Digital buyer journeys
What digital buyer journeys means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Event overview
Overview
Gulfood 360 Africa, Kenya is set to launch from 4 to 6 May 2027 at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre in Nairobi. This event will serve as a pivotal platform for connecting international buyers with Africa's fast-growing food economy, which is projected to reach $567.
31 billion by 2032. Organised by inD Events FZE, the event aims to facilitate trade, partnerships, and innovation across the food value chain, making Kenya a key gateway for agritech and logistics.
TL;DR
- 1Dates and Venue: Gulfood 360 Africa takes place from 4 to 6 May 2027 at Kenyatta International Convention Centre, Nairobi, Kenya.
- 2Scale and Focus: This inaugural event connects global buyers with Africa's rapidly growing food economy, projected to reach $567.31 billion by 2032.
- 3Organiser: The event is organised by inD Events FZE, known for facilitating major food trade events.
- 4Entry: Registration is open for visitors; secure your place to connect with key industry players.
Why visit
Gulfood360 Africa Kenya brings the Gulfood 360 food and beverage sourcing format to Nairobi's Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) from 4-6 May 2027. Visitors can compare suppliers across food and beverage, agritech, food technology, cold chain and packaging in one CBD venue, with a focus on products entering Kenyan and wider East African retail, food-service and distribution channels. The show is most relevant for importers, wholesalers,.
Why exhibit
Exhibiting at Gulfood 360 Africa provides companies with direct access to high-value buyers from across Africa. This inaugural event connects global buyers with Africa's rapidly growing food economy, projected to reach $567.31 billion by 2032. Attendees include wholesalers, distributors, retailers, and agricultural professionals from across Africa.
Attendees, exhibitors & solutions
Who this event is for
Visitor profile
Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.
African food and beverage importers and distributors
Supermarket, hypermarket and grocery retail buyers
Food service, hospitality and QSR procurement teams
Agribusinesses, cooperatives and agritech adopters
Cold chain, logistics and warehousing operators
Processors, packagers and ingredient formulators
Exhibitor profile
Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.
F&B manufacturers and brand owners targeting African markets
Agritech and food tech solution providers
Food service and hospitality equipment makers
Processing, packaging and ingredients suppliers
Cold chain, warehousing and logistics service providers
Export promotion bodies and country pavilions (e.g. German Pavilion)
Product categories
Key solution areas showcased across the event.
Food and beverage products across retail, food service and ingredients
Agritech systems, inputs and farm-to-market technology
AI and food tech applications for the agrifood value chain
Food service and hospitality equipment
Logistics, warehousing and cold chain solutions
Processing, packaging and ingredients
Location & Facilities
Venue
Kenyatta International Convention Centre
Kenyatta International Convention Centre, Nairobi CBD, Nairobi, Kenya
Facilities
Parking
Kenyatta International Convention Centre in Nairobi typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Food options
On-site catering
On-site diningParking: Kenyatta International Convention Centre in Nairobi typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Gate: Follow organiser signage to the main visitor entrance at Kenyatta International Convention Centre for badge collection; allow extra time for security screening during peak morning arrival.
Attend
Entry & tickets
Free registration
Who runs the show
Organisers
inD Events FZE
Intelligence
Market context
Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.
Nairobi, Kenya
Why it matters
On 2027-05-04 to 2027-05-06, Gulfood 360 Africa, Kenya 2027 in Nairobi covering Food and beverage products across retail, food service and ingredients, Agritech systems, inputs and farm-to-market tech gives food buyers a single calendar window to compare suppliers, validate specs on the stand, and book follow-ups before the next buying cycle - especially when your roadmap matches the published exhibitor profile.
Industry trends
Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.
Sustainability in procurement
What sustainability in procurement means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Automation and labour efficiency
What automation and labour efficiency means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Regional supply-chain resilience
What regional supply-chain resilience means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Hybrid engagement models
What hybrid engagement models means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Market news
Latest updates from across the market.
Agriculture - Kenya News Agency
ReadKenya: Food, Agriculture & Beverage Business Intelligence Report 2026
ReadKenya - African Agribusiness
ReadKenya | Food Business Middle East & Africa - No.1 Food & Beverage ...
ReadThe Rise of AgriTech in Kenya: How Farmers and Tech Entrepreneurs are ...
ReadKenya Agriculture Newswire - EIN Presswire
ReadPlan your trip
Travel & logistics
Local currency · USD
Hotel tiers
A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.
