APEDA Signs MoU with Gulfood Organiser to Strengthen Global Food Trade

The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with InD Events Dubai, the organiser of Gulfood, on 17 September 2026 at Vanijya Bhawan, New Delhi. The MoU names India as the Official Partner Country for Gulfood 2027, after the same role in Gulfood 2026.

APEDA and India’s Agri-Export Framework

APEDA is a statutory body under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India. It was established under the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority Act, 1985, for the development and promotion of exports of scheduled agricultural and processed food products.

Gulfood and Dubai Food Trade Platform

Gulfood is a major international food and beverage trade exhibition held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Gulfood 2027 is scheduled from 15 to 19 March 2027, and Gulfood 2026 was held from 26 to 30 January 2026 in Dubai.

India-UAE Trade and Export Participation

The partnership is linked with India-UAE trade engagement under the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). The arrangement provides a platform for Indian exporters, Farmer Producer Organisations, MSMEs, and startups to meet international buyers and present Indian agri-food products.

India’s participation in Gulfood 2027 will include business-to-business meetings and promotion of premium, branded, and value-added food products. For Gulfood 2026, India was the Official Partner Country and APEDA showcased 150 companies among more than 600 exhibitors.

Important Facts for Exams

• APEDA stands for Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority.
• APEDA functions under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
• Gulfood is held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, and it is one of the largest food trade exhibitions in the region.
• Farmer Producer Organisations, or FPOs, are collective bodies of farmers used in agricultural marketing and value-chain participation.

Exam-Relevant Static Facts

MSMEs stands for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, a category used in Indian industrial policy and export promotion. CEPA is a trade agreement format used to cover goods, services, investment, and related economic cooperation.