India highlights innovation, sustainability, and trade partnerships at one of the world’s largest food expos
Gulfood 2025, one of the biggest food and beverage trade exhibitions, has kicked off at the Dubai World Trade Centre, bringing together over 5,500 exhibitors from 129 countries.
Spanning 24 halls and covering 1.3 million square feet, the event showcases more than one million products, solidifying Dubai’s position as a global food trade hub, reported ddnews.gov.
India’s strong presence at Gulfood 2025 reflects its growing role in global food trade
India has a significant footprint at the event, with 370 companies participating. This includes 122 exhibitors under key industry associations and 248 independent participants. Leading organizations such as the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA), the Cashew Export Promotion Council of India, Assocham, the Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO), and the Indian Oilseeds & Produce Export Promotion Council (IOPEPC) are spearheading India’s representation.
Chirag Paswan, India’s Minister for Food Processing Industries, inaugurated the Indian Pavilion alongside Consul General Satish Kumar Sivan and other dignitaries. During his keynote address at the Leadership Summit in Dubai, Paswan emphasized India’s commitment to fostering global partnerships in the food processing sector.
Expanding trade opportunities and strengthening global supply chains
“Under the visionary leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India is fostering global collaborations in the food processing sector, encouraging investments, and integrating digital technologies to develop a future-ready food ecosystem,” Paswan stated.
He further highlighted that India’s participation at Gulfood 2025 is aimed at expanding trade opportunities, showcasing innovations in food processing, and strengthening sustainable supply chains.
With India’s dynamic participation at Gulfood 2025, the country is poised to further expand its presence in the global food industry, driving innovation and sustainability in international markets
Consul General Satish Kumar Sivan echoed this sentiment, noting that India’s leadership in pulses, cereals, and grains demonstrates its capability to meet the rising global demand for sustainable and nutritious food.
The Indian Consulate in Dubai has played a key role in supporting Indian businesses by facilitating B2B meetings, networking events, and trade delegations. In collaboration with NAFED, APEDA, and FIEO, the Indian Mission is providing exhibitors with branding support, market insights, and access to buyers and distributors. Interactive knowledge sessions with business delegations, including the Mahratta Chamber of Commerce and IGTD Exim Chamber of Commerce, aim to enhance market understanding for Indian producers.
Strengthening India-UAE trade ties through CEPA and e-commerce growth
The Gulf region remains a crucial market for Indian food exports, driven by the large Indian diaspora and strong bilateral trade relations. Spices, rice, ready-to-eat meals, and Ayurvedic products continue to be in high demand, alongside emerging sectors like electronics and IT.
The India-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) has further boosted trade flows, with e-commerce platforms such as Amazon UAE and Noon creating new market access for Indian brands. In 2023, India exported $1.61 billion worth of processed food and agricultural products to the UAE, reinforcing the strong trade relationship between the two nations.
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