The UAE Food Cluster Leadership Summit 2025 set the stage for a strengthened food security partnership between the UAE and India, with Hon. Chirag Paswan, India’s Minister for Food Processing Industries, emphasizing strategic collaboration to address global food challenges.
Held at the Etihad Museum in Dubai, the summit underscored the importance of innovation and resilience in food manufacturing. “The future of the global food sector depends on how effectively we can build resilient and competitive food clusters,” said Paswan. He highlighted five key areas for partnership: technology and AI in agriculture, startup collaboration, metaverse applications in food, educational institution linkages, and the creation of dedicated food parks in both nations.
Paswan noted that food processing plays a vital role in economic growth and sustainability. “India has always been a cornerstone in global food production, and now, we are becoming a powerhouse in food processing and technology-driven supply chains.”
The event also saw insights from industry leaders, including Saleh Lootah, Chairman of the UAE Food & Beverage Manufacturers Group, who described the summit as a “pivotal moment in reshaping the future of food security collaboration between our nations.”
Technological innovation took center stage with the introduction of the UAE Foodverse, a metaverse platform designed for the F&B industry to facilitate virtual collaboration and product demonstrations.
The summit brought together key figures, including Dr. Piruz Khambatta, Chairman of the CII National Committee on Affirmative Action & Special Abilities, and UAE economic leaders. The discussions reinforced the UAE and India’s commitment to leveraging technology, investment, and sustainable practices to secure the future of food production and trade.
