Gulfood 2026 is set to reaffirm its position as the world’s largest and most influential food and beverage trade fair, bringing together global stakeholders from the agri-food, processing, retail and hospitality sectors. Held annually in Dubai, UAE, Gulfood acts as a strategic gateway connecting food producers with buyers from the Middle East, Africa, Europe and Asia.
The 2026 edition is especially significant for India, as the country has been named the Partner Country for the first time, marking a major milestone in India’s global food trade journey.
India as Partner Country at Gulfood 2026
India’s selection as Partner Country highlights its growing importance in the global agri-food supply chain. With rising exports of processed foods, grains, spices, fruits, vegetables and marine products, India has positioned itself as a reliable and scalable food supplier to the world.
The Indian participation at Gulfood 2026 is coordinated by the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA). The Indian pavilion spans over 1,400 square metres and features 161 exhibitors from 25 Indian states, making it one of the largest national pavilions at the event.
This expanded presence reflects India’s commitment to promoting export-ready food products, strengthening trade partnerships and showcasing its agricultural diversity under one roof.
Who Are the Indian Participants at Gulfood 2026?
India’s exhibitors represent the entire agri-food value chain, including:
- Exporters and manufacturers of processed and packaged foods
- Producers of fresh fruits and vegetables
- Companies specialising in frozen foods, ready-to-eat and ready-to-cook products
- Exporters of rice, pulses, cereals and grains
- Producers of spices, tea, beverages and organic foods
- Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) and cooperatives
- State government agencies and export promotion bodies
A key highlight is the BHARATI Pavilion, which showcases innovative Indian agri-food startups. These startups focus on food technology, traceability, sustainability, quality assurance, packaging solutions and export compliance, reflecting India’s shift towards innovation-led agriculture.
Participation from Odisha: Untapped Export Potential
Although a separate official list of Odisha-based exhibitors has not been released, Odisha’s agricOdisha’s presence is particularly strong this year, driven by the state’s leadership in the Millet Mission and agri-exports.
Here are the participants from Odisha:
Primary Exhibitor: Bisweswar Foods (FarrmB)
- Stand Location: South Hall 12, Stand SH-503
- Headquarters: Cuttack, Odisha
- Products: This company is a lead representative for Odisha’s food processing industry. They are showcasing:
- Millet-based products: Ragi flour, Sattu, and multi-grain cookies.
- Breakfast & Health foods: Oats, Daliya, and Sooji.
- Ready-to-Cook: A specialized range designed for international markets.
Odisha Millet Mission & FPOs
Odisha has a dedicated focus on “Shree Anna” (Millets) within the Indian Pavilion. While often grouped under the collective APEDA (Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority) banner, several state-backed entities are present:
- Odisha Millets Mission (OMM): State officials and representatives are promoting the “Odisha Model” of millet value chains.
- Millet Shakti: Women-led Self-Help Groups (WSHGs) and federations are represented to showcase value-added millet snacks and indigenous processing techniques.
- Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs): Select FPOs from tribal-dominated districts like Koraput and Kandhamal are part of the startup and export-ready delegations.
Product Showcase from Odisha
Beyond specific companies, the following Odisha-origin products are being promoted to global buyers at the event:
Spices & Cashews: Processed cashews and organic spices from the Eastern Ghats.
GI-Tagged Items: Kandhamal Haladi (Turmeric) and Odisha Rasagola (canned/packaged versions for export).
Marine Exports: Frozen seafood and processed shrimp from Odisha’s coastal belt are featured in the Seafood Sector (located in the Power Brands-DWTC area).
Key Focus Areas at Gulfood 2026
Gulfood 2026 is designed as more than just a trade exhibition. It offers multiple themed zones and business-focused platforms, including:
1. Food and Beverage Segmentation
Dedicated halls for grains, pulses, dairy, beverages, meat, seafood, specialty foods and organic products enable targeted buyer engagement.
2. Innovation and Startups
Startups and emerging brands gain visibility among global buyers, investors and distributors, encouraging innovation and scalability.
3. Sustainability and Food Security
Discussions and showcases focus on sustainable farming, efficient supply chains, food security and future food solutions.
4. Culinary Demonstrations
Live cooking sessions and product demonstrations help exhibitors showcase real-world applications of their ingredients and products.
Benefits of Participating in Gulfood Trade Fair
Participation in Gulfood 2026 offers multiple advantages for exporters, states and the national economy:
Global Market Access
Connect with international buyers and distributors from over 100 countries through direct business meetings.
Export Growth Opportunities
Facilitates bulk orders, private label deals, distribution partnerships and long-term trade relationships.
Brand Visibility and Credibility
Being part of a globally recognised trade fair enhances brand trust and international recognition.
Investment and Collaboration
Attracts interest from investors, retailers, logistics providers and technology partners.
Market Intelligence
Participants gain insights into global food trends, packaging innovations, regulatory requirements and consumer preferences.
Why Gulfood 2026 Is Strategically Important for India and Odisha
For India, Gulfood 2026 strengthens its position as a global food export hub and supports national goals of boosting agri-export value. It also reinforces trade relations with the UAE and other high-growth markets.
For states like Odisha, the trade fair acts as a launchpad to integrate local farmers, processors and exporters into global value chains. It encourages export-oriented agriculture, higher farmer incomes and sustainable regional growth.
Conclusion
Gulfood 2026 stands as.a powerful global platform shaping the future of food trade. India’s role as Partner Country reflects its growing agri-food strength, while states like Odisha hold immense potential to benefit from international exposure. As global demand for diverse, high-quality and sustainable food products continues to rise, Gulfood remains a critical gateway for Indian agriculture to reach global mark.
