Piyush Goyal Inaugurates 40th AAHAR International Food and Hospitality Fair in New Delhi

40th AAHAR International Food and Hospitality Fair Kicks Off in New Delhi

Union Commerce and Industry Minister  Shri Piyush Goyal  inaugurated the  40th edition of the AAHAR International Food and Hospitality Fair  in New Delhi, marking the commencement of a five-day exhibition running from  10 to 14 March 2026 . The event is jointly organized by the  Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI)  and the  India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO)  , serving as a premier platform for the food processing, hospitality, and agriculture sectors to showcase products, technologies, and trade opportunities.

Major Platform for Food and Hospitality Industry
AAHAR  stands as one of Asia's most prominent exhibitions dedicated to food processing, hospitality, and allied industries. The fair brings together  domestic and international exhibitors, buyers, entrepreneurs, and policymakers  to foster trade and business collaborations. In addition to dedicated business-to-business engagements, the exhibition will open to the  general public  from the evening of  13 March  until the conclusion of the event, allowing consumers to explore the latest innovations in the food and hospitality sectors.

Focus on Trade Opportunities and Exports
During the inauguration, the Commerce and Industry Minister emphasized that such exhibitions help India capitalize on opportunities created by  Free Trade Agreements (FTAs)  . He noted that India has emerged as the  seventh-largest exporter in the world , with farmers and fishermen collectively exporting agricultural and marine products valued at nearly  ₹5 lakh crore annually . The government anticipates that expanding global trade partnerships will further strengthen India's export potential and integrate domestic producers into international value chains.

Role of Free Trade Agreements
The minister highlighted that India has concluded  nine FTAs in the past three and a half years , opening preferential access to markets in  38 developed economies . These agreements provide Indian exporters with  reduced or zero tariffs , enhancing competitiveness in global markets. He also noted that key agricultural commodities such as  rice, wheat, maize, soy meal, and several varieties of pulses  have been strategically safeguarded in trade negotiations to protect domestic agricultural interests and ensure food security.

Italy as the Partner Country
For the first time in the fair's history,  Italy  has been designated as the  partner country  for AAHAR. The Italian Ambassador to India highlighted that the event offers a significant opportunity to strengthen bilateral cooperation in the  agro-food sector . European markets, particularly through trade agreements with nations like the  European Free Trade Association (EFTA)  members— Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein —represent a major destination for Indian agricultural and processed food exports, with several products now enjoying near-zero or very low duties.

Exam-Focused Important Facts:

• Event:   40th AAHAR International Food and Hospitality Fair  (10–14 March 2026, New Delhi).

• Organizers:   Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI)  and  India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO)  .

• ITPO Role:  Promotes international trade through exhibitions and trade fairs.

• Partner Country (First Time):   Italy .