AAHAR 2026: The International Food & Hospitality Fair – Where Businesses Grow, Scale, and Expand

ource: Press Information Bureau (PIB)
Posted On: 14 March 2026
Release ID: 2240075

The steady buzz of conversations, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee, and the sight of innovative food displays filled the halls of Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi as the 40th edition of AAHAR – The International Food & Hospitality Fair was held from 10–14 March 2026. The event was jointly organised by the Ministry of Food Processing Industries and the India Trade Promotion Organisation.

AAHAR has evolved into one of South Asia’s most prominent B2B platforms for the food and hospitality sector, bringing together hotels, restaurants, catering institutions, importers, distributors, and suppliers. The exhibition has built a reputation as a trusted platform where businesses connect, grow, and expand their market presence.

The event also highlights an interesting trend in the industry—many entrepreneurs who once attended AAHAR as buyers or visitors later return as exhibitors with their own brands. Their journeys demonstrate how continued participation in the exhibition can help businesses gain industry insights, build networks, and expand opportunities.

Among the vibrant state pavilions at the fair, the Kerala Pavilion showcased how regional companies are using AAHAR to expand their market reach. One of the participants, RG Foods, which originated in Calicut in 1940, presented a range of products including edible oils, rice varieties, breakfast powders, and traditional Kerala snacks such as banana chips and murukku.

A representative of the company, Mr. Swagath, said that participation in the exhibition has helped them connect with both domestic and international clients. The company’s products are now available in more than 31 countries, including markets in Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and Qatar. The firm also holds a significant share in the edible oil sector across Gulf Cooperation Council countries and operates a distribution network reaching around 1.5 lakh retail outlets in Kerala.

Another example of entrepreneurial growth at the fair came from Dhyaan Mehta of Ahmedabad, whose company TGR Foods manufactures cake and bread mixes for bakeries and dairy industries. After attending AAHAR as a customer for nearly a decade, he participated this year as an exhibitor for the first time, showcasing his own products.

Similarly, Soberpreet Singh, founder of Packmold, shared his journey from visiting the exhibition as a buyer to becoming an exhibitor. Packmold manufactures beverage cups with an aqua coating instead of conventional plastic coating, offering an environmentally responsible alternative. Within six months of operations, the company secured orders from major clients including Reliance Retail’s Wild Bean Cafés and Adani Airports, while also supplying cups to emerging beverage brands.

The exhibition also featured major Indian and global brands such as Nescafé, Barry Callebaut, Go Cheese, Morde, Haldiram’s, Cremica, and MTR. Their stalls attracted large crowds with live product demonstrations and tasting sessions, drawing strong interest from industry professionals and visitors.

At the Barry Callebaut stall, chocolatier Chef Ghosh showcased creative chocolate preparations and artistic designs. Culinary students and hospitality trainees gathered to watch demonstrations and interact with industry experts, gaining insights into professional techniques and trends.

For aspiring chefs and hospitality professionals, AAHAR serves as a valuable learning platform. Students attending the event interacted with chefs, suppliers, and brand representatives, gaining practical knowledge about ingredients, equipment, packaging, branding, and distribution in the food and hospitality industry.

As AAHAR celebrates its 40th edition, the stories emerging from the exhibition highlight its continued relevance for the industry. For some businesses it opens doors to new suppliers and distributors, while for others it creates opportunities to enter new markets. The fair continues to serve as a major platform where entrepreneurs, brands, and industry stakeholders come together to connect, collaborate, and expand their businesses.