India is set to present the scale, diversity and depth of its agri food ecosystem at Gulfood 2026 with a significantly expanded presence led by the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. For the first time, India has been designated the Partner Country at Gulfood 2026, highlighting its growing importance as a reliable sourcing destination and a key contributor to global food security and resilient supply chains.
India’s participation at Gulfood 2026 marks a major scale up from previous editions. The Indian Pavilion has doubled in size compared to last year, reflecting the rapid expansion of India’s agri food exports, rising global demand for Indian products and increased participation from exporters, institutions and startups.
Spread across a total exhibition area of 1,434 square metres, India’s presence features 161 exhibitors representing a wide spectrum of agri food categories, including processed foods, fresh and frozen produce, pulses, grains and cereals, beverages, value added food products and export oriented agri startups. The Pavilion brings together exporters, Farmer Producer Organisations, cooperatives, startups, State Government agencies and national institutions, offering a comprehensive snapshot of India’s export readiness and integrated agri food value chain.
Exhibitors from 25 States and regions are participating, showcasing India’s agricultural diversity and regional strengths. These include Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Delhi, Gujarat, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Karnataka, Kerala, West Bengal including Kolkata and Siliguri, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra including Mumbai, Meghalaya, Punjab, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand. The displays highlight region specific agri products, GI tagged items, organic produce and value added foods, underscoring India’s expanding footprint in international agri trade.
India’s presence is further strengthened by participation from major national institutions and government bodies, including NAFED, National Cooperative Exports Limited, National Horticulture Board, Uttarakhand Horticulture Board, Spices Board India, Tea Board of India, National Turmeric Board, Indian Rice Exporters Federation, All India Rice Exporters Association, IOPEPC, The Rice Exporters Association Chhattisgarh, COMFED Bihar State Milk Cooperative Federation Limited, Punjab State Cooperative Supply and Marketing Federation Limited, Directorate of Horticulture Government of Bihar, Sikkim Organic Farming Development Agency and The Central Arecanut and Cocoa Marketing and Processing Cooperative Limited, among others.
A major 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 BHARATI Pavilion features eight high potential Indian startups selected through a national level process from more than 100 applicants. These startups are showcasing innovative products, technology driven solutions and export enabling offerings aligned with APEDA’s Farm to Foreign vision.
The Indian Pavilion also includes a dedicated Culinary Area, where a renowned chef will conduct live demonstrations of Indian cuisines. This experiential zone showcases India’s rich culinary heritage, diverse regional flavours and the versatility of Indian ingredients, enhancing buyer engagement and global appreciation of Indian food products.
A comprehensive Pulses, Grains and Cereals section forms a key part of the showcase, reinforcing India’s position as one of the world’s leading producers and exporters of staple food commodities. The displays emphasise quality, sustainability, traceability and compliance with international standards to meet global market requirements.
Gulfood 2026 is being held across two major venues, with India maintaining a strong presence at both. Dubai Expo City hosts the World Food Hall, Pulses, Grains and Cereals Hall and Gulfood Green, focusing on sustainability, innovation and future food systems. The Dubai World Trade Centre hosts the Beverage Hall and the Startup Hall, including the BHARATI Pavilion.
India’s participation is closely aligned with opportunities arising from the India UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, which has strengthened bilateral trade ties and improved market access for Indian agri and food products in the Gulf region.
In addition to its exhibition footprint, APEDA is undertaking extensive high impact branding and promotional activities across Dubai as part of India’s Partner Country status. These include branding at metro stations, bus wraps, gas stations, panel branding and other high visibility outdoor formats, significantly enhancing India’s visibility and brand recall during the event.
Through this comprehensive and expanded participation, APEDA aims to strengthen buyer seller linkages, promote Indian brands globally, support startups and exporters, showcase India’s agri food diversity and further consolidate India’s position as a reliable, innovation driven and sustainable player in the global agri food value chain.
