APEDA’s BHARATI Pavilion to Feature Eight High-Potential Startups

India is the Partner Country at Gulfood 2026 for the First Time

The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India, is participating in Gulfood 2026 with a strong, expanded and high-impact presence, reinforcing India’s growing stature in the global agri-food trade. India is the Partner Country at Gulfood 2026, underscoring its strategic importance as a reliable sourcing destination and a key contributor to global food security and resilient supply chains.

India’s participation at Gulfood 2026 marks a significant scale-up compared to previous editions. The Indian Pavilion has doubled in size compared to last year, reflecting the expanding footprint of Indian agri-food exports, increasing global demand for Indian products and enhanced participation from exporters, institutions and startups.

India’s participation spans a total exhibition area of 1,434 square metres, featuring 161 exhibitors across a wide range of categories, including processed foods, fresh and frozen products, pulses, grains and cereals, beverages, value-added food products and agri-export startups. The Indian Pavilion brings together exporters, Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), cooperatives, startups, State Government agencies and national institutions, presenting a comprehensive view of India’s agri-food ecosystem and export readiness.

Exhibitors from 25 States and regions are participating, reflecting India’s vast agricultural and regional diversity. These include Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Delhi, Gujarat, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Karnataka, Kerala, West Bengal (including Kolkata and Siliguri), Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra (including Mumbai), Meghalaya, Punjab, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand. The participation highlights region-specific agri-products, GI-tagged items, organic produce and value-added food products, demonstrating India’s expanding engagement in international agri-trade.

India’s presence at Gulfood 2026 is further strengthened by participation from key national institutions and government bodies, including NAFED, National Cooperative Exports Limited, National Horticulture Board, Uttarakhand Horticulture Board, Spices Board India, Tea Board of India, National Turmeric Board, Indian Rice Exporters Federation (IREF), All India Rice Exporters Association, IOPEPC, The Rice Exporters Association Chhattisgarh (TREACG), COMFED – Bihar State Milk Cooperative Federation Ltd., Punjab State Cooperative Supply & Marketing Federation Ltd., Directorate of Horticulture, Government of Bihar, Sikkim Organic Farming Development Agency, and The Central Arecanut and Cocoa Marketing and Processing Cooperative Limited (CAMPCO), among others.

A key highlight of India’s participation is the BHARATI Pavilion, APEDA’s flagship initiative to promote export-ready agri-food and agri-tech startups. Located in the Startup Zone at the Dubai World Trade Centre, the BHARATI Pavilion features eight high-potential Indian startups, selected through a national-level process from over 100 applicants. These startups are showcasing innovative products, technology-driven solutions and export-enabling offerings aligned with APEDA’s Farm to Foreign vision.

The Indian Pavilion also features a dedicated Culinary Area, where a renowned chef will conduct live demonstrations of Indian cuisines. This experiential zone highlights India’s rich culinary heritage, diverse regional flavours and the versatility of Indian ingredients, enhancing buyer engagement and global appreciation of Indian food products.

The product showcase includes a comprehensive Pulses, Grains and Cereals section, displaying a wide range of Indian varieties and reinforcing India’s position as one of the world’s leading producers and exporters of staple food commodities. The displays emphasise quality, sustainability, traceability and compliance with international standards to meet global market requirements.

Gulfood 2026 is being organised across two major venues, with India having a strong and visible presence at both locations. Dubai Expo City hosts the World Food Hall, Pulses, Grains and Cereals Hall and Gulfood Green, focusing on sustainability, innovation and future food systems. The Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) hosts the Beverage Hall and the Startup Hall, including the BHARATI Pavilion.

India’s participation at Gulfood 2026 is aligned with the opportunities emerging from the India–UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), which has strengthened bilateral trade ties and enhanced market access for Indian agri and food products in the Gulf region.

In addition to the exhibition presence, APEDA is undertaking extensive exclusive branding and high-impact promotional activities across prominent locations in Dubai as part of India’s Partner Country status at Gulfood 2026. These include branding at metro stations, bus wraps, gas stations, panel branding and other high-visibility outdoor formats, significantly enhancing India’s visibility and brand recall.

Through this comprehensive and expanded participation, APEDA aims to strengthen buyer–seller linkages, promote Indian brands globally, support startups and exporters, showcase India’s agri-food diversity, and further consolidate India’s role as a reliable, innovation-driven and sustainable player in the global agri-food value chain.