APEDA at AAHAR 2026 Latest Update India Agri Export Showcase

India’s agricultural export sector received a major global platform as the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority showcased the country’s expanding agri and processed food export capabilities at the AAHAR International Food and Hospitality Fair 2026 in New Delhi.

The event, hosted at Bharat Mandapam, brought together exporters, policymakers, global buyers, food industry leaders and representatives from several Indian states. Organised by the India Trade Promotion Organisation, the exhibition is considered one of South Asia’s largest platforms for the food and hospitality sector.

At the 40th edition of the event, APEDA unveiled a large pavilion demonstrating India’s agricultural diversity, export-ready food products and emerging value-added food segments. The showcase highlighted India’s growing role in global agri-food trade at a time when agricultural and processed food exports from the country have crossed the ₹5 lakh crore mark annually.

Industry observers say the exhibition reflects India’s ambition to strengthen its presence in global food supply chains while expanding opportunities for farmers, food processors, exporters and agri-startups.

APEDA Pavilion Highlights India’s Expanding Agri Export Portfolio

Major Development at AAHAR 2026

The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority, functioning under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry India, played a central role at the AAHAR International Food and Hospitality Fair 2026, held from 10 to 14 March 2026 in New Delhi.

The event was inaugurated by Piyush Goyal, India’s Minister of Commerce and Industry. Senior government officials, international delegates, industry stakeholders and representatives from the Italy, which served as the event’s country partner, attended the inauguration.

During his address, the minister highlighted India’s rising prominence in global food exports. According to him, the country has witnessed strong growth in exports of processed foods, fruits, vegetables, pulses and value-added agricultural products over the past decade.

India today ranks among the world’s major exporters of agricultural commodities, supported by its vast farming base, diverse agro-climatic zones and expanding food processing sector.

The APEDA pavilion at the exhibition served as a central meeting point for exporters, state governments, industry experts and international buyers interested in sourcing agricultural products from India.

Timeline and Background Context

The AAHAR International Food and Hospitality Fair has grown over the years into one of the most influential trade exhibitions for the food and hospitality sector in South Asia.

Organised annually by the India Trade Promotion Organisation, the fair connects food producers, exporters, technology providers and hospitality businesses.

The 2026 edition marked the 40th anniversary of the event, making it a landmark year for the exhibition.

APEDA’s pavilion covered approximately 2,500 square metres and featured more than 100 exhibitors, including exporters, farmer producer organisations, startups and food processing companies.

Over one lakh visitors attended the five-day exhibition, creating extensive networking and trade opportunities.

Research Reports and Export Strategy Insights Unveiled

Focus on High Potential Agricultural Products

A key highlight of APEDA’s participation at the event was the release of several research reports focusing on high-potential export commodities.

These studies were prepared in collaboration with the Indian Council for Research on International Economic Relations, which acted as the knowledge partner.

The reports examined export prospects for products such as:

• Cucumber

• Cashew

• Pineapple

• Pomegranate

The research provides insights into supply chains, export competitiveness and strategies to enhance India’s presence in global markets.

Experts say such studies help policymakers and exporters identify high-demand products and address logistical challenges in international trade.

According to data released by the Food and Agriculture Organization, global agricultural trade has expanded rapidly in recent years due to rising demand for processed foods and fresh produce.
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New Packaging Standards Introduced for GI and Organic Products

Initiative to Improve Export Quality

Another major announcement at the event involved the launch of new packaging design solutions and technical standards for selected region-specific agricultural products.

The initiative was developed in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Packaging.

The new packaging solutions aim to improve:

• product protection during export transport

• shelf life of perishable items

• visual presentation in international markets

The initiative particularly focuses on Geographical Indication GI tagged products and organic produce, which are gaining increasing demand worldwide.

Products included in the programme are:

• Karbi Anglong Ginger from Assam

• G4 Chilli from Maharashtra

• Jalgaon Banana from Maharashtra

• Assam Kaji Nemu from Assam

• Prayagraj Surkha Guava from Uttar Pradesh

Improved packaging can significantly increase the market value and shelf life of agricultural exports, making them more competitive in international markets.

Expert Insights and Industry Analysis

Trade experts say branding, packaging and quality certification are becoming crucial factors in agricultural exports.

According to the World Trade Organization, value addition through processing and packaging can significantly increase export earnings for agricultural economies.

India’s food export strategy is increasingly focusing on value-added products rather than raw agricultural commodities.

State Participation Highlights India’s Agricultural Diversity

Strong Presence From Across India

Several Indian states participated in the APEDA pavilion to showcase their region-specific agricultural products.

Participating states included:

• Andhra Pradesh

• Assam

• Bihar

• Gujarat

• Kerala

• Punjab

• Rajasthan

• Tamil Nadu

• Telangana

• Uttar Pradesh

• Uttarakhand

• West Bengal

These pavilions highlighted local agricultural strengths and export-ready products, ranging from spices and fruits to processed foods and organic items.

The exhibition enabled exporters and farmer organisations to directly engage with global buyers and distributors.

Plant Based Food Segment Emerges as Key Export Opportunity

Rising Global Demand for Alternative Foods

One of the most prominent themes at the APEDA pavilion was the growing market for plant-based food products.

The segment showcased innovative food alternatives derived from plant ingredients, reflecting changing consumer preferences worldwide.

Plant-based foods are gaining popularity due to factors such as health awareness, sustainability concerns and dietary preferences.

According to a report by the World Economic Forum, the global plant-based food market is expected to grow rapidly over the coming decade as consumers seek sustainable food choices.

India’s rich agricultural diversity provides strong potential for developing plant-based food exports, particularly using pulses, grains and spices.

Impact on India’s Agricultural Export Strategy

Strengthening Global Market Presence

Events like AAHAR International Food and Hospitality Fair 2026 play an important role in strengthening India’s agricultural export ecosystem.

By connecting exporters with global buyers, such exhibitions help expand trade networks and promote Indian food products in international markets.

The government has also been actively negotiating Free Trade Agreements with several countries to provide preferential access for Indian exports.

These agreements include partnerships with:

• United Arab Emirates

• Australia

• Switzerland and other EFTA nations

Negotiations are also ongoing with major markets including the United Kingdom, Canada and the European Union.

Future Outlook

Experts believe India’s agricultural export sector could see significant growth in the coming years if investments continue in:

• supply chain infrastructure

• food processing technology

• quality certification systems

• international market branding

APEDA’s participation at the exhibition signals a long-term strategy to transform India from a raw agricultural exporter into a global hub for value-added food products.

With growing demand for organic foods, plant-based diets and traceable supply chains, India’s agricultural sector could gain new opportunities in global markets.