AAHAR 2026: 40th Edition-Strengthening India’s Role in World’s Premier Food and Hospitality B2B Platform

AAHAR 2026: The Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal inaugurated the 40th edition of AAHAR 2026, on March 10 at the state-of-the-art Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. Widely recognized as one of the world’s premier B2B trade platforms for the food and hospitality industry, this year’s fair celebrates four decades of excellence in connecting India to the global marketplace.

The exhibition was organised by India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO) in collaboration with the Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI). 

The five-day international exhibition running from March 10 to 14, 2026 serves as a massive networking hub by bringing together over 1,800 food producers, exporters, hospitality businesses, technology providers, and global buyers from 17+ countries.

The term ‘’AAHAR’’ is  a Sanskrit word meaning "nourishment" or "diet," representing the first pillar of life in Ayurveda; here it symbolizes India’s holistic "Farm to Fork" philosophy, bridging ancient nutritional wisdom with modern global food trade.

Key Highlights of the 40th Edition oF AAHAR 

• Partner Country Status: For the first time, Italy joins as the official Partner Country, highlighting a surge in India-EU collaboration within the gourmet food and hospitality sectors.

• India’s Export Surge: Minister Goyal noted that India has climbed to become the 7th largest exporter of agricultural and marine products globally, with exports nearing ₹5 lakh crore ($55 billion) annually.

• Massive Scale: Spanning over 115,000 square meters, the event features specialized pavilions including the APEDA Pavilion, the MoFPI Pavilion, and dedicated sectors for Food-Tech Startups.

• Innovation Showcase: From AI-driven kitchen management to sustainable, food-grade packaging, the exhibition highlights the "Farm to Fork" digital transformation.

Significance of the Event: 

The event features over 1,800 exhibitors including a significant presence of international participants from over 15 countries and covering the state-of-the-art halls of Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. It is significant because it covers 

• Diverse Categories: The exhibition is meticulously segmented into specialized sectors, including:

• Food Products: Fresh produce, dairy, confectionery, and organic foods.

• Hospitality & Decor: Hotel equipment, kitchenware, and tableware.

• Technology & Machinery: Packaging, food processing units, and cold chain solutions.

• Networking Hub: AAHAR 2026 facilitates high-level B2B meetings, allowing Indian MSMEs to connect directly with international retail chains and distributors

Event Schedule and Visitor Information

The exhibition is structured to maximize interaction between industry stakeholders:

AAHAR 2026 at Bharat Mandapam strengthens India's position as a global food powerhouse by combining historic nutritional expertise with cutting-edge B2B innovation. The 40th edition finishes with a legacy of strengthened international alliances and a clear strategy for the future of the global hospitality sector.

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