcing the country’s reputation as a hub for excellence in the industry. Several Estonian companies have been recognised at the Gulfood Innovation Awards 2025, underlining their impact on the global F&B landscape.

Taking centre stage at Gulfood 2025, Thormi Technology has won the best “Ready-to-Eat” product award for its Shredded Chickenless in Coconut-Curry Sauce, praised for its taste, convenience, and sustainability. Estonia’s influence extends further with award nominees Haage, offering natural soft drinks and premium mineral water; Puljong, known for organic, Halal-certified broths and stocks; Revala, pioneers of lactose-free ice cream powders; and Rosena DK, innovators in Collagen-infused plant-based coffees, booster shots and smoothie powders.

Estonia’s lineup also includes leading brands such as A. Le Coq, Balsnack, BabyCool, CoffeeCrystal, EBM Group, ICONFIT, Öselwise, Punch Club, Salvest, Saku Brewery, Sume Green, SUNFLY, Valio, and YOOK Production, all driving innovation in beverages, snacks, oils, dairy, plant-based, and functional superfoods.

Among the product highlights are clean-label organic baby food, allergen-free sunflower seed butters, premium instant coffee from the finest beans, probiotic functional beverages, ultra-convenient smoothie mixes, mindful mocktails, and next-gen dairy-free oat drinks with exciting taste combinations, all showcasing Estonia’s innovative edge in natural and health-driven food solutions.

“Having witnessed the evolution of the world’s premier food trade show for nearly a decade, we in Estonia are proud to be part of the UAE’s dynamic food ecosystem. Estonian companies bring pioneering food tech innovation and zero-waste production expertise to this thriving regional hub, with food comprising 8% of our GDP. We’re seeing remarkable opportunities to collaborate with UAE partners, combining our technological solutions with the region’s ambitious food security vision, from the Food Tech Valley to advanced vertical farming initiatives” said Fatoumata Tall, Export Adviser to Enterprise Estonia.

With 23% organic farmland, one of the highest in Europe, Estonia blends deep agricultural roots with cutting-edge food tech. As a forward-thinking, tech-driven nation, this Northern European country is a natural partner for the UAE’s evolving market.

On 21 February at 12:50 PM, at Gulfood Top Table, Abu Dhabi-based Estonian chef Hannes Heinpalu will demonstrate Estonia’s expertise in plant-based cuisine, showcasing innovative cooking techniques with meat alternatives.