AAHAR 2026: Piyush Goyal to Inaugurate 40th Edition of Asia’s Premier Food and Hospitality Trade Fair at Bharat Mandapam

India’s food processing and hospitality sectors are set to take center stage as the 40th edition of AAHAR 2026 begins at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal will inaugurate the prestigious international trade exhibition, which has evolved into one of Asia’s most influential B2B platforms connecting global food producers, hospitality businesses, technology innovators, and international buyers.

This year’s edition will also feature Italy as the official partner country, strengthening collaboration between India and Europe in food processing, gourmet foods, and hospitality technologies.

AAHAR 2026: India’s Flagship Food and Hospitality Trade Exhibition Begins in New Delhi

Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal to Inaugurate Landmark 40th Edition

The 40th edition of AAHAR, one of the world’s most prominent trade exhibitions for the food processing and hospitality industry, will be inaugurated by Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on March 10, 2026.

The event will take place at Bharat Mandapam, a major convention and exhibition venue in the national capital. The five-day international trade fair will run from March 10 to March 14, 2026.

Organised by the India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO), AAHAR has grown into one of Asia’s most significant business-to-business platforms connecting stakeholders across the food processing, hospitality, and global trade ecosystem.

The exhibition will bring together food manufacturers, exporters, hospitality brands, technology providers, equipment manufacturers, industry associations, and international buyers under one roof.

Four Decades of Industry Impact

Over the last 40 years, AAHAR has steadily built its reputation as a key event for the food processing and hospitality sectors in India and across Asia.

According to ITPO Chairman Jawed Ashraf, the exhibition serves as an important bridge between India’s agricultural sector and its rapidly expanding hospitality industry.

Speaking about the event, Ashraf highlighted that AAHAR reflects the transformation of India’s food ecosystem—from farm production to modern hospitality and food service industries.

The platform enables businesses to showcase products, explore global market opportunities, and form strategic partnerships with domestic and international stakeholders.

Large-Scale Participation Expected From Around the World

AAHAR 2026 is expected to witness significant participation from across the globe, reflecting the growing importance of India’s food and hospitality industries.

The exhibition will span an impressive 1,25,000 square metres of exhibition space, making it one of the largest editions of the event so far.

Approximately 1,800 exhibitors will participate in this year’s event, representing a wide range of sectors including food production, food processing technologies, hospitality equipment, and packaging innovations.

Participants from 17 countries are expected to showcase their products and services, with around 155 international exhibitors already registered for the exhibition.

The growing scale of participation highlights the rising global interest in India’s food processing sector and hospitality industry.

Italy Joins AAHAR 2026 as Official Partner Country

One of the major highlights of AAHAR 2026 is the introduction of a Partner Country initiative, with Italy selected as the first partner nation.

The collaboration is expected to strengthen India-Europe engagement in several areas including gourmet foods, food processing technologies, and hospitality innovation.

Industry leaders believe the partnership could pave the way for stronger trade ties between India and the European Union, particularly as discussions around the India-EU Free Trade Agreement continue to progress.

Italian companies participating in the exhibition will showcase advanced food processing techniques, premium food products, and hospitality solutions, creating opportunities for knowledge exchange and business partnerships.

Key Sectors and Innovations on Display

AAHAR 2026 will present a diverse range of innovations and solutions across the food and hospitality ecosystem.

Key segments of the exhibition will include:

• Food products and beverages

• Food processing and value-addition technologies

• Packaging innovations and food-grade packaging materials

• Cold chain and refrigeration technologies

• Hospitality infrastructure and smart hospitality technologies

• Export promotion initiatives and global trade partnerships

These sectors are expected to attract strong interest from industry professionals seeking modern solutions to enhance efficiency, sustainability, and product quality.

Special Industry Pavilions and Networking Platforms

The exhibition will also feature a number of curated industry pavilions and specialised platforms aimed at fostering collaboration across the food ecosystem.

Prominent pavilions at AAHAR 2026 will include:

• The APEDA Pavilion by the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority

• The MoFPI Pavilion representing the Ministry of Food Processing Industries

• Foreign Participation Pavilion

• ICMA Pavilion

• FIFI Pavilion representing the Forum of Indian Food Importers

These pavilions will provide dedicated spaces for industry stakeholders to showcase innovations, build networks, and explore international trade opportunities.

Culinary Competitions and Hospitality Challenges

In addition to trade exhibitions, AAHAR 2026 will host a variety of interactive industry events designed to encourage creativity and professional excellence.

Key attractions will include:

• Hospitality Challenge competitions

• Culinary Art India 2026, one of the most prestigious culinary competitions in the country

These events will provide chefs, hospitality professionals, and culinary students an opportunity to demonstrate their skills while engaging with industry leaders.

Strong Support From Industry Associations

AAHAR 2026 has received support from several leading industry organisations that play an important role in India’s food and hospitality sectors.

Key supporting associations include:

• All India Food Processors Association

• Federation of All India Caterers

• Food & Hospitality Support Association of India

• Hotel & Restaurant Equipment Manufacturers Association of India

Their participation ensures that the exhibition reflects the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities across the industry.

AAHAR 2026 Launches Official Mobile App

To enhance visitor experience and improve networking opportunities, ITPO has launched the AAHAR 2026 Official Mobile Application.

The app has been designed to help exhibitors and visitors interact more efficiently during the event.

Key features of the mobile platform include:

• Digital exhibitor directory

• Interactive floor maps for easy navigation

• B2B meeting scheduling tools

• Smart search filters to locate exhibitors

• Real-time event notifications

The mobile app aims to simplify business interactions and maximise networking opportunities during the exhibition.

Driving Growth in India’s Food Processing and Hospitality Sector

Over the past four decades, AAHAR has played a crucial role in promoting India’s food processing sector and supporting the growth of the hospitality industry.

The platform has helped strengthen MSMEs, encourage innovation, and facilitate international trade partnerships.

As India’s food economy continues to expand, events like AAHAR provide an important platform for global collaboration, technology exchange, and industry development.

With record participation expected in its 40th edition, AAHAR 2026 is poised to further strengthen India’s position as a global hub for food processing, hospitality innovation, and international trade.