The 40th edition of AAHAR, one of Asia’s leading trade exhibitions for the food and hospitality industry, concluded successfully at Bharat Mandapam, drawing over 1.25 lakh exhibitors and business visitors from India and overseas. Organised by India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO) in collaboration with the Ministry of Food Processing Industries, the five-day event served as a powerful platform for brand promotion, business generation, buyer-seller meetings, and industry networking.
Held from March 10–14, 2026, AAHAR 2026 recorded significant growth in exhibition space booking and visitor engagement, further strengthening its reputation as one of Asia’s leading B2B trade fairs for the food processing, hospitality, and F&B equipment sectors.
Speaking at the closing ceremony, Jawed Ashraf, Chairman of ITPO, congratulated the award winners and expressed optimism for the next edition. He highlighted that the second phase of the redevelopment plan of Bharat Mandapam, expected to commence soon, would enable AAHAR to be organised on a larger scale with enhanced international participation. He also noted that Italy participated as the Partner Country for AAHAR 2026, and future editions are expected to feature more partner nations.
Ashraf also pointed to the success of the event’s mobile application, which facilitated visitor convenience and business matchmaking, recording over 17,000 downloads and nearly 2,800 scheduled business meetings during the exhibition.
During the ceremony, Kenneth Félix Haczynski da Nóbrega, Ambassador of Brazil to India, also addressed the gathering alongside senior government officials, diplomatic representatives, industry leaders, exhibitors, and members of the media.
Awards for Excellence in Display
A key highlight of AAHAR 2026 was the presentation of Awards for Excellence in Display across multiple industry categories.
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Partner Country: Italy received the Gold Medal.
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Processed Food & Beverages (Foreign):
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Gold – Apex Brasil
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Silver – Australian Trade and Investment Commission
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Bronze – Origin Gourmet Co. Ltd., South Korea (Good Seol)
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F&B Equipment (Foreign):
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Gold – UNOX, Italy
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Silver – Winterhalter Gastronom GmbH, Germany
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Bronze – Hoshizaki Corporation, Japan
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F&B Equipment (Domestic):
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Gold – Mittal Electronics (Sujata)
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Silver – Girnar Machine Pvt. Ltd.
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Bronze – International Equipment Co.
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Special Appreciation – Simran Worldwide (Coffee.Plus)
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Hospitality & Decor Solutions:
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Gold – Sourcerite Interior Design & Hotel Supplies
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Silver – Hind Metal Industries
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Bronze – Clay Craft India Ltd.
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Allied Sectors:
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Gold – Schick Wheel
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Silver – Brainadz
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Bronze – Paramount Industries
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Processed Food & Beverages (Domestic):
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Gold – Jivo Wellness Pvt. Ltd.
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Silver – Farmton Foods Pvt. Ltd.
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Bronze – Symega Food Ingredients Ltd.
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Special Appreciation – VRB Consumers Products Pvt. Ltd. (Veeba)
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Dairy / Bakery / Confectionery:
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Gold – Nestlé India Ltd.
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Silver – S S Food Industries (Bonn)
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Bronze – Shineroad Foods India Pvt. Ltd.
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Special Appreciation – Candy Toy Corporate (Hoppin)
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Spices / Agri Products:
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Gold – Ministry of Food Processing Industries, Government of India
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Silver – Cargill India Pvt. Ltd.
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Bronze – Ashapura Agrocomm Pvt. Ltd.
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Central Ministries / Government Departments / State Governments / Commodity Boards:
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Gold – Government of Meghalaya (Meghalayan Age Ltd.)
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Silver – APEDA
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Bronze – Trade Fair Authority of Haryana
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AAHAR 2026 was organised by ITPO with support from several industry associations including APEDA, AIFPA, ARCHII, FAIC, FHSAI, FIFHI, FIFI, FIWA, HOTREMAI, ICMA, KREMAG, PBFIA, and CIFT, reflecting the collaborative strength of India’s food and hospitality ecosystem.
Looking ahead, the next edition of AAHAR will be held from March 2–6, 2027, once again at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, and is expected to build on this year’s momentum with expanded international participation and enhanced industry engagement.
