Covid-19: How has the UAE, GCC food sector changed during the pandemic Photo by Juidin Bernarrd/Khaleej Times The pandemic had accelerated their plans to go completely digital. Food and beverage suppliers across the UAE and the GCC region have seen a significant growth in their online business and delivery portals, as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, experts said at Gulfood 2021 trade show. The show, which opened its doors on Sunday at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), features over 2,500 international brands from 85 countries, and will run until February 25, 2021. Experts at the event highlighted how the F&B industry had to adapt to a new normal as a result of several safety and social distancing measures impacting the way that they usually do business. Many noted that the pandemic had accelerated their plans to go completely digital, while others said that they had started offering online delivery services to businesses and consumers in order to promote safety and best practices.