India–UAE Food Corridor to be launched; APEDA’s ‘Bharati Initiative’ to spotlight agri-food start-ups

The 9th edition of Indusfood 2026, India’s flagship global food and beverage (F&B) sourcing exhibition, is scheduled to be held from 8 to 10 January 2026 at the India Expo Centre & Mart, Greater Noida. Organised by the Trade Promotion Council of India (TPCI), the event aims to further consolidate India’s position as a trusted and competitive partner in global food supply chains.

Branded as Asia’s premier F&B trade show, Indusfood 2026 will bring together leading Indian food producers, international buyers, policymakers, industry leaders and global institutions on a single platform to facilitate trade collaborations, bilateral engagements and long-term partnerships.

The event will be formally inaugurated by Union Minister of Food Processing Industries Shri Chirag Paswan, reflecting the Government’s commitment to strengthening India’s food processing ecosystem, enhancing export competitiveness and expanding global market access for Indian food products.

A key highlight of Indusfood 2026 will be the launch of initiatives such as the India–UAE Food Corridor by Abu Dhabi Food Hub, aimed at enhancing food security, streamlining supply chains and accelerating bilateral food trade flows. Another prominent highlight will be the 75-year milestone celebration by Saudi Arabian exhibitor Alsalan. This cultural and commercial showcase underscores Saudi Arabia’s long-standing food trade legacy and its strengthening partnership with India.

The exhibition is expected to witness participation from over 120 countries, including thousands of verified global buyers and several high-level international trade delegations.

Indusfood 2026 will also feature dedicated global business and logistics platforms, including a special ‘Bharat Mart’ session by DP World, focusing on export infrastructure, logistics integration and policy-level dialogue to boost India’s export competitiveness. In the area of culinary diplomacy and cultural engagement, the inaugural World Culinary Heritage Conference will be hosted, bringing together international and Indian chefs, policymakers and industry leaders to deliberate on heritage preservation and innovation.

Skill development and culinary leadership will be another focus area, with the India International Centre for Culinary Leadership (IICCL), in collaboration with IFCA, conducting a five-day residential programme for 150 chefs, offering Level 1 ‘Ambassador of Indian Cuisine’ certification. High-level cultural engagements will include the ‘India on a Platter’ Gala Dinner at Taj Palace, hosted by the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, for ministers, ambassadors, global buyers and international delegations.

The exhibition will also host international tasting and innovation platforms, including special tasting sessions such as Cheese and Wine Tasting by Cyprus, and APEDA’s ‘Bharati Initiative’, which will showcase innovative Indian agri-food start-ups to global buyers through Shark Tank–style pitch sessions. Curated engagements with industry bodies such as FIFI, FHRAI and KSBA will promote knowledge exchange, networking and sectoral collaboration.

Indusfood 2026 will host several high-level global delegations, including trade association leaders from Turkey, Worldchefs President Chef Andy Cuthbert and Asia Continental Director Chef Willment Leong, as well as senior government officials and retail buyers from Fiji representing major supermarket chains.

As global demand rises for safe, traceable, sustainable and ethically sourced food, Indusfood 2026 will serve as a key platform connecting Indian producers with global markets. With a strong focus on innovation, sustainability, value-added food processing and export-led growth, the event is poised to act as a catalyst for the next phase of India’s food trade expansion, opening new avenues for collaboration, investment and global competitiveness.

Indusfood 2026 showcases India launching the India UAE Food Corridor and APEDA's Bharati Initiative to boost agri food exports. Indusfood 2026 will promote India's export competitiveness and supply chain integration by launching an India UAE Food Corridor to enhance food security and bilateral trade flows and by showcasing APEDA's Bharati Initiative to connect agri food start ups with global buyers. The exhibition pairs trade facilitation and logistics sessions with culinary diplomacy, skill certification programmes and innovation platforms to foster commercial linkages, investment and sustainable, traceable value added food processing.