Demand for ‘Made in Italy’ technologies accelerates
Italy is reinforcing its position as a global industrial powerhouse, with exports of packaging and food processing machinery to the United Arab Emirates reaching €161 million by July 2025 — a clear reflection of the Gulf’s growing demand for Made in Italy innovation, precision, and engineering excellence.
According to the latest data, Italy leads the UAE market in both sectors: packaging machinery exports totalled € 53.7mn, up 58.3% year-on-year, capturing a 34.7% market share, while food and beverage processing machinery reached € 107.3mn, an 87.5% increase over 2024, securing a 35.4% market share, it was revealed ahead of Gulfood Manufacturing 2025 to held at the Dubai World Trade Centre from 4–6 November 2025
At the event, the Italian Trade Agency (ITA), in partnership with UCIMA (Italian Packaging Machinery Manufacturers Association) and the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, will showcase the latest Made in Italy technologies through a dedicated Italian Lounge.
Trade milestone
“Italy’s participation at Gulfood Manufacturing marks more than a trade milestone; it embodies the deep industrial partnership between our nations. Italian technology perfectly aligns with the UAE’s pursuit of innovation, sustainability, and high-performance manufacturing,” stated Lorenzo Fanara, Ambassador of Italy to the UAE.
“As the hospitality and food sectors continue to expand, Italian innovation will remain a defining force in enhancing production efficiency and competitiveness across the Gulf,” affirmed Valerio Soldani, Trade Commissioner, Italian Trade Agency–Dubai.
As the UAE cements its position as the region’s manufacturing and logistics hub, Italy remains a trusted partner, fuelling industrial diversification, technological advancement and sustainable growth across the Gulf, a press statement concluded.
