Indian Economy News

From Regional Flavours to Food Innovation: Entrepreneurial Stories from AAHAR 2026

The 40th edition of AAHAR 2026, one of Asia’s leading food and hospitality trade exhibitions, is being held in New Delhi from March 10-14, 2026, bringing together producers, exporters, hospitality businesses, and technology providers from across India and abroad. With nearly 1,800 exhibitors participating, the event showcases a diverse range of products, including processed foods, beverages, dairy products, bakery items, and agri-produce. Hosted at Bharat Mandapam, the exhibition serves as a key platform for business-to-business (B2B) engagement and collaboration across the food value chain. It also reflects India’s growing strength in food processing, where modern processing technologies and innovative food products increasingly complement traditional flavours.

AAHAR 2026 also highlights inspiring entrepreneurial journeys that demonstrate how government support and innovation are transforming India’s food processing ecosystem. One such example is Sangidoma Bhutia, an entrepreneur from Gangtok, Sikkim, founder of the brand ‘Taste of Sikkim’, known for traditional pickles and local food products. With support from the Pradhan Mantri Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFME) Scheme, she accessed a loan of Rs. 10 lakh (US$ 10,844) and a subsidy of Rs. 3.5 lakh (US$ 3,796), enabling her to invest in modern processing equipment and expand production capacity. Alongside running her enterprise, she trains rural women in food processing skills, creating livelihood opportunities and promoting local entrepreneurship. Such stories showcased at AAHAR underline how India’s food processing sector is evolving through innovation, value addition, and stronger market linkages across the agri-food ecosystem.

Disclaimer: This information has been collected through secondary research and IBEF is not responsible for any errors in the same.