The Top 10 Food Distributors in Dubai in 2025

The Dubai food and drink market continues to thrive, driven by its status as a global hub for trade, tourism, and hospitality. In 2023, Dubai's food and beverage (F&B) market reached an estimated $44.5 billion, with projections indicating further growth, driven by tourism, a large expatriate population, and a strong economy. The city's diverse demographic creates high demand for premium international foods, convenience products, and health-conscious options such as organic and plant-based foods. These trends offer substantial opportunities for food distributors to cater to a broad spectrum of tastes and preferences.

Interested understanding the retail landscape in Dubai? Check out our analysis of the F&B market and the list of the leading supermarkets in Dubai.

Key drivers in the Dubai market include a growing focus on health and wellness, an increasing demand for convenience and ready-to-eat meals, and the popularity of non-alcoholic beverages. However, distributors must also navigate challenges such as seasonality, regulatory complexities, and managing cold chain logistics in the UAE’s hot climate.

Dubai's strategic location as a logistics hub for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, its excellent infrastructure, and its high disposable income population make it a crucial market for food distributors. The city's thriving retail and foodservice sectors offer extensive opportunities for food distributors to expand their footprint, meet consumer demand, and drive growth.

Advantages of Working with Food Distributors in Dubai

Access to a Wide Market

Dubai's strategic location and its status as a major logistics hub provide food distributors with easy access to global markets. Working with distributors in Dubai enables brands to tap into the Middle East, North Africa, and even parts of Asia.

Established Retail Networks

Distributors in Dubai have strong relationships with key retail players, including supermarkets, hypermarkets, and hospitality outlets. This ensures your products reach a wide range of consumers, from local residents to tourists.

Expertise in Regulatory Compliance

Navigating the UAE's regulatory landscape can be challenging. Dubai-based distributors have in-depth knowledge of import regulations, labeling, and food safety standards, helping brands meet compliance requirements with ease.

Efficient Cold Chain and Logistics

Dubai’s hot climate makes cold chain logistics crucial for food products. Distributors here are equipped with state-of-the-art facilities that ensure products remain fresh and maintain quality from shipment to shelf.

Cost Efficiency through Consolidation

Dubai distributors offer cost-effective solutions by consolidating shipments from different brands, reducing logistics costs, and ensuring efficient distribution to various retail points across the region.

How to Find a Food Distributor in Dubai

Attend Trade Shows

Gulfood is one of the largest annual F&B trade shows globally, held in Dubai. It’s an excellent platform to network with distributors, explore product showcases, and initiate partnerships. Other events like FM EXPO and Beautyworld Middle East can also provide opportunities to connect with relevant distributors.

Use B2B Platforms

Online B2B directories such as Tradeling and Alibaba are reliable tools to search for food distributors. These platforms offer listings of verified distributors, making it easier to initiate contact and explore collaboration.

Consult Industry Associations

Reach out to local industry associations like the Dubai Chamber of Commerce or the UAE Food and Beverage Manufacturers Group. They offer directories of trusted distributors and often have insights into the most reputable partners in the market.

Engage Distributor Agents

Professional distributor agents can help streamline the search. They have local expertise and relationships within the industry, ensuring you find the right fit for your product.

Leverage Referrals

Network with other businesses or suppliers in the region. Referrals from industry contacts can lead to trusted distributors with a proven track record.

The Top 10 Food Distributors in Dubai in 2025

10 - Crescent General Trading LLC

Founded in 1988, Crescent General Trading operates as a division of the NIKAI Group of Companies. It specializes in bulk commodities, such as rice, tea, and coffee, importing and distributing to retailers and foodservice outlets across the UAE. Crescent also represents established brands like Weikfield and Parle, ensuring a wide reach.

• Headquarters: Dubai
• Number of centers in Dubai: 3
• Products distributed: Commodities (rice, tea, coffee), FMCG products
• Website: nikai.com
• Contact: +971 4 883 2888

9 - Modern General Trading

Established as a sister company to Modern Bakery in 1974, Modern General Trading is one of Dubai’s top FMCG distributors. They manage 35+ global brands and have a solid network in the UAE’s food and bakery sector.

• Headquarters: Dubai
• Number of centers in Dubai: 2
• Products distributed: FMCG, bakery ingredients
• Website: modernbakeryllc.com
• Contact: +971 4 267 1112

8 - Al Douri Group

Al Douri, founded in 1979, is a leading distributor in the Middle East, with a focus on Middle Eastern food products. It supplies to both retail and foodservice sectors across the UAE, and is known for its innovation in product variety and quality.

