APEDA Signs MoU with Gulfood Organiser for Enhanced Food Trade Opportunities
The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with InD Events Dubai to strengthen India's participation as the Official Partner Country at Gulfood 2027. This marks the second consecutive year of this partnership, building on the visibility and business momentum generated through India's participation at Gulfood 2026. The MoU was signed at Vanijya Bhawan, New Delhi in the presence of Commerce Secretary Shri Rajesh Agrawal and other senior officials.
Commerce Secretary Shri Rajesh Agrawal stated that India's continued status as Official Partner Country reflects the growing strength and global recognition of the country's agri-food sector. The partnership will provide Indian exporters with an expanded platform to connect with international buyers, strengthen market access, and deepen India-UAE trade engagement under the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).
Gulfood 2027 is scheduled from 15-19 March 2027 in the UAE and is described as one of the world's leading food and beverage trade exhibitions. The collaboration will enhance international visibility and export opportunities for Indian exporters by providing a stronger platform to showcase India's diverse agricultural and processed food products to global buyers. A key focus will be on widening participation from MSMEs, FPOs, startups, and women- and SC/ST-led exporters from across India, enabling emerging businesses and producers to gain greater international visibility.
India's participation will focus on showcasing premium, branded, innovative, and value-added food products alongside established commodity strengths under a unified national platform. The event will include curated B2B meetings, product showcases, conferences, and industry engagements to facilitate connections with international buyers and support new business partnerships. The partnership will leverage Dubai's strategic position as a gateway to the GCC, wider Middle East, and African markets.
Mr. Mark Napier, Vice President - Exhibitions Department and Growth for Food & Hospitality at InD, emphasized that India's strong and diverse food ecosystem combined with its growing export capabilities makes its participation an important part of the global food trade platform. The organizers look forward to building on the success of 2026 and facilitating deeper connections between Indian exporters and buyers from across the world.