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India Leads Global Agri-Food Sector with Record Presence at Gulfood 2026

India marked its largest-ever participation as the Country Partner at the Gulfood 2026 trade exhibition in Dubai. Over 600 Indian companies are showcasing a wide array of products, including Basmati rice, millets, and GI-tagged varieties. The event highlights the UAE's role as the largest market and gateway for India's agricultural exports, bolstered by the bilateral trade agreement. The participation also features eight innovative agri-tech startups under APEDA's BHARATI initiative.

Key Points: India's Record Participation at Gulfood 2026 Showcases Agri Leadership

  • Largest-ever Indian participation with 600+ companies
  • Showcases Basmati rice, GI-tagged products, and millets
  • UAE is key gateway for Indian agricultural exports
  • Eight agri-tech startups featured under BHARATI initiative
2 min read

India displays leadership in global agri-food sector at 'Gulfood 2026'

India, as Country Partner at Gulfood 2026, showcases over 600 companies and agri-tech startups, highlighting its role as a global food export hub.

"The UAE is the largest market for APEDA's scheduled products and serves as a gateway to the Gulf region. - Commerce Ministry"

New Delhi, Jan 26

The government on Monday said that India marked a strong presence at 'Gulfood 2026', the world's largest annual food and beverage trade exhibition in Dubai, underscoring its growing leadership in the global agri-food and processed food sector.

The 2026 edition marks India's largest-ever participation, with more than 600 Indian companies exhibiting across a wide spectrum of categories including staples, fresh produce, processed foods, beverages, agri-tech, and food processing.

As Country Partner, India has been accorded prominent branding across exhibition venues under a unified design theme, along with dedicated conference sessions and enhanced B2B engagement opportunities.

Key products being showcased by India at Gulfood 2026 include Basmati rice, more than 10 Indian GI-tagged rice varieties, processed food products, millets, groundnuts, tea, spices, turmeric, organic products, and fresh fruits and vegetables, according to Commerce Ministry.

The Indian Pavilion was inaugurated at the APEDA Pavilion, Dubai Expo City by Secretary, Ministry of Food Processing Industries, AP Das Joshi, in the presence of Ambassador of India to the UAE, Dr Deepak Mittal.

"The UAE is the largest market for APEDA's scheduled products and serves as a gateway to the Gulf region, which is the largest destination for India's agricultural exports. The India-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement has had a significant impact on bilateral trade, particularly in the food processing industry and agricultural exports," said the ministry.

In addition, more than 500 Indian companies, largely institutional and large players, are participating independently across both exhibition venues.

Another significant highlight of India's participation at Gulfood 2026 is the presence of eight startups under APEDA's BHARATI initiative, Bharat's Hub for Agritech, Resilience, Advancement and Incubation for Export Enablement.

According to the ministry, India's participation as Country Partner at 'Gulfood 2026' reflects the nation's commitment to delivering high-quality, safe, sustainable, and innovative food products to global markets.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

A
Arjun K
Great to see the focus on startups through the BHARATI initiative. This is where real innovation happens. Hope the small and medium enterprises also get enough support and visibility, not just the large players.
R
Rohit P
The UAE CEPA is a game-changer. My cousin's spice export business has seen a 40% boost since it came into effect. More such partnerships, please! This is how we build a $5 trillion economy.
S
Sarah B
As someone in the food industry here in Dubai, the quality and variety from India have improved dramatically. The organic products section this year was particularly impressive. Well done!
V
Vikram M
While the branding and participation are excellent, I hope the focus on "sustainable" products is genuine and not just a marketing tag. We need to ensure our farming practices back home are also evolving to be more eco-friendly.
K
Karthik V
Basmati rice leading the charge as always! But truly heartening to see millets getting the global spotlight they deserve. Shree Anna for the world! 👏

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