India to Showcase Agri-Food Ecosystem with 161 Exhibitors as Partner Country at Gulfood 2026
The participation is being coordinated by the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority under the ministry of commerce and industry.
New Delhi: India will present a significantly expanded agri-food export presence at Gulfood 2026, with 161 exhibitors participating across a 1,434-square-metre pavilion, as the country assumes Partner Country status at the global food trade event for the first time.
The participation is being coordinated by the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority under the ministry of commerce and industry. Officials said the scale-up reflects rising global demand for Indian agri-food products and India’s growing role in global food security and resilient supply chains.
Compared to previous editions, the Indian Pavilion at Gulfood 2026 has doubled in size, bringing together exporters, farmer producer organisations, cooperatives, startups, state government agencies and national institutions to present a comprehensive view of India’s agri-food ecosystem and export readiness.
Pan-India Participation
Exhibitors from 25 states and regions are participating, showcasing a wide range of products including processed foods, fresh and frozen produce, pulses, grains, cereals, beverages and value-added food products. States represented include Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Meghalaya, Punjab, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand and West Bengal, among others.
The displays highlight region-specific agricultural products, GI-tagged items, organic produce and export-oriented value-added foods, reflecting India’s agricultural diversity and increasing engagement in international agri-trade.
Institutional and Cooperative Presence
India’s participation is further strengthened by the presence of key national institutions and cooperatives, including National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India, the National Cooperative Exports Limited, the National Horticulture Board, the Spices Board India, the Tea Board of India, the National Turmeric Board, and sectoral export bodies representing rice, spices, oilseeds and dairy products.
State-level agencies such as the Uttarakhand Horticulture Board, Sikkim Organic Farming Development Agency and COMFED, the Bihar State Milk Cooperative Federation, are also part of the Indian delegation.
BHARATI Pavilion for Startups
A key highlight of India’s participation is the BHARATI Pavilion, APEDA’s flagship platform for promoting export-ready agri-food and agri-tech startups. Located in the Startup Zone at the Dubai World Trade Centre, the pavilion will feature eight Indian startups selected through a national-level process from more than 100 applicants.
These startups are expected to showcase technology-driven solutions, innovative food products and export-enabling offerings aligned with APEDA’s Farm to Foreign initiative.
Culinary and Product Showcases
The Indian Pavilion will also include a dedicated culinary area with live demonstrations by a renowned chef, aimed at highlighting India’s regional cuisines, ingredient diversity and the versatility of Indian food products for global markets.
A major focus area will be pulses, grains and cereals, reinforcing India’s position as a leading global producer and exporter of staple commodities. The displays emphasise quality standards, sustainability, traceability and compliance with international food safety norms.
Strategic Trade Context
Gulfood 2026 is being held across two venues—Dubai Expo City and the Dubai World Trade Centre—with India maintaining a strong presence at both locations. Officials said India’s participation aligns with emerging trade opportunities under the India–UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, which has improved market access for Indian agri and food exports in the Gulf region.
As Partner Country, India is also undertaking extensive branding and promotional activities across Dubai, including metro station branding, bus wraps and other high-visibility outdoor campaigns.
Through this expanded engagement, APEDA aims to strengthen buyer–seller linkages, promote Indian agri-food brands globally, support startups and exporters, and consolidate India’s position as a reliable and sustainable player in the global agri-food value chain.
