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Aahar 2026 concludes at Bharat Mandapam, draws record 1.5 lakh visitors
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Tuesday, 17 March, 2026, 08 : 00 AM [IST]
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Our Bureau, New Delhi
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The 40th edition of Aahar 2026, the International Food & Hospitality Fair, concluded recently at Bharat Mandapam, solidifying its status as one of Asia’s premier B2B platforms. The five-day event, organized by the India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO) in association with the Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI), saw a massive turnout that significantly exceeded initial projections.
Record-Breaking Participation
The exhibition witnessed a footfall of over 1.5 lakh visitors, surpassing the estimated target of one lakh. The event served as a critical hub for global trade, facilitating more than 2,800 B2B meetings between domestic and international buyers. Over 1,800 exhibitors from 17 countries—including 155 international participants—showcased a diverse array of food products, processing technologies, and hospitality equipment across a sprawling 1,15,000 square metres.
Global and Domestic Synergy
Inaugurated recently by Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal, the fair featured Italy as the Partner Country for the first time. Major country pavilions from Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, and Thailand drew significant interest, alongside participation from nations like Germany, Japan, France, and South Korea.
Javed Ashraf, Chairman of ITPO, highlighted the event's role in positioning India as a global processed food hub. "The strong participation reflects the growing opportunities in India’s food sector," he noted, emphasizing the platform's support for innovation, MSMEs, and employment generation.
Innovation and Engagement
Specialized pavilions, including those by APEDA and MoFPI, focused on export-oriented technological trends. The event also hosted "Culinary Art India 2026" and the "Hospitality Challenge," providing a stage for skill demonstration and networking. Notably, the AAHAR 2026 mobile app saw over 20,000 downloads, signaling a shift toward higher digital engagement in the industry.
While primarily a B2B event, the final two days were opened to the general public, allowing enthusiasts to explore emerging food businesses and hospitality technologies. As the curtains fall on this landmark 40th edition, the industry now looks toward the next chapter, with the next edition of AAHAR scheduled for 2–6 March 2027.
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