• Estonian brands showcased innovative food products at Gulfood Dubai 2024.
  • ICONFIT aims to enter the UAE market with premium health supplements.
  • Punch Club expands its craft cocktail presence across the Middle East.
  • Balsnac introduces unique long chips, gaining traction in the UAE.

Estonia’s leading food and beverage brands made a remarkable impact at Gulfood Dubai, showcasing their innovative products and expanding their footprint in the UAE market. From health supplements to craft cocktails and unique snack innovations, these brands highlighted Estonia’s commitment to quality and creativity in the food industry.

ICONFIT

Kenneth Kuton, CEO and founder of ICONFIT, introduced the company as a market leader in Estonia for health foods and supplements. Specializing in collagen-based products, ICONFIT offers variants like beauty collagen for skincare and joint collagen for mobility support. The brand also boasts a diverse selection of capsule products, with over 160 items in total. While not yet available in the UAE, ICONFIT aims to establish a strong presence by forming local partnerships and hiring sales representatives. With a steady stream of new product launches, including superfood mixes, the brand is set to cater to the health-conscious market in the region.

Punch Club

Estonian craft cocktail brand Punch Club is taking mixology to the next level with a diverse range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. Co-founder Josep shared the brand’s journey from a bar experiment to a recognized name in 18 countries. Already present in Abu Dhabi, Punch Club seeks to expand further in the UAE, offering a wide range of cocktail flavors crafted with precision. As a distillery, they create their own organic and non-organic beverages, ensuring a premium drinking experience. Rather than introducing new flavors, their focus is on finding the right markets for their existing lineup.

Balsnac

With over 30 years in the industry, Balsnac is Estonia’s largest chips and snacks manufacturer. Export Director Marko introduced the company’s signature long chips, a unique take on traditional potato chips that stand out due to their special technology and texture. The brand currently offers ten flavors, with plans to expand. In addition to chips, Balsnac produces popcorn and other salty snacks, catering to a variety of tastes. Already established in the UAE through a strong distributor, the company aims to increase its market presence with innovative product offerings.

YOOK

Katre Kõvask, CEO of Yook, introduced the brand as a Nordic oat-based dairy company that has already made waves by winning the Cold Food Innovation Award within its first year. Yook has successfully launched in three European countries, as well as Turkey and Kuwait, and is now looking to enter the UAE market. The brand specializes in barista oat milk, which enhances coffee without overpowering its flavor, and is free from added sugars and preservatives. Yook is also developing oat-based yogurts, a challenging innovation that could be a game-changer in the plant-based industry. With plans to expand its product line to include new flavors like cardamom, mango, and chocolate, Yook aims to cater to regional tastes while maintaining its commitment to quality and natural ingredients.

With their cutting-edge products and ambitious expansion strategies, these Estonian brands are making a bold entry into the Middle Eastern market. From nutritional supplements to craft cocktails and unique snacks, their presence at Gulfood Dubai signals a new wave of innovative, high-quality offerings for UAE consumers. As they establish partnerships and grow their distribution networks, Estonia’s influence in the region’s food and beverage industry is set to rise.

For more information regarding these brands at Gulfood, visit the Gulfood official website.