• Headquarters: Dubai
• Number of centers in Dubai: 4
• Products distributed: Middle Eastern food, spices, nuts
• Website: aldouri.com
• Contact: +971 4 267 8882

7 - Gulfco

Established in 1962, Gulf Trading & Refrigerating Co. (Gulfco) specializes in the distribution of frozen and chilled goods. Gulfco operates across the GCC, distributing renowned brands like Betty Crocker and Mars Wrigley.

• Headquarters: Dubai
• Number of centers in Dubai: 3
• Products distributed: Frozen foods, snacks, dairy
• Website: gulfco.ae
• Contact: +971 4 393 5555

6 - Truebell

Founded in 1984, Truebell is a major player in Dubai’s foodservice and FMCG sectors, supplying to hotels, restaurants, and retailers. It has a broad product portfolio, from dairy to specialty beverages.

• Headquarters: Dubai
• Number of centers in Dubai: 3
• Products distributed: FMCG, beverages, dairy
• Website: truebell.org
• Contact: +971 4 806 7600

5 - Baqer Mohebi Enterprises (BME)

Established in 1931, BME is one of Dubai’s longest-running distributors. It focuses on both food and non-food consumer goods and has built a reputation for reliability and quality.

• Headquarters: Dubai
• Number of centers in Dubai: 4
• Products distributed: Food and non-food FMCG
• Website: bmec.ae
• Contact: +971 4 267 6888

4 - United Foods

Founded in 1976, United Foods is known for its production and distribution of high-quality dairy and edible oils. Its brand portfolio includes Aseel Ghee and Mizola Cooking Oil.

• Headquarters: Dubai
• Number of centers in Dubai: 3
• Products distributed: Dairy, edible oils, ghee
• Website: unitedfoods.ae
• Contact: +971 4 347 1661

3 - Transmed

Transmed, established in 1946, is a full-service distributor providing FMCG and foodservice solutions across the Middle East. They distribute major brands such as Mars, Kellogg’s, and Danone, reaching a wide range of retailers and food outlets.

• Headquarters: Dubai
• Number of centers in Dubai: 5
• Products distributed: FMCG, snacks, beverages
• Website: transmed.com
• Contact: +971 4 335 5335

2 - Al Maya Trading

Established in 1982, Al Maya is one of the largest distributors in the UAE, distributing both food and non-food products across the region. They cater to supermarkets, hypermarkets, and foodservice businesses.

• Headquarters: Dubai
• Number of centers in Dubai: 6
• Products distributed: FMCG, beverages, personal care products
• Website: almaya.ae
• Contact: +971 4 267 3333

1 - Agthia Group

Founded in 2004 and headquartered in Abu Dhabi, Agthia Group is a major player in the food and beverage industry across the Middle East. With a strong presence in Dubai, Agthia distributes water, snacks, dairy, and frozen foods. Its well-known brands include Al Ain Water, Yoplait, and Nabil Foods.

• Headquarters: Abu Dhabi
• Number of centers in Dubai: 7
• Products distributed: Water, dairy, snacks, frozen foods
• Website: agthia.com
• Contact: +971 2 596 0600

Also read our list of the leading wholesale Asian food distributors in Dubai and the UAE.

FAQs

1. Who are the top 3 food distributors in Dubai?

The top three food distributors in Dubai are Agthia Group, Al Maya Trading, and Transmed. Agthia, known for its vast portfolio of water, snacks, and dairy, has a strong presence across the Middle East. Al Maya Trading, established in 1982, is a major player in distributing FMCG products throughout Dubai and the GCC. Transmed, founded in 1946, offers comprehensive FMCG and foodservice distribution solutions, working with brands like Mars, Danone, and Kellogg’s.

2. What are the best channels to find a food distributor in Dubai?

The best channels to find a food distributor in Dubai include attending trade shows like Gulfood, using B2B platforms such as Tradeling, and consulting with local industry associations like the Dubai Chamber of Commerce. You can also leverage distributor agents and referrals from other businesses to connect with trusted partners.

3. What are some of the benefits of working with distributors?

Working with food distributors in Dubai provides access to a broad market, regulatory expertise, and efficient logistics solutions, particularly for cold chain products. Distributors also offer cost-effective solutions by consolidating shipments, ensuring your products reach major retailers and foodservice outlets across the region, helping expand your brand reach.

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