The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry has signed an agreement with the organisers of Gulfood to secure India’s participation as the Official Partner Country at the 2027 edition of the global food trade fair. This marks India’s second consecutive year in this role, and the arrangement is designed to boost Indian food exporters’ access to international markets.
Key details of the partnership
Gulfood 2027 will take place from 15 to 19 March in the UAE. The event is one of the world’s largest food and beverage trade exhibitions. India’s status as Official Partner Country will provide a unified national platform bringing together exporters, farmer producer organisations (FPOs), small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), startups, commodity boards and government institutions.
The partnership will include structured business-to-business meetings, product exhibitions, conferences and industry discussions to connect Indian sellers with international buyers. A particular emphasis will be placed on expanding participation from:
- MSMEs and startups
- Women-led exporters
- SC and ST-led exporters
- Farmer producer organisations
The arrangement will also support India-UAE trade engagement under the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). Dubai’s location serves as a gateway to markets across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region, the broader Middle East and Africa.
What this means for you
If you are involved in food exports, processing or agriculture, this partnership creates a formal pathway to display your products to international buyers without arranging separate exhibitions. Smaller producers, women entrepreneurs and members of scheduled communities gain particular advantage through coordinated participation. The focus on value-added and branded products means there is opportunity not just for commodity exports but for processed and innovative food items. For importers and traders in Gulf and African markets, India’s coordinated presence signals expanded choice and reliability in sourcing agricultural and food products.