Stakeholders from the food processing and hospitality industries, as well as overseas exhibitors and purchasers, were in high attendance at the 40th annual AAHAR 2026, which ended at Bharat Mandapam. Exhibiting from March 10–14, 2026, the show was co-hosted by the Ministry of Food Processing Industries and the India Trade Promotion Organisation, which is a sub-department of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. Piyush Goyal, the Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, launched the event.

The promoters reported that the show had 1.5 lakh visitors, which was higher than their pre-event prediction of over one lakh. Exhibitors and buyers from India and other foreign markets were able to meet over 2,800 times through the platform.

More than 1,800 exhibitors from 17 countries, including 155 foreign companies, participated at AAHAR 2026. A vast array of food and drink items, as well as technology for processing these items, packaging solutions, and hospitality equipment, were on display at the event.

At the end of the exhibition, Javed Ashraf, Chairman of ITPO, made the following statement: “By connecting manufacturers, suppliers, exporters, and customers from all over the world, AAHAR remains a vital platform for the hotel and food processing industries. The high level of engagement is indicative of the expanding possibilities in India’s food industry as well as the rising enthusiasm for trade and collaborations in this country. The goal of AAHAR and similar initiatives is to establish India as a worldwide hub for processed food through fostering innovation, supporting micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), and creating jobs in the sector.”

Italian, Australian, Brazilian, Canadian, Chilean, and Thai pavilions were among those included at the approximately 1,15,000 square metre event, which also included booths from a number of other international markets.

Programs including Culinary Art India 2026 and the Hospitality Challenge were part of the festival, which also featured dedicated pavilions from APEDA, MoFPI, and industry associations.

From March 2–6, 2027, there will be another AAHAR.