Gulfood 2025, currently underway from February 17-21, is one of the world’s largest food and beverage trade exhibitions, attracting over 5,500 exhibitors from 129 countries at the Dubai World Trade Centre. Spanning 1.3 million square feet across 24 halls, the event showcases more than one million products, reinforcing Dubai’s status as a global hub for food trade.
India is making a notable impact, with 370 companies participating, including 122 under six key industry associations and 248 independent exhibitors, reflecting the country's growing influence in the global food industry.
Leading organizations such as the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA), 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 presence.
The Indian Pavilion, covering 672 square meters, was inaugurated by Chirag Paswan, India’s Minister for Food Processing Industries, with Consul General Satish Kumar Sivan and other dignitaries in attendance. Paswan highlighted India’s commitment to forging global partnerships in food processing during his address.
A key feature of India's participation is the live cooking demonstration, where an Indian chef showcases diverse flavors through wet sampling and culinary presentations, offering an immersive experience of Indian cuisine to global visitors.
Paswan also engaged with the Abu Dhabi Food Hub, exploring plans to establish a prominent food hub to enhance market linkages and boost exports. This initiative aims to strengthen India’s role in global food supply chains. Additionally, Paswan participated in ‘The India Dialogue,’ organized by the Indian Business and Profession Council (IBPC) in Dubai, discussing opportunities to enhance India-UAE food trade and investment
With India's growing food processing sector and the UAE's strategic location, the two countries are well-positioned to further collaboration under the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).
Union Minister of #MOFPI, Shri @iChiragPaswan visited the India Pavilion at #Gulfood2025, engaging with industry leaders and partners to discuss India’s capabilities, innovations, and global opportunities in the food sector. #WorldFoodIndia2025#ProcessingForProsperity pic.twitter.com/dV8tG7Mm1c
— Ministry of Food Processing Industries (@MOFPI_GOI) February 20, 2025
