Afghanistan’s finest dried fruits, nuts and spices were on display at Gulfood 2020, the world's largest food and beverage exhibition. The event, which took place Feb. 14-17, 2020 in Dubai, yielded $1.1 million in signed deals and another $1.5 million in potential deals for two exporters supported by UNDP’s Community-Based Agriculture and Rural Development—Access to International Markets (CBARD-AIM) project.

Afghan food products have long been a favorite among overseas buyers for their color, size and flavor. Events like Gulfood provide an opportunity for Afghan exporters to compete on the world stage, negotiating lucrative contracts with international buyers.

The two CBARD-AIM-supported exporters, both from Herat, were among 26 Afghan exporters exhibiting in the Afghanistan pavilion, which was co-supported by the United States Agency for International Development.
Gulfood provided a unique opportunity for the exhibitors not only to generate sales but to learn more about the nuanced market requirements of the world's most discerning buyers.
Afghan businessman Zamarai Noori found the event very helpful in boosting sales of his nuts, dried apricots, sesame seed and other products. “The event provided us with the necessary international exposure to reach new markets around the world," he said.

The event also provided an opportunity for a woman-owned firm from Herat to create links with buyers for future sales of dried fruits and nuts. "I know women farmers who are working night and day to support themselves," said Maryam Jami of Bano Production and Packing. "I came to Gulfood to form relationships with buyers not only to help my business but also help these women producers.”

Now in its 25th year, Gulfood is the largest food and beverage industry trade exhibit in the world. The event annually draws 5,000 exhibitors from around 185 countries and exposes some 97,000 visitors with the latest business trends and new products.

Now in its 25th year, Gulfood is the largest food and beverage industry trade exhibit in the world. The event annually draws 5,000 exhibitors from around 185 countries and exposes some 97,000 visitors with the latest business trends and new products.

CBARD helps farmers increase yields, improve their livelihoods and decrease opium poppy cultivation. Events like Gulfood help spur economic growth in key provinces, generating greater returns for agribusinesses as well as the farmers they serve.

The project will link 12 districts in Badghis, Farah and Nangarhar provinces with cold chain facilities, ensuring shelf life of agricultural products and increasing export opportunities for farmers. The International markets will provide increased prices and returns to farmers benefiting 5,100 households directly and over 500,000 people indirectly.