From November 3 to 5, 2026, our teams will present a selection of concepts in Dubai developed around three key priorities: regional relevance, nutrition, and formula cost control.
COLA
& BISSAP
DRINK
PROTEIN
MILK
Applications designed for Middle Eastern and African markets.
Concepts designed for MEA markets
Following a successful 2025 edition, METAROM returns to Gulfood Manufacturing with applications developed to reflect the tastes, consumption habits, and economic realities of the Middle East and Africa.
Taste as the common ground
Our goal is to combine regional relevance, nutritional expectations, and formulation performance without losing sight of what matters most: delivering an appealing sensory experience.
Regional Relevance
Concepts that resonate with local tastes and cultures.
Better for You
Applications focused on nutrition, protein, and sugar reduction.
Affordability & Cost Efficiency
High-performing formulations developed for a demanding economic environment.
Concepts inspired by local tastes and cultures
This first area of focus combines flavoring expertise, an understanding of consumption habits, and adaptation to regional preferences.
Date Cola
A signature recipe for the 2026 edition, Date Cola combines the characteristic intensity of cola with smooth, indulgent date notes. The concept brings METAROM’s expertise in the cola category to a profile directly inspired by the Middle East.
A regional take on a global category.
Grenadine & Bissap Soda
Inspired by Chapman, this carbonated beverage combines a grenadine profile with the tart, botanical character of hibiscus, also known as bissap. It brings together local heritage, naturality, and functionality.
A fruity, colorful, and refreshing profile.
Ginger Biscuit
A biscuit with spicy notes completes this exploration of regional tastes. Already tested as part of projects for the Nigerian market, this application highlights the intensity and warmth of ginger.
An intense, warm, and long-lasting expression.
Combining nutrition, functionality, and taste enjoyment
Growing consumer expectations around nutrition and functionality are creating new opportunities for innovation. However, adding protein or reducing sugar can alter the sensory balance of a formula.
- Preserve an indulgent signature
- Balance the notes introduced by protein
- Maintain intensity and a long-lasting taste
- Adapt the profile to the consumption occasion
Popcorn Protein Milkshake
A protein-enriched milk drink combining the smoothness of a dairy base with an indulgent, instantly recognizable popcorn profile. This concept showcases METAROM’s expertise in dairy applications with a nutritional focus.
Protein Salted Caramel Sports Bar
This application showcases our longstanding caramel expertise while extending it into the nutraceutical and functional nutrition categories. It combines indulgence, convenience, and evolving nutritional expectations.
In a nutritional application, flavoring helps create a profile that aligns with the expected benefit while preserving taste enjoyment.
Controlling formula costs without compromising flavor performance
In many markets, affordability is a decisive factor. Manufacturers need to adjust their formulations while maintaining an intense, appealing, and instantly recognizable taste profile.
To address this challenge, METAROM will present an energy drink with an optimized formula cost. This application demonstrates our ability to combine flavor performance with economic constraints in a category that is growing across several African markets.
Finding the right balance
A formulation designed to maintain the expected sensory identity while optimizing cost in use.
Flavor impact
Intensity
Create an instantly recognizable profile.
Optimization
Formula cost
Address the project’s economic constraints.
Market adaptation
Affordability
Respond to the realities of target markets.
Discover and taste our concepts
Meet the METAROM teams to discover our applications, discuss your projects, and explore new development opportunities.
Event information
- Event: Gulfood Manufacturing 2026
- Dates: November 3–5, 2026
- Location: Dubai World Trade Centre, Dubai
- Hall: Sheikh Rashid Hall
- Stand: RK20
Sheikh Rashid Hall
RK20November 3–5, 2026
Have a project to discuss?
Connect with our teams before the show or meet us directly at stand RK20.
Let’s talk about your project →