T.K. Khaleel’s highlights from Gulfood 2026 at the Bakery Art Theatre—showcasing the art of artisan baking, refined through decades of experience, passion, and deep respect for tradition.

With over 40 years of professional experience,Gulf based Indian Khaleel is internationally respected for his technical depth and innovation in sourdough. Khaleel's expertise in sourdough baking stands out as a hallmark of his career; he nurtured a unique natural starter for over 18 years, which was accepted as Exhibit No. 128 in the Puratos Sourdough Library in Belgium in 2013—the only such contribution from an Asian baker in a collection dominated by European traditions. This achievement earned him the Puratos Sourdough Library Certificate of Achievement from Karl De Smedt, highlighting his dedication to preserving baking legacies through innovative, high-quality recipes that rival the world's best.

Showcasing the World of Sourdough

At Gulfood 2026, Baker Khaleel presented an impressive range of artisan sourdough breads, including classic country sourdough, whole wheat and multigrain loaves, rye sourdough, seeded and ancient-grain variants, and Middle East–inspired sourdoughs. A key highlight was his emphasis on healthy sourdough breads, known for their natural fermentation benefits such as improved digestion, lower glycaemic index, better gut health, and enhanced nutrient absorption, aligning perfectly with today’s health-conscious consumer trends.

A GCC Bakery Success Story

Khaleel is also widely recognized for developing and scaling BakeMart across the UAE, Qatar, and Bahrain, where the brand became a prominent name in the region’s organized bakery sector. BakeMart’s success and operational strength ultimately led to its acquisition by Almarai, marking a major milestone in the GCC bakery industry and underscoring the value Khaleel created through quality systems and product innovation.

The Next Chapter: An Artisan Bakery Vision

Building on his global exposure and regional success, Khaleel is now launching a new chain of premium artisan bakeries, focused on Healthy authentic sourdough, natural fermentation, and clean ingredients. The upcoming concept aims to elevate everyday bread by blending traditional craftsmanship with scalable, modern bakery operations.

Telling stories through technique, celebrating the craft and artistry behind every loaf.

Khaleel’s commanding presence at Gulfood 2026 reaffirmed his status as one of the region’s most respected baking professionals. His journey—from Puratos Belgium to building BakeMart in the GCC, and now shaping a new artisan bakery movement—stands as a testament to 40 years of passion, precision, and leadership in the world of baking.