APEDA Signs MoU with Gulfood Organiser to Boost Indian Agri-Food Exports and MSMEs
The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with InD Events Dubai to secure India's position as the Official Partner Country for Gulfood 2027 for the second consecutive year. The agreement was signed at Vanijya Bhawan in New Delhi in the presence of Union Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal. The MoU was formally executed by Dr. Saswati Bose, Secretary of APEDA, and Mark Napier, Vice President at InD Events.
Gulfood, held annually in Dubai, is one of the world's largest food and beverage trade exhibitions, serving as a critical gateway to markets across the Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia. Under the framework of the India-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), the collaboration provides Indian exporters with an expanded platform to highlight premium, branded, and value-added agricultural products. The 2027 edition will feature dedicated B2B buyer-seller meets, product showcases, and trade conferences designed to connect Indian suppliers with international importers.
A key priority of the partnership is broadening participation among Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), agritech startups, and enterprises led by women and SC/ST entrepreneurs. Commerce Secretary Agrawal noted that India's sustained partnership with Gulfood demonstrates the rising global demand for Indian processed foods and agricultural commodities, which will help farmers and small businesses achieve higher profit margins through direct export linkages.