Sarova Stanley Hotel, Nairobi
5-star
Nairobi CBD, approx. 500 m from KICCCaptured as a 5-star hotel with breakfast, free Wi-Fi, free parking, outdoor pool, fitness centre, spa and bar; closest full-service option to the venue.
Space International Hotel
3-star
Nairobi CBD, approx. 610 m from KICCCaptured as a 3-star hotel with free Wi-Fi, free parking, air conditioning, restaurant and kid-friendly facilities.
Fahari Bliss Hotel
Budget
Nairobi CBD, approx. 700 m from KICCBudget option flagged for an excellent location close to the convention centre; rates quoted in INR in the Google Hotels capture, so confirm USD equivalents at booking.
HOTEL EMBASSY - Nairobi, Kenya
Midscale
Nairobi CBD, approx. 740 m from KICCIncludes breakfast, free Wi-Fi, free parking, restaurant, airport shuttle and full-service laundry.
CITY SPACE HOTEL ACCOMMODATION & RESTAURANT
3-star
Nairobi CBD, approx. 970 m from KICCPositioned as good value for a three-star property within walking distance of the venue.
Hotel Central Park & Conference Center
2-star
Nairobi CBD, walking distance to KICCCaptured as a 2-star hotel with breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking; a lower-cost base for the show days.
Local transport
Get around the city with these convenient transport options.
Airport taxi / ride-hail
Estimated costApprox. USD taxi/rideshare from NBO to venue (estimate; confirm before travel)
Best forJomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) to KICC, Nairobi CBD
Pre-booked transfers and app-based rides are the standard option for delegates arriving with luggage; journey time depends on Nairobi traffic.
Matatu / city bus
Estimated costUSD 2.50-6 single metro/light-rail journey (contactless)
Best forNairobi CBD routes serving the KICC and City Square area
Public matatu and bus routes stop within walking distance of KICC; useful for visitors staying outside the CBD.
Self-drive / car parking
Estimated costApprox. KES 200-500 per day; confirm current tariffs
Best forKICC on-site parking facilities
KICC publishes on-site parking facilities; check availability on show days when Gulfood360 Kenya traffic peaks.
Weather
Nairobi in early May sits in the long-rains season: expect warm days around 23 C, cooler nights near 14 C, and frequent afternoon showers (sources cite roughly 16 rain days for May). Pack a light rain layer and a compact umbrella for the walk between KICC halls.
Plan for the climate
Check temperatures and pack accordingly
Venue connectivity
Kenyan mobile networks (Safaricom, Airtel, Telkom) sell tourist SIM and eSIM bundles at Nairobi airports and city shops; a local data bundle is usually cheaper than roaming. Confirm coverage and Wi-Fi availability inside the KICC halls with the organiser before relying on connectivity for live demos.
Ride-hailing
Taxis
Public transit
Car rentals
Cultural notes
Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.
Greetings and business introductions
A handshake is the common business greeting in Nairobi; use titles and surnames until invited to use first names, and offer or receive business cards with a brief introduction.
Language in business
English and Kiswahili are Kenya's official languages; English is widely used in trade-show settings, while a simple Kiswahili greeting is appreciated in informal exchanges.
Dress and meeting style
Business formal or smart-casual dress is appropriate for KICC show days; meetings can blend formal presentations with relationship-building conversation, so allow time for introductions.
Traffic and timing
Nairobi traffic can be heavy, especially around the CBD; plan buffer time for airport transfers and meetings, and confirm a meeting point before leaving your hotel.
Food, dietary and tipping
Hotel and restaurant menus usually offer local and international dishes; confirm halal, vegetarian or allergy requirements with your host. Tipping is not mandatory, but small tips for porters and taxi drivers are common; check whether service charge is already included.
Practical guides
Visitor & Exhibitor Essentials
Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.
Flights
Compare flights to the nearest international gateway serving Nairobi; confirm ground transport on the organiser site.
Visa
Kenya requires most business visitors to hold an approved electronic travel authorisation (eTA) before travel; applications are submitted online through the official Kenyan government portal and authorisation is checked on arrival.
Apply through the official evisa.go.ke portal rather than third-party visa sites; carry the approved eTA and a passport valid for at least six months. Confirm current business-travel rules, exemptions and passport requirements with Kenya's immigration authority before booking flights.
OfficialTransport
Get to the venue and around the city with these options.
Airport → venue: Use the nearest international airport serving Nairobi; Metro, train or taxi links are typically available to the venue district.
