Australia has arrived at AAHAR 2026 with its largest food and beverage delegation yet, presenting a wide mix of products to Indian buyers and hospitality professionals. A total of 44 Australian companies are part of the showcase, reflecting growing commercial ties between the two countries and rising demand in India for premium food imports.
The Australian presence at the fair has been organised by the Australian Trade and Investment Commission in partnership with several state government trade bodies. Companies from across Australia are presenting products ranging from meat and dairy to packaged foods, grains, honey, beverages, pet nutrition and health-focused food items.
The Australian Pavilion at the exhibition opened with participation from Philip Green and Paul Grimes, who attended the launch and met with exporters and industry visitors at the event in New Delhi.
The scale of the delegation stands out this year. Officials describe it as the largest Australian participation at the fair since Australia began exhibiting at the event. The pavilion gathers exporters that range from established producers to niche brands looking to expand into the Indian market.
Some of the products on display highlight the variety of offerings being pitched to Indian buyers. One example attracting attention at the pavilion is honey naturally flavoured with turmeric by the bees themselves, a concept that has drawn curiosity from visitors. Another unusual product making an appearance is vegan dog food, which exhibitors say has already found a receptive audience among Indian consumers exploring plant based options for pets.
Alongside packaged products and ingredients, Australian meat exporters are highlighting lamb as a centrepiece of their offering. To support that push, organisers released an Australian Lamb Recipe Book during the event. The publication includes recipes from 37 chefs and is intended to show how Australian lamb can be adapted for Indian cooking styles and restaurant menus.
The launch was paired with cooking demonstrations at the pavilion, where dishes using Australian lamb and other ingredients were prepared for visitors. Indian chef Sabyasachi Gorai is scheduled to lead live demonstrations during the exhibition, offering visitors a chance to see how the ingredients can be used in contemporary Indian cuisine.
Organisers say the pavilion is designed to create direct contact between exporters and buyers from India’s retail, hospitality and food service sectors. Trade fairs such as AAHAR remain a key meeting point for distributors, importers and chefs looking to source new products for the Indian market.
Officials from Austrade say India continues to present strong commercial opportunities for Australian food producers. Rising incomes, expanding restaurant chains and a growing appetite for international ingredients have encouraged exporters to look more closely at the market.
Todd Miller said India remains a priority market for Australia’s food and beverage sector, pointing to increasing demand across both retail shelves and restaurant menus. He said events such as AAHAR allow Australian businesses to meet Indian buyers directly while also introducing new products to the market.
Trade between the two countries has gained momentum following the entry into force of the Australia India Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement. The agreement has reduced tariffs across a range of sectors and encouraged businesses from both countries to explore deeper commercial links.
For Australian exporters, the fair provides a chance to test market interest and build partnerships with local distributors. For Indian buyers, it offers a closer look at the range of food products coming out of Australia’s agricultural and food processing industries.
Visitors at the pavilion will find companies presenting everything from premium cuts of meat to functional beverages and packaged health foods. The presence of pet nutrition brands and plant based options suggests exporters are also targeting emerging consumer segments in India.
Trade officials say the intention is to show the breadth of Australia’s food industry rather than focus on a single category. By presenting products across multiple sectors, organisers hope to open doors for collaboration across retail, hospitality and food manufacturing.
The exhibition continues over several days in New Delhi, giving exporters time to hold meetings with buyers and explore distribution opportunities. For many of the companies involved, the event serves as an introduction to the Indian market. Others attending already have partnerships in place and are using the platform to expand their reach.
With dozens of companies gathered under one pavilion, the Australian presence at AAHAR this year offers a snapshot of how trade between the two countries is developing. Food producers are seeking new markets while Indian buyers continue searching for international products that suit evolving consumer tastes.
Maria Irene is India Correspondent for The Indian Sun, reporting on technology, finance, culture, and diaspora stories across India and Australia, with a special focus on initiatives led by the Australian High Commission and its Consulates across India.
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