This is an area of the world that has been increasingly pinpointed on global maps for some time now. An area that not only sports growing economic importance, but also where trends in many sectors are increasingly being set. We are talking about the Gulf Countries, six nations associated in the Gulf Cooperation Council. Europe and Italy entertain a dense trade exchange with ut, and the product categories represented at Host 2025, at fieramilano - Rho from 17 to 21October 2025, are a relevant component.

According to a recent ExportPlanning analysis, HostMilano sectors generated 1.31 B€ in 2023 in the EU-GCC interchange, a value that will rise to 1.6 B€ in 2027 thanks to a CAGR of 6.2 percent. The main markets are the UAE with 612.2 M€ (791 M€ in 2027, CAGR +6.6%) and Saudi Arabia with 455.9 M€ (598.9 M€ in 2027, CAGR +7.1%).

From Italy - a world leading country in several sectors - exports to the GCC were worth €395.3 M€ in 2023 (445 M€ in 2027). Among the sectors, always in the forefront is Food Service Equipment, which will rise from 224.7 M€ in 2023 to 245.3 M€ in 2027 (+9.2%). In the same time frame, Bakery and Pastry Machinery will increase from 30.9 to 32.6 M€ (+5.5%) and Furniture and Tableware will rise from 51.4 to 59.8 M€ (+16.3%). The best exploit, however, will be made by Coffee Machines, which will grow from 86.8 to 107.3 M€ (+23.6%).  

A pivotal role that is confirmed by the numerous presence at HostMilano of buyers from this area. As Abdulaziz Alkhudair, managing director of Majd Alaamal Group (Saudi Arabia), commented: “Consumption habits are changing, encouraging demand for new machinery and products. For example, the importance of breakfast, which is increasingly 'American-style,' is growing. Many people here are also smart working post-pandemic, taking time in the morning to go to a café. In general, the younger generation prefers to go out early, and this is also revolutionizing the concept of dining, which is becoming lighter and healthier.”

HostMilano will meet with operators, institutions, media and stakeholders in the area at a networking event in Dubai on the next 6^th November