India Takes Center Stage at Gulfood 2026 with Record Participation
India has made a significant mark at Gulfood 2026, the world’s largest annual food and beverage trade exhibition, by being named the Country Partner. This status highlights India’s growing leadership in the global agri-food and processed food sector, with the country hosting the largest number of exhibitors and exhibition space among all participating nations.
The Indian Pavilion was officially inaugurated at the APEDA Pavilion in Dubai Expo City by Secretary of the Ministry of Food Processing Industries, Shri A. P. Das Joshi. He was joined by India’s Ambassador to the UAE, Dr. Deepak Mittal, and senior Indian officials like Chairman of APEDA, Shri Abhishek Dev, and Managing Director of ITPO, Dr. Neeraj Kharwal, along with numerous exhibitors showcasing their products.
Among the key products featured by India at Gulfood 2026 are Basmati rice, over ten Indian GI-tagged rice varieties, processed food, millets, groundnuts, tea, various spices, turmeric, organic products, and a selection of fresh fruits and vegetables. The UAE stands as the largest market for APEDA’s scheduled products and serves as a crucial gateway for India’s agricultural exports to the Gulf region.
This year’s event marks India’s largest-ever participation, with more than 600 Indian companies from diverse sectors including staples, fresh produce, processed foods, beverages, agri-tech, and food processing. As a Country Partner, India has received prominent branding across exhibition venues under a unified design theme, which supports dedicated conference sessions and enhanced B2B engagement opportunities.
APEDA has occupied an exhibition space of nearly 1,500 square meters at various Gulfood pavilions, including Pulses, Cereals and Grains, World Food, Beverages, and Gulfood Green. Over 170 exhibitors are showcasing their products, including representation from the Tea Board, Spices Board, and other governmental organizations.
In addition to the collective showcasing, more than 500 individual companies are participating independently across the exhibition venues, further emphasizing India’s extensive presence.
A major highlight of Gulfood 2026 is the Indian food tasting and culinary zone at the APEDA Pavilion, curated by celebrity chef Shri Harpal Singh Sokhi. This zone offers dishes made from ten unique Indian GI-tagged rice varieties from different regions, including Kala Namak, Joha, and Chak Hao Black Rice, alongside Biryani prepared by the All India Rice Exporters Association.
Another exciting feature of India’s participation is the inclusion of eight innovative startups under the BHARATI initiative. This program, aimed at boosting export capabilities in the agri-food and agri-tech sectors, showcases cutting-edge products and technologies supported by industry partners like LuLu Group and Allanasons.
India’s role as Country Partner at Gulfood 2026 underscores the nation’s commitment to providing high-quality, safe, and sustainable food products to international markets. The Indian Pavilion illustrates the strengths of India’s fresh and processed foods, beverages, millets, and wellness products, which are anticipated to enhance trade relations, improve buyer engagement, and solidify India’s status as a trusted global food partner.
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