India Showcases Agri-Food Strength at Gulfood 2026 as Partner Country

• India is the Partner Country at Gulfood 2026, the world’s largest food and beverage sourcing event

• APEDA leads India’s participation with a 1,434 sq m Indian Pavilion

• 161 exhibitors from 25 states showcase agricultural and processed food products

• Investment promotion in food processing emerges as a key focus area

GG News Bureau
Dubai | January 27: India is making a strong pitch for its agri-food and food processing capabilities at Gulfood 2026, where it is participating as the Partner Country at the world’s largest annual food and beverage sourcing exhibition. The event opened today in Dubai and, for the first time in its 31-year history, is being held across two venues simultaneously.

APEDA Leads India’s Participation

India’s participation at Gulfood 2026 is being spearheaded by the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. The exhibition is taking place at the Dubai World Trade Centre and the Dubai Exhibition Centre at Expo City Dubai.

The expansive Indian Pavilion, spread across 1,434 square metres, was inaugurated by Avinash Joshi, Secretary, Ministry of Food Processing Industries, in the presence of Deepak Mittal, India’s Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates.

Wide Representation from Indian States

A total of 161 exhibitors from 25 states and regions are participating under the Indian pavilion. These include exporters, farmer producer organisations (FPOs), cooperatives, startups, state government agencies and national institutions.

The showcased product range covers processed foods, fresh and frozen produce, pulses, grains, cereals, beverages and value-added food products, highlighting India’s growing emphasis on quality, sustainability and compliance with international food safety standards.

FIEO and Exporters Highlight Cereals and Rice

The Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO) is also participating at Gulfood 2026 with 11 exhibitors, primarily displaying basmati rice and other cereal-based agricultural products, aimed at expanding India’s export footprint in global markets.

Focus on Investment Promotion

Beyond trade, investment promotion is a key priority at Gulfood 2026. A high-level delegation led by the Ministry of Food Processing Industries is attending the event to engage with international investors.

The ministry, in collaboration with Invest India, is jointly promoting investment opportunities across India’s food processing and allied sectors, positioning India as an attractive destination for global food and agri-business investments.

India-UAE Trade Ties Strengthen

India’s participation also reflects its expanding role in global agri-food trade and the strengthening economic partnership with the UAE, particularly following the India–UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). The agreement has significantly improved market access for Indian agricultural and food products across the Gulf region.

Gulfood 2026 Expands in Scale

Running from January 26 to January 30, Gulfood 2026 has expanded considerably, hosting over 8,500 exhibitors from more than 100 countries across its two venues. Through this global platform, APEDA aims to strengthen buyer-seller linkages and reinforce India’s position as a reliable and competitive partner in the global food value chain.