7 months ago
India Promotes Agri-Food Leadership at Global Events
India had a big presence at two important food and drink shows in 2026.
At Gulfood in Dubai, more than 600 Indian companies showed their products, like rice, spices, and fruits.
India was a special partner at the event, which means they had a big space to show their things and talk to other businesses.
They also had some new small companies there to show off their ideas.
The UAE is a big market for Indian food, and this event helps India sell more food there.
The Indian Pavilion was opened by an important government official and the Indian Ambassador to the UAE.
At the same time, India hosted MEWA India 2026 in New Delhi, a show about nuts and dry fruits.
Important people talked about how important these foods are for health and how India can grow more of them.
More than 300 exhibitors from over 30 countries and over 10,000 business visitors attended the event.
Both events showed how India is becoming a big player in the global food market.
India marked a strong presence at Gulfood 2026 in Dubai, with over 600 Indian companies showcasing a wide range of products.
India was the Country Partner at Gulfood 2026, receiving prominent branding and dedicated conference sessions.
Key products showcased at Gulfood 2026 include Basmati rice, GI-tagged rice varieties, millets, spices, organic products, and fresh fruits and vegetables.
Eight startups under APEDA’s BHARATI initiative participated in Gulfood 2026, highlighting India’s commitment to innovation in the agri-food sector.
India hosted MEWA India 2026 in New Delhi, focusing on the nuts and dry fruits sector, with over 300 exhibitors from 30+ countries and 10,000+ business visitors.
- Who
- India, Indian companies, APEDA, Ministry of Food Processing Industries, Nuts and Dry Fruits Council (India) [NDFC(I)]
- What
- India's participation as Country Partner at Gulfood 2026 and hosting of MEWA India 2026
- Where
- Dubai, UAE (Gulfood 2026) and New Delhi, India (MEWA India 2026)
- When
- 2026
- Why
- To showcase India's leadership in the global agri-food and processed food sector and promote the nuts and dry fruits sector
Key facts
- Event 1
- Gulfood 2026
- Location 1
- Dubai, UAE
- Indian Companies at Gulfood
- 600+
- Key Products at Gulfood
- Basmati rice, GI-tagged rice, millets, spices, organic products, fresh fruits and vegetables
- Country Partner at Gulfood
- India
- Startups at Gulfood
- 8 under APEDA’s BHARATI initiative
- Inauguration at Gulfood
- Secretary, Ministry of Food Processing Industries, AP Das Joshi
- Ambassador at Gulfood
- Dr Deepak Mittal, Ambassador of India to the UAE
- Event 2
- MEWA India 2026
- Location 2
- New Delhi, India
- Exhibitors at MEWA
- 300+
- Countries at MEWA
- 30+
- Business Visitors at MEWA
- 10,000+
- Key Figures at MEWA
- Gourav Vallabh (EAC-PM Member), Bhagirath Choudhary (Union Minister of State for Agriculture)
Quotes
Bhagirath Choudhary
Union Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare
“India is moving steadily towards the goal of Viksit Bharat 2047 under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi with agriculture and the food sector at the core of this transformation.”
thehindubusinessline.com
“He noted that MEWA has evolved beyond a conventional trade exhibition into a strategic platform reflecting the collective thinking, collaboration and future direction of the dry fruits and nuts industry.”
thehindubusinessline.com
Gourav Vallabh
Member, Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (EAC-PM)
“This combination of high growth and price stability is driving higher per capita incomes, improved quality of life and a natural shift in consumption patterns towards nutritious foods such as nuts and dry fruits.”
thehindubusinessline.com
“Nuts and dry fruits are emblematic of Viksit Bharat — nutritious, export-ready and aligned with self-reliance — he called for a collective commitment to ‘grow in India what we eat in India’, transforming imports into investments and agricultural fields into engines of prosperity.”
thehindubusinessline.com
Gunjan Vijay Jain
President, Nuts and Dry Fruits Council (India) [NDFC(I)]
“MEWA India has grown into a strong international bridge connecting Indian stakeholders with global markets, while advancing conversations around nutrition, health awareness and responsible, long-term growth of the nuts and dry fruits sector.”
thehindubusinessline.com
Nitin Sehgal
CEO, Nuts and Dry Fruits Council (India) [NDFC(I)]
“MEWA India 2026 enabled meaningful engagement between domestic stakeholders and global experts across technology adoption, quality standards, post-harvest practices and market access, which is essential for strengthening India’s competitiveness across the global value chain.”
thehindubusinessline.com
