Piyush Goyal Launches AAHAR 2026 at Bharat Mandapam Today
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
New Delhi, March 10 (NationPress) Today marks the inauguration of the 40th edition of AAHAR 2026, a leading global B2B trade event in the food and hospitality sector, by Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal at Bharat Mandapam. The fair, taking place from March 10 to March 14, promises to draw significant participation from industry leaders, exhibitors, and visitors worldwide.
As stated by the India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO), this event is a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Food Processing Industries and ITPO. AAHAR has become one of Asia's most prestigious platforms for businesses associated with food, hospitality, and related sectors, providing opportunities for showcasing innovations, networking, and discovering new market avenues.
Approximately 1,800 exhibitors from diverse sectors such as processed food, rice, marine products, non-vegetarian items, kitchen appliances, and hospitality equipment, along with smaller food enterprises, are expected to participate.
The event will also feature around 155 international exhibitors from 17 countries, occupying nearly 115,000 square meters of exhibition space. This year, Italy is the designated partner country.
Support has been extended to AAHAR 2026 from various industry organizations, including the All India Food Processors Association (AIFPA), Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), Forum of Indian Food Importers (FIFI), and Hotel & Restaurant Equipment Manufacturers Association of India (HOTREMAI), among others.
Specialized pavilions will be a highlight of the exhibition, including the APEDA Pavilion, MoFPI Pavilion, Foreign Participation Pavilion, ICMA Pavilion, and FIFI Pavilion. The fair will also host industry-focused events such as the Hospitality Challenge and Culinary Art India 2026.
A major attraction will be the MasterChef competition, taking place in Hall No. 1, where culinary experts and enthusiasts can showcase their talents and present various international cuisines. This will provide visitors with a chance to discover global culinary trends and innovations.
Alongside the exhibitions, the event will feature seminars, culinary contests, and opportunities for industry interactions aimed at fostering knowledge sharing, innovation, and collaboration in the food and hospitality fields.
The previous AAHAR edition saw participation from over 1,700 exhibitors and more than 100,000 visitors, underscoring the event's increasing significance.