Hotel → venue: Precinct hotels near Kenyatta International Convention Centre: Nairobi CBD, approx. 500 m from KICC: Sarova Stanley Hotel, Nairobi; Nairobi CBD, approx. 610 m from KICC: Space International Hotel; Nairobi CBD, approx. 700 m from KICC: Fahari Bliss Hotel.
Ride-hail: Ride-hailing apps are commonly used in Nairobi; confirm local availability before travel.
Public transit: Check local bus/metro options for routes to Kenyatta International Convention Centre.
Parking: On-site parking is available at Kenyatta International Convention Centre; confirm daily rates and hall access on the organiser or venue site.
Weather
Plan and pack for the event climate.
Month: May 2027
Temperature: Approx. 14-23 C (May averages for Nairobi)
Seasonality: Long-rains season: May is one of Nairobi's wetter months, with frequent short showers and roughly 16 rain days reported for the month.
Packing: Light breathable business wear for warm days, a sweater or jacket for cool evenings, a waterproof layer and compact umbrella, and comfortable shoes for wet pavements around the KICC precinct.
Plan your trip
Planning
Best day to visit: Day 2 (mid-show)
Mid-show days at Gulfood 360 Africa, Kenya 2027 usually combine full exhibitor attendance with scheduled B2B meetings, before early pack-down on the final day.
T-1
Confirm the Gulfood360 Africa Kenya 2027 dates, KICC venue and visitor registration process on gulfood360kenya.com; check whether your registration needs approval before badge collection. — Keep the organiser confirmation email with your travel documents.
T-2
Check Kenyan eTA requirements for your passport and apply through evisa.go.ke if required; confirm passport validity and print or save the approval. — Rules vary by nationality; verify before booking non-refundable travel.
T-3
Set a travel budget in Kenyan shillings (KES) for airport transfers, local transport, meals and incidentals; confirm card and mobile-money acceptance with your hotel. — Carry a small cash reserve for local transport.
T-4
Book flights to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) arriving by 3 May 2027, allowing buffer for long-haul delays and Nairobi traffic. — NBO is the main international gateway for Nairobi.
T-5
Reserve a Nairobi CBD hotel within walking distance of KICC, such as Sarova Stanley, Space International or Hotel Embassy, with flexible cancellation. — CBD rooms near KICC can book out around trade events; reserve early.
T-6
Download or request the exhibitor directory and shortlist F&B, agritech, food technology, cold chain and packaging suppliers relevant to your buying brief. — Prioritise exhibitors with products that fit Kenyan import, retail or food-service channels.
T-7
Request meetings with priority exhibitors and prepare a one-page buyer profile covering categories, volumes, target price points and compliance needs. — Use the organiser's meeting tools if provided, or email exhibitors directly.
T-8
Arrange airport transfer and confirm KICC entry, security screening and badge collection details with the organiser or venue. — Allow extra time on the first show morning.
T-9
Prepare business cards, a sourcing brief, and a simple comparison sheet for supplier quotes, samples and lead times. — Keep digital copies of your passport, eTA and hotel booking.
T-10
Pack for Nairobi's long-rains season: light rain layer, compact umbrella, comfortable shoes and a power adapter for Kenyan sockets. — Early May can bring afternoon showers.
T-11
Reconfirm meetings, save organiser and hotel contacts, and plan a follow-up schedule for the week after the show. — Book any post-show factory or market visits separately.
Sample visitor itinerary
Route-optimised day
Day 1 · morning
Registration and hall orientation at Kenyatta International Convention Centre
Day 2 · core sessions
Supplier meetings and product demos
Day 3 · wrap-up
Final negotiations and follow-up
Networking spots
2Gulfood 360 Africa, Kenya 2027 registration concourse
Kenyatta International Convention Centre
Central meeting point before and between hall appointments during show days.
Organiser B2B lounge (if offered)
Kenyatta International Convention Centre
Hosted matchmaking and buyer programmes when published by the organiser.
Budget
Costs & budget
Build your working budget
Adjust the inputs below to create a directional event budget.
Estimated budget
Live estimate
- Hotel × 2 nights$190.00
- Per diem × 2$150.00
Estimated total$340.00
This is a directional estimate. Please verify live rates before booking.
Decision
Visit, exhibit, or skip?
Should you go?
Use this quick check to decide whether Gulfood 360 Africa, Kenya 2027 fits your visit, exhibit or skip plan.
QUESTION 1 OF 6
For Gulfood 360 Africa, Kenya 2027, what is your primary role on the show floor?
Decision matrix
Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.
visit
You source food, beverage, agritech, food tech or cold chain products for African markets and want supplier meetings in Nairobi in a single trip.
