New Delhi: India’s agri and processed food export capabilities took centre stage at AAHAR 2026, where the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) highlighted the country’s expanding presence in global agricultural markets.
AAHAR 2026, the 40th edition of the International Food & Hospitality Fair, was held from 10–14 March 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, bringing together exporters, government representatives, state agencies, and industry stakeholders on a common platform.
Organised by India Trade Promotion Organisation, AAHAR 2026 featured Italy as the Country Partner and served as one of the largest B2B gatherings for the food and hospitality industry in South Asia.
The event was inaugurated by Piyush Goyal, Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, in the presence of senior officials from the Embassy of Italy, representatives of the organising body, government officials, industry leaders, exhibitors, and international delegates.
Also Read: University of Saskatchewan, NIFTEM-K Ink Strategic Pact for Food Technology and Research Partnership
India’s Agri Exports Cross ₹5 Lakh Crore
Addressing participants at AAHAR 2026, Union Minister Piyush Goyal highlighted the growing global significance of India’s agriculture and food processing sector.
He noted that India’s agricultural and processed food exports have crossed ₹5 lakh crore annually, positioning the country among the world’s leading exporters.
He further stated that over the past decade, exports of processed foods, fruits, pulses, and vegetables have witnessed significant growth. According to the minister, this expansion reflects the strength and diversity of India’s farmers, fishermen, and food processing ecosystem.
Free Trade Agreements Opening New Opportunities
Speaking at AAHAR 2026, the minister also emphasised the importance of India’s expanding network of Free Trade Agreements in strengthening agricultural exports.
He pointed out that India has concluded trade agreements with countries and regions including the United Arab Emirates, Australia, Switzerland, and other European Free Trade Association nations.
In addition, India has strengthened trade engagement with partners such as Japan, South Korea, the United Kingdom, Oman, and Mauritius. Discussions are also progressing with Canada and the European Union.
These agreements, he noted, are enabling preferential market access for Indian products across nearly two-thirds of global trade, creating opportunities for farmers, MSMEs, and food processors to expand exports and enter high-value international markets.
APEDA Pavilion Showcases India’s Agri Export Basket
At AAHAR 2026, the APEDA Pavilion was inaugurated by Nitin Kumar Yadav, Additional Secretary in the Department of Commerce, along with Abhishek Dev, Chairman of Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority, and Neeraj Kharwal, Managing Director of the India Trade Promotion Organisation.
The pavilion served as an important platform during AAHAR 2026 to showcase India’s diverse agricultural export basket and facilitate interactions between exporters and buyers from domestic and international markets.
Spread across an exhibition area of approximately 2,500 square metres, the APEDA Pavilion hosted more than 100 exhibitors, including exporters, producer organisations, startups, and food processing enterprises from across the country.
Research Reports Released at AAHAR 2026
During AAHAR 2026, APEDA also released research reports on cucumber, cashew, pineapple, and pomegranate. The reports were prepared in collaboration with Indian Council for Research on International Economic Relations as the knowledge partner.
The reports provide insights into supply chains, export potential, and strategies aimed at strengthening India’s competitiveness in global agricultural markets.
Also Read: Godrej Agrovet MoU with MoFPI to Boost Food Processing and Innovation with ₹960 Crore Investment
Packaging Solutions for GI and Region-Specific Products
Another key announcement made during AAHAR 2026 was the launch of packaging design solutions and technical standards for selected region-specific agricultural products. The initiative was developed in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Packaging.
The initiative focuses particularly on GI-tagged and organic products and aims to improve product protection, shelf life, and global market presentation for exports.
Products covered under this initiative include Karbi Anglong Ginger from Assam, G4 Chilli and Jalgaon Banana from Maharashtra, Assam Kaji Nemu, and Prayagraj Surkha Guava from Uttar Pradesh.
Focus on Basmati, Organic and Plant-Based Foods
A major highlight of AAHAR 2026 was the emphasis on India’s key export segments, including Basmati rice, non-basmati rice, organic products, and emerging plant-based foods.
The APEDA Pavilion also featured a dedicated section showcasing innovative plant-based food products that are gaining traction in global markets. These products reflect India’s expanding capabilities in sustainable and value-added food production.
Live wet sampling sessions were conducted by a renowned chef during AAHAR 2026, demonstrating innovative recipes and culinary applications using Indian agricultural and processed food products.
These demonstrations enabled buyers and visitors to experience the versatility and quality of India’s export-ready food offerings.
State Participation at AAHAR 2026
Several state pavilions were showcased within the APEDA exhibition space during AAHAR 2026, with participation from Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Delhi, Gujarat, Haryana, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Meghalaya, Punjab, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and West Bengal.
These pavilions presented region-specific agricultural products, traditional food items, and export-ready produce, highlighting the diversity and strength of India’s agri-food ecosystem.
Strong Industry Participation
APEDA’s participation at AAHAR 2026 witnessed significant engagement from the food and hospitality sector. The five-day exhibition attracted more than one lakh visitors, creating opportunities for exporters, food processors, agri-entrepreneurs, and institutional stakeholders to interact with buyers and distributors from India and international markets.
As one of South Asia’s largest B2B platforms for the food and hospitality industry, AAHAR 2026 provided a critical interface for business networking, product promotion, and knowledge exchange across the agri-food value chain.
