AAHAR 2026 concludes with record-breaking success
The 40th edition of AAHAR, Asia’s premier trade fair for the food and hospitality sectors, concluded on a high note at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, on March 14, 2026.
The five-day event, organised by the India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO) in collaboration with the Ministry of Food Processing Industries and leading industry bodies, drew a record-breaking 1.25 lakh visitors, reaffirming its status as a cornerstone event for the global hospitality trade.
Marking a significant milestone, the event saw a substantial increase in exhibitor participation and space bookings compared to previous years. The fair served as a vital platform for brand promotion, business generation, and high-level buyer-seller networking sessions. The official mobile app proved to be a key tool for engagement, recording over 17,000 downloads and facilitating approximately 2,800 structured business meetings.
During the valedictory ceremony, Jawed Ashraf (IFS Retd.), Chairman of ITPO, presented the ‘Awards for Excellence in Display’ to outstanding participants across various categories.
Reflecting on the fair’s expansion, Chairman Ashraf highlighted that Italy served as the partner country for the 2026 edition and expressed optimism that future iterations would attract even more international partnerships. He noted that the next edition of AAHAR is scheduled to be held from March 2 to 6, 2027, at Bharat Mandapam, which will benefit from the second phase of the venue’s ongoing redevelopment.
The ceremony was also graced by HH Kenneth Félix Haczynski da Nóbrega, Ambassador of Brazil to New Delhi, along with senior officials, industry leaders, and diplomatic representatives.
Among the major awardees, Italy was honoured with the Gold Medal as the Partner Country. In the ‘Processed Food & Beverages (Domestic)’ category, Jivo Wellness Pvt Ltd secured the Gold, while the ‘Dairy/Bakery/Confectionery’ Gold was awarded to Nestlé India Limited.
The Ministry of Food Processing Industries, Government of India, received the Gold Medal in the ‘Spices/Agri Products’ category, and the Government of Meghalaya (Meghalayan Age Limited) took top honours in the ‘Central Ministries/State Governments’ category.
This milestone edition was organised by the India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO) in strategic collaboration with the Ministry of Food Processing Industries, Government of India, and supported by a robust network of industry partners. Key associations contributing to the fair’s success included APEDA, AIFPA, ARCHII, FAIC, FHSAI, FIFHI, FIFI, FIWA, HOTREMAI, ICMA, KREMAG, PBFIA, and CIFT.
