**Executive Summary**
The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) is participating in Gulfood 2026, where India is the Partner Country. This marks a significant scale-up in India's presence, with 161 exhibitors across a total exhibition area of 1,434 square metres. The event aims to reinforce India's role as a reliable and sustainable player in the global agri-food value chain.
**Key Points / Main Content**
* **Participation and Scope:**
* India is the Partner Country at Gulfood 2026.
* 161 exhibitors are participating, showcasing a diverse agri-food ecosystem.
* The Indian Pavilion has doubled in size.
* The total exhibition area spans 1,434 square metres.
* **Exhibitors and Products:**
* Exhibitors include exporters, Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), cooperatives, startups, State Government agencies, and national institutions.
* Products showcased include processed foods, fresh and frozen products, pulses, grains, cereals, beverages, value-added food products, and agri-export startups.
* Region-specific agri-products, GI-tagged items, and organic produce are highlighted.
* **Regional Representation:**
* Exhibitors from 25 States and regions are participating, reflecting India's agricultural diversity.
* **Institutional Involvement:**
* Participation is strengthened by key national institutions and government bodies.
* **BHARATI Pavilion:**
* APEDA's flagship initiative to promote export-ready agri-food and agri-tech startups.
* Features eight high-potential Indian startups in the Startup Zone at the Dubai World Trade Centre.
* **Culinary Experience:**
* The Indian Pavilion features a dedicated Culinary Area with live demonstrations of Indian cuisines.
* **Event Venues:**
* Gulfood 2026 is being organised across two major venues: Dubai Expo City and the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC).
* **India-UAE CEPA:**
* India's participation is aligned with opportunities from the India–UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).
* **Branding and Promotion:**
* APEDA is undertaking extensive branding and promotional activities across Dubai, including branding at metro stations and other high-visibility outdoor formats.
**Impact Analysis**
**Indian Exporters and Startups**
* **Impact:** Increased visibility and market access in the global agri-food sector.
* **Action Required:** Participate in the Gulfood 2026 event, leverage the BHARATI Pavilion, and showcase innovative products and solutions.
**Indian Agri-Food Industry**
* **Impact:** Enhanced reputation as a reliable, innovation-driven, and sustainable player in the global agri-food value chain.
* **Action Required:** Continue to meet international standards for quality, sustainability, and traceability.
**APEDA**
* **Impact:** Enhanced role in promoting Indian agri-food exports and supporting startups in the sector.
* **Action Required:** Strengthen buyer-seller linkages, promote Indian brands globally, and consolidate India's position in the global agri-food market.
**Dubai Consumers**
* **Impact:** Opportunity to taste diverse Indian cuisines.
* **Action Required:** Take advantage of promotional activities.
Key Entities Referenced
Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA): Primary entity responsible for India's participation in Gulfood 2026, aiming to promote agri-food exports.
Gulfood 2026: International food and beverage trade exhibition where India is a partner country.
BHARATI Pavilion: APEDA's flagship initiative at Gulfood 2026 to promote export-ready agri-food and agri-tech startups.
Dubai: Location where Gulfood 2026 is being held.
India–UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA): Agreement that has strengthened bilateral trade ties and enhanced market access for Indian agri and food products in the Gulf region.
Ministry of Commerce & Industry
India to Present Diverse Agri-Food Ecosystem
Through 161 Exhibitors at Gulfood 2026
APEDA’s BHARATI Pavilion to Feature Eight High-Potential
Startups
India is the Partner Country at Gulfood 2026 for the First Time
प्रव तथ: 23 JAN 2026 11:45AM by PIB Delhi
The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), under the
Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India, is participating in Gulfood 2026 with a strong,
expanded and high-impact presence, reinforcing India’s growing stature in the global agri-food trade.
India is the Partner Country at Gulfood 2026, underscoring its strategic importance as a reliable sourcing
destination and a key contributor to global food security and resilient supply chains.
India’s participation at Gulfood 2026 marks a significant scale-up compared to previous editions. The
Indian Pavilion has doubled in size compared to last year, reflecting the expanding footprint of Indian
agri-food exports, increasing global demand for Indian products and enhanced participation from
exporters, institutions and startups.
