AAHAR 2026 Food and Hospitality Fair Inaugurated in New Delhi

Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal inaugurated the 40th edition of the AAHAR International Food and Hospitality Fair in New Delhi. The event is being organised jointly by the Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI) and the India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO) from 10 to 14 March 2026. The exhibition serves as a major platform for the food processing, hospitality and agriculture sectors to showcase products, technologies and trade opportunities.

Major Platform for Food and Hospitality Industry

AAHAR is one of Asia’s prominent exhibitions dedicated to food processing, hospitality and allied industries. The fair brings together domestic and international exhibitors, buyers, entrepreneurs and policymakers to promote trade and business collaborations. In addition to business-to-business engagements, the exhibition will also open to the general public from the evening of 13 March until the following day.

Focus on Trade Opportunities and Exports

During the inauguration, the Commerce and Industry Minister highlighted that such exhibitions help India utilise opportunities created by free trade agreements (FTAs). He noted that India has emerged as the seventh-largest exporter in the world. In the agricultural and marine sectors, farmers and fishermen collectively export products valued at nearly ₹5 lakh crore annually. The government expects expanding global trade partnerships to further strengthen India’s export potential.

Role of Free Trade Agreements

The minister emphasised that India has concluded nine FTAs in the past three and a half years, opening access to markets in 38 developed economies. These agreements provide Indian exporters with preferential market access and support integration into global value chains. He also noted that key agricultural commodities such as rice, wheat, maize, soy meal and several varieties of pulses have been safeguarded in trade negotiations to protect domestic interests.

Important Facts for Exams

• AAHAR is an international food and hospitality fair organised by the Ministry of Food Processing Industries and ITPO.
• India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO) promotes international trade through exhibitions and trade fairs.
• Free Trade Agreements reduce or eliminate tariffs between participating countries.
• The European Free Trade Association (EFTA) includes Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein.

Italy as the Partner Country

For the first time, Italy has been designated as the partner country for the AAHAR fair. The Italian Ambassador to India highlighted that the event offers an opportunity to strengthen cooperation in the agro-food sector. European markets represent a significant destination for agricultural and processed food imports, particularly as trade agreements provide near-zero or very low duties on several Indian products. The partnership is expected to boost trade, investment and collaboration in the food processing and hospitality sectors.