Best for
African importers, distributors and retail buyers sourcing F&B, agritech, food tech, cold chain or packaging suppliers in one Nairobi venue.
Min. budget
$400.00
Timeline
6-8 weeks before 4 May 2027 for eTA, flights and CBD hotel booking during the show week.
Risks
Detailed session schedule and visitor ticket categories are not yet published on gulfood360kenya.com, so confirm agenda and registration before booking travel.
exhibit
You have African distribution goals or a product launch aimed at importers, retail buyers and food service operators attending the debut edition.
Best for
F&B manufacturers, agritech and food tech vendors, equipment makers and cold chain providers targeting African distribution.
Min. budget
$2,500.00
Timeline
3-6 months for stand booking, freight and customs prep, plus eTA and travel arrangements for the Nairobi show.
Risks
Stand pricing and hall allocation for KICC are not published in captured sources - confirm booth costs with the organiser.
Sample freight and cold chain logistics into Nairobi need early planning.
skip
Your categories are unrelated to food, beverage, agritech, food tech, hospitality equipment, logistics or packaging and your buyers are not in East Africa.
Best for
Teams whose product range or target market sits outside the African agrifood, food tech and cold chain scope of this debut edition.
Timeline
N/A
Risks
No major risks listed.
Gallery
Photos
FAQs & glossary
Answers
Frequently asked
When and where is Gulfood360 Africa, Kenya 2027 held?
The debut edition runs 4-6 May 2027 at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) in Nairobi, Kenya.
What sectors does Gulfood360 Africa, Kenya cover?
The show spans food and beverage, agritech, AI and food tech, food service and hospitality equipment, logistics and cold chain, and processing, packaging and ingredients, bringing Africa's agrifood ecosystem onto one trade floor.
How do I register as a visitor for Gulfood360 Africa, Kenya?
Visitor registration is handled through the official organiser site at gulfood360kenya.com; check the site for the visitor registration link, ticket categories and opening hours before you travel.
Do I need a visa to attend the show in Nairobi?
Most business visitors need an approved Kenyan electronic travel authorisation (eTA) applied for online through evisa.go.ke before departure; confirm the rules for your nationality on the official portal.
Which airport serves the Kenyatta International Convention Centre?
Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) is Nairobi's main international gateway, with taxi and ride-hail transfers to the KICC in the city centre.
What is the weather like in Nairobi during the show?
May falls in Nairobi's long-rains season, with warm days around 23 C, cool nights near 14 C and frequent short showers; pack a light rain layer and umbrella.
Is there a German Pavilion at Gulfood360 Africa, Kenya 2027?
A German Pavilion is listed for Gulfood360 Africa/Kenya 2027, giving German food and agritech suppliers a group exhibiting option in Nairobi.
Glossary
- F&B (food and beverage)
- The combined food and drink product categories exhibited and sourced at the show, covering packaged foods, ingredients, beverages and food-service products.
- HoReCa
- Hotels, restaurants and catering businesses. In a trade-show context, HoReCa buyers source bulk ingredients, beverages, equipment and packaged products for menus and guest service.
- Cold chain
- Temperature-controlled handling and storage from production through transport to retail or food service, including refrigerated vehicles, cold rooms, monitoring and last-mile delivery.
- Agritech
- Technology and inputs used to improve agricultural production, aggregation and supply, such as farm management tools, irrigation, post-harvest handling and traceability.
- Food technology
- Processing, preservation, packaging and safety technologies used to extend shelf life, improve consistency and scale food production.
- Private label
- Retailer-owned or distributor-owned brands produced by third-party manufacturers. Buyers use private label to differentiate assortments and manage price tiers.
- Food distributor
- A business that imports, warehouses and supplies food and beverage products to retailers, hotels, restaurants or other wholesalers.
- Food importer
- A company that brings products into a country for resale, often handling customs clearance, compliance and local distribution.
- Packaging
- Primary and secondary materials and formats used to protect, transport and present food and beverage products, including labels, closures and shelf-ready packs.
- Food safety and traceability
- Systems and standards that track products through the supply chain and verify hygiene, labelling and compliance requirements.
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Also known as
Alternate names and search phrases for this event.
- Agritech event Kenya
- Gulfood 360 Africa, Kenya 2027 Nairobi
- Gulfood 2027
- Gulfood Nairobi 2027
- Africa 2027
- Africa Nairobi 2027
- Kenya Nairobi 2027
- Nairobi Kenya
Digital business cards for the show floor
Display a free company card at your booth, or share your professional card on the show floor.