NewzVille Desk
India is taking part as a partner country at Gulfood 2026, the world’s largest annual food and beverage sourcing event, which opened today in Dubai across two venues for the first time in its 31-year history.
The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, is leading India’s participation at the event, which spans the Dubai World Trade Centre and Dubai Exhibition Centre at Expo City Dubai.
The Indian pavilion, covering 1,434 square metres, was inaugurated by Avinash Joshi, secretary of the Ministry of Food Processing Industries, in the presence of Deepak Mittal, Indian ambassador to the UAE.
The pavilion features 161 exhibitors from 25 states and regions across India, representing exporters, farmer-producer organisations, cooperatives, startups, state government agencies and national institutions.
Products on display include processed foods, fresh and frozen items, pulses, grains, cereals, beverages and value-added food products, with emphasis on quality, sustainability and international compliance standards.
The Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO) is also participating, with 11 exhibitors showcasing agricultural and food products, primarily basmati rice and other cereal grains.
A high-level delegation led by the Ministry of Food Processing Industries is visiting Gulfood 2026 with the primary objective of promoting investments in India.
The ministry, along with Invest India, is jointly working to promote investments across the food processing and allied sectors.
India’s participation reflects its growing role in global agri-food trade and strengthened ties with the UAE following the India-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, which has enhanced market access for Indian agricultural and food products in the Gulf region.
Gulfood 2026, running from January 26 to 30, has expanded significantly, operating simultaneously across two locations to accommodate over 8,500 exhibitors from more than 100 countries.
APEDA aims to strengthen buyer-seller linkages and consolidate India’s position as a reliable partner in the global food value chain.
