APEDA’s mega showcase drew 530 buyers, 4,600+ B2B meetings, and a global MoU with LuLu Hypermarket.
India’s agri-food sector took centre stage at World Food India (WFI) 2025, with the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) stepping in as the official Export Partner. Held at Bharat Mandapam, Pragati Maidan in New Delhi, the 4th edition of the event turned into a showcase of India’s food diversity and global ambitions.
With 142 exhibitors across 120 stalls, APEDA’s pavilion was a visual feast, displaying everything from Basmati rice, GI-tagged delicacies, and organic produce to livestock products and value-added foods. Special zones like the GI Gallery, Fresca Zone, the Basmati Export Development Foundation stall, and a BHARTI Zone for startups drew heavy attention from buyers and visitors alike.
The real action, though, unfolded at APEDA’s Reverse Buyer-Seller Meet (RBSM). More than 530 global buyers from 68 countries, including supermarket giants like Walmart, Nesto, Mustafa Singapore, Al Madina, and Choithram, connected with Indian exporters. The result: over 4,654 curated B2B meetings, creating opportunities for long-term partnerships and fresh export channels.
APEDA also inked a landmark MoU with LuLu Hypermarket LLC on September 25. Under the BHARTI (Bharat’s Hub for Agritech Resilience, Advancement and Incubation for Export Enablement) Initiative, the deal will place Indian agri-food startups’ products across 252 LuLu outlets in the GCC. From shelf space and sampling campaigns to access via LuLu’s export division, the pact opens the door for Indian brands to reach millions of global consumers.
The BHARTI Initiative itself was a star attraction. A special seminar, “From Farm to Global Markets: Startup-Driven Innovation for Agri-Food Exports,” brought together policymakers, innovators, and industry leaders to chart strategies for empowering 100 agri-food ventures with mentorship, branding, technology adoption, and global market intelligence.
Calling WFI 2025 a milestone, APEDA Chairman Abhishek Dev said the event showcased India’s agri-food strengths to the world. “With over 140 exhibitors, more than 500 international buyers, and thousands of business meetings, we’ve strengthened India’s position as a trusted partner in global food trade,” he said.
Through global collaborations, startup empowerment, and large-scale buyer engagement, APEDA signalled its vision clearly: India is not just exporting food; it is building a sustainable, innovation-led, and future-ready agri-food export ecosystem.
Source: PIB
