India will present its diverse and expanding agri-food ecosystem at Gulfood 2026 through 161 exhibitors, marking its largest-ever participation at the global food and beverage trade event. India is the Partner Country at Gulfood for the first time, underscoring its role as a reliable sourcing hub and contributor to global food security.
The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry is leading the national participation. Officials said India’s pavilion has doubled in size compared to the previous edition, reflecting growing global demand for Indian agri-food products.
Spread across 1,434 sq m, the Indian Pavilion will feature exporters, Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), cooperatives, startups, state government bodies and national institutions. Exhibitors will showcase processed foods, fresh and frozen items, pulses, cereals, beverages, GI-tagged products, organic produce and other value-added agri-products.
Participants from 25 states and regions — including Assam, Bihar, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra, Punjab, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand — are expected to highlight region-specific commodities and agri-diversity.
Key national institutions such as NAFED, National Cooperative Exports Ltd., National Horticulture Board, Spices Board India, Tea Board of India, National Turmeric Board, and the Indian Rice Exporters Federation are also part of the delegation.
A major highlight will be APEDA’s BHARATI Pavilion located in the Startup Zone at the Dubai World Trade Centre, featuring eight selected startups focused on agri-food innovation and export-linked technologies. The startups were chosen from over 100 applicants under APEDA’s “Farm to Foreign” initiative.
The Indian Pavilion will also house a culinary demonstration area where a noted chef will showcase Indian cuisine, regional flavours and ingredient versatility to international buyers.
India will have a visible presence across both Gulfood venues — Dubai Expo City and Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC). While Expo City will host halls focused on sustainability, pulses, grains and green food systems, the DWTC will host beverage and startup sections, including the BHARATI Pavilion.
Ministry of Commerce & Industry said India’s participation aligns with new market opportunities created under the India–UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), which has boosted bilateral trade and increased market access for Indian food products in the Gulf region.
APEDA is also undertaking extensive branding activities across Dubai, including metro stations, buses, fuel stations and other high-impact outdoor spaces as part of India’s Partner Country status.
According to the ministry, the expanded participation aims to strengthen buyer–seller linkages, boost export-oriented startups, promote Indian brands, and reinforce India’s position as a sustainable and innovation-driven global agri-food supplier.
