India has made history by debuting as the Partner Country at Gulfood 2026, the world’s largest food and beverage trade event in Dubai. Held from January 26-30, 2026, across Dubai World Trade Centre and Dubai Exhibition Centre at Expo City, the event drew over 5,000 exhibitors from 130+ countries. India, led by APEDA under the Ministry of Commerce, showcased its agri-food strengths with 161 exhibitors and a 1,434 sqm pavilion highlighting products from 25 states.
This first-time honor recognizes India’s role as Gulfood’s top participant for years, with hundreds of firms exporting rice, spices, fruits, and processed foods. The India-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) has boosted trade, raising agri-exports to the UAE to $3.5 billion in FY25. APEDA signed an MoU with Dubai World Trade Centre to enhance buyer-seller meets, drawing 100,000+ visitors. Key highlights included basmati rice, pulses, grains, beverages, and sustainable innovations in the World Food Hall and Gulfood Green zones.
The pavilion, inaugurated by Food Processing Industries Secretary Avinash Joshi and Ambassador Deepak Mittal, featured FIEO’s 11 exhibitors focusing on cereals. It promoted investments via Invest India, targeting food processing growth. India aims to hit $100 billion agri-exports by 2030; this platform opens doors to Middle East, Europe, and Africa markets. Events like chef demos and startup pitches underscored India’s diverse basket—mangoes, millets, organic teas—positioning it as a global food security leader. Dubai World Trade Centre EVP Trixie LohMirmand called it a “world-record moment.” This boosts farmer incomes, MSME growth, and supply chains amid global demand.
FAQs [Frequently Asked Questions]
1. What is Gulfood 2026?
Gulfood 2026 is the world’s largest food and beverage trade show held in Dubai from January 26-30. It features over 5,000 exhibitors from 130+ countries and 100,000 visitors to boost global trade deals.
2. Why did India debut as Partner Country?
India earned this honor as Gulfood’s top participant for years, showcasing agri-food exports like rice and spices. It highlights the India-UAE CEPA, which grew exports to $3.5 billion in FY25.
3. What did India showcase at the event?
India’s 1,434 sqm pavilion with 161 exhibitors from 25 states displayed basmati rice, millets, fruits, and innovations. Events included chef demos and MoUs to target $100B agri-exports by 2030.