Ahead of Gulfood Manufacturing 2026, Cécile Aubert, Fresh Fermented Dairy Applications Expert at Bioprox Cultures, on protecting supply chains under pressure, a butter-style natural flavour for bakery, and the trends shaping what consumers want next.
Food security is often discussed in terms of farms, imports and strategic reserves. For ingredient suppliers, it also depends on whether the right materials, packaging and logistics arrive on time, every time. When global conditions shift, manufacturers need a partner whose operations hold steady. Ahead of Gulfood Manufacturing 2026, Cécile Aubert explained how Bioprox Cultures is approaching resilience and what the team will bring to Dubai.
Continuity Is The Commitment
“This year, more than ever, food security and resilience are at the heart of our strategy,” says Aubert. “These key priorities reflect concrete commitments that guide our daily operations.”
In practice, this means safeguarding the continuity of the supply chain in an increasingly uncertain global environment. The company anticipates risks early, diversifies its transportation options and builds flexibility into its logistics network. A trusted network of partners helps secure supply and keeps customers’ businesses running.
A Controlled Chain In Uncertain Times
The sector is under real pressure, but the company’s set-up limits its exposure. Production takes place in France, and packaging materials are sourced as close as possible to the production sites. This gives the company a well-controlled supply chain that is less exposed to the difficulties facing businesses in locally affected areas.
“Our organization allows us to ensure reliable operations and maintain a high level of service for our customers,” says Aubert.
The same structure supports the compliance and quality standards customers expect. Raw material suppliers are, to date, not affected by the current situation.
Transport has been the harder area. Alternative solutions have been put in place to keep flows moving. “While these alternatives are not always optimal, they enable us to address these challenges and maintain our level of service,” Aubert adds. Resilience here means finding workable answers when the ideal route isn’t available.
The Taste Of Butter, Without The Butter
At Gulfood Manufacturing, the team will present a natural flavour with a rich, buttery and rounded aromatic profile. It is designed for the challenges facing the bakery and biscuit industries. The flavour recreates the indulgent notes of butter in applications where no butter is used, giving formulators an alternative with three practical advantages:
- Cost reduction in formulation
- Lactose-free benefits
- A response to growing health and nutrition expectations
For manufacturers weighing ingredient costs against demand for indulgence, it offers a way to protect taste while keeping formulation options open.
What The Market Is Asking For
The trends Aubert sees point to a search for balance between indulgence, health and innovation. Consumers increasingly want products that meet nutritional expectations, with strong interest in protein-enriched and reduced-sugar products and in those offering added health benefits.
Taste remains the key differentiator. Manufacturers want unique, indulgent experiences, and there is growing interest in aromatic profiles inspired by spices and premium ingredients such as cardamom, saffron and pistachio.
Vanilla keeps its essential role. It brings roundness and balance to flavour profiles, often as a subtle base note that enhances and elevates the whole creation.
Building Regional Partnerships
Gulfood Manufacturing 2026 is also a strategic opportunity. The team aims to strengthen its presence in the region, meet new partners, identify business opportunities and expand its distribution network among local industrial players. That fits this year’s show theme, “Powering Food Security Through Manufacturing Innovation”: dependable supply, close partnerships and ingredient innovation that helps manufacturers do more with what they have.
Cécile Aubert and the Bioprox Cultures team will be at Gulfood Manufacturing 2026 and look forward to meeting customers, partners and visitors. Find them R-K24 | Shk Rashid Hall from 3–5 November at Dubai World Trade Centre.