India’s participation spans a total exhibition area of 1,434 square metres, featuring 161 exhibitors across a
wide range of categories, including processed foods, fresh and frozen products, pulses, grains and cereals,
beverages, value-added food products and agri-export startups. The Indian Pavilion brings together
exporters, Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), cooperatives, startups, State Government agencies and
national institutions, presenting a comprehensive view of India’s agri-food ecosystem and export
readiness.
Exhibitors from 25 States and regions are participating, reflecting India’s vast agricultural and regional
diversity. These include Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Delhi, Gujarat, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu
& Kashmir, Karnataka, Kerala, West Bengal (including Kolkata and Siliguri), Madhya Pradesh,
Maharashtra (including Mumbai), Meghalaya, Punjab, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Uttar
Pradesh and Uttarakhand. The participation highlights region-specific agri-products, GI-tagged items,
organic produce and value-added food products, demonstrating India’s expanding engagement in
international agri-trade.
India’s presence at Gulfood 2026 is further strengthened by participation from key national institutions
and government bodies, including NAFED, National Cooperative Exports Limited, National Horticulture
Board, Uttarakhand Horticulture Board, Spices Board India, Tea Board of India, National Turmeric Board,
Indian Rice Exporters Federation (IREF), All India Rice Exporters Association, IOPEPC, The Rice
Exporters Association Chhattisgarh (TREACG), COMFED – Bihar State Milk Cooperative FederationLtd., Punjab State Cooperative Supply & Marketing Federation Ltd., Directorate of Horticulture,
Government of Bihar, Sikkim Organic Farming Development Agency, and The Central Arecanut and
Cocoa Marketing and Processing Cooperative Limited (CAMPCO), among others.
A key highlight of India’s participation is the BHARATI Pavilion, APEDA’s flagship initiative to promote
export-ready agri-food and agri-tech startups. Located in the Startup Zone at the Dubai World Trade
Centre, the BHARATI Pavilion features eight high-potential Indian startups, selected through a national-
level process from over 100 applicants. These startups are showcasing innovative products, technology-
driven solutions and export-enabling offerings aligned with APEDA’s Farm to Foreign vision.
The Indian Pavilion also features a dedicated Culinary Area, where a renowned chef will conduct live
demonstrations of Indian cuisines. This experiential zone highlights India’s rich culinary heritage, diverse
regional flavours and the versatility of Indian ingredients, enhancing buyer engagement and global
appreciation of Indian food products.
The product showcase includes a comprehensive Pulses, Grains and Cereals section, displaying a wide
range of Indian varieties and reinforcing India’s position as one of the world’s leading producers and
exporters of staple food commodities. The displays emphasise quality, sustainability, traceability and
compliance with international standards to meet global market requirements.
Gulfood 2026 is being organised across two major venues, with India having a strong and visible presence
at both locations. Dubai Expo City hosts the World Food Hall, Pulses, Grains and Cereals Hall and
Gulfood Green, focusing on sustainability, innovation and future food systems. The Dubai World Trade
Centre (DWTC) hosts the Beverage Hall and the Startup Hall, including the BHARATI Pavilion.
India’s participation at Gulfood 2026 is aligned with the opportunities emerging from the India–UAE
Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), which has strengthened bilateral trade ties and
enhanced market access for Indian agri and food products in the Gulf region.
In addition to the exhibition presence, APEDA is undertaking extensive exclusive branding and high-
impact promotional activities across prominent locations in Dubai as part of India’s Partner Country status
at Gulfood 2026. These include branding at metro stations, bus wraps, gas stations, panel branding and
other high-visibility outdoor formats, significantly enhancing India’s visibility and brand recall.
Through this comprehensive and expanded participation, APEDA aims to strengthen buyer–seller
linkages, promote Indian brands globally, support startups and exporters, showcase India’s agri-food
diversity, and further consolidate India’s role as a reliable, innovation-driven and sustainable player in the
global agri-food value chain.
***
Abhishek Dayal/ Garima Singh/ Ishita Biswas
(रलीज़ आईडी: 2217581) आगंतुक पटल : 596
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