APEDA Showcases India’s Agri-Food Export Strength at AAHAR 2026

The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, showcased India’s growing strength in agricultural and processed food exports at the 40th edition of AAHAR 2026 held from 10–14 March at Bharat Mandapam.

APEDA set up a large pavilion bringing together exporters, state governments, producer organisations, startups and food processing enterprises to highlight India’s diverse agri-export basket and promote business linkages with domestic and international buyers.

The international food and hospitality fair was inaugurated by Piyush Goyal, Union Minister of Commerce and Industry. The event was organised by the India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO), with Italy participating as the Country Partner. The inauguration ceremony was attended by senior officials from the Embassy of Italy, government representatives, industry leaders and delegates from India and abroad.

In his keynote address, Piyush Goyal said India’s food and agriculture sector is entering a new phase of global opportunity. He noted that the country’s exports of agricultural and processed food products have crossed ₹5 lakh crore annually, placing India among the world’s leading agri-food exporters.

He added that exports of processed foods, fruits, pulses and vegetables have grown significantly over the past decade, reflecting the capabilities of India’s farmers, fishermen and food processors.

The minister also highlighted the role of trade agreements in expanding export opportunities. India has recently concluded Free Trade Agreements with the United Arab Emirates, Australia and Switzerland along with other members of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA). India is also strengthening engagement with countries such as Japan, South Korea, the United Kingdom, Oman and Mauritius, while trade discussions continue with Canada and the European Union.

According to the minister, these agreements are enabling preferential access for Indian products to nearly two-thirds of global trade, opening new opportunities for farmers, MSMEs and food processors to reach high-value markets.

The APEDA pavilion was inaugurated by Additional Secretary, Department of Commerce, Nitin Kumar Yadav along with APEDA Chairman Abhishek Dev and ITPO Managing Director Neeraj Kharwal.

During the event, APEDA also released research reports on cucumber, cashew, pineapple and pomegranate prepared in collaboration with the Indian Council for Research on International Economic Relations (ICRIER). The reports examine supply chains, export potential and strategies to improve India’s competitiveness in global markets.

Another key announcement was the launch of packaging design solutions and technical standards for selected region-specific agricultural products, developed in partnership with the Indian Institute of Packaging. The initiative focuses on improving packaging, shelf life and presentation of GI-tagged and organic products for export markets.

Products covered under the initiative include Karbi Anglong Ginger from Assam, G4 Chilli and Jalgaon Banana from Maharashtra, Assam Kaji Nemu and Prayagraj Surkha Guava from Uttar Pradesh.

Spread across an exhibition area of about 2,500 square metres, the APEDA pavilion hosted more than 100 exhibitors from across India. It highlighted key export segments including basmati rice, non-basmati rice, organic products and emerging plant-based food products.

Several state pavilions were also featured, showcasing region-specific agricultural produce, traditional food items and export-ready products from states such as Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Gujarat, Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra, Punjab, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Telangana and Uttar Pradesh, among others.

A special attraction at the pavilion was live cooking and sampling sessions conducted by a renowned chef, demonstrating innovative recipes using Indian agricultural and processed food products.

The five-day exhibition attracted more than one lakh visitors, providing a major platform for exporters, food processors and agri-entrepreneurs to interact with buyers, distributors and institutional stakeholders from India and overseas.

AAHAR continues to be one of South Asia’s largest B2B platforms for the food and hospitality industry, offering opportunities for networking, product promotion and knowledge exchange across the agri-food value chain.

Through its participation in AAHAR 2026, APEDA highlighted India’s growing capabilities in high-quality agricultural production, value addition and export-oriented supply chains, while creating opportunities to expand the country’s presence in global agri-food markets.