The 11th edition of the India Food Expo (IFX-2026) is set to take place in Lucknow from September 18 to 20, with a primary focus on strengthening Uttar Pradesh's food processing sector and expanding opportunities for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), exports, and investment. Organized by the Indian Industries Association (IIA), the event is expected to facilitate B2B business worth over Rs 700 crore, nearly double the estimated business generated during the previous edition.
Key Objectives and Stakeholders
IIA national president Dinesh Goyal emphasized that the expo would connect food processing units and MSMEs with national and international markets. “India Food Expo-2026 is a platform for economic growth, employment generation and agricultural value addition,” he said, adding that Uttar Pradesh’s Department of Horticulture and Food Processing, along with Invest UP, are the driving forces behind the event.
Government Support and Participation
Additional Chief Secretary of Horticulture and Food Processing, B L Meena, highlighted the state government’s focus on the food processing sector and its employment potential. Officials from Invest UP and the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India assured support to entrepreneurs in investment facilitation and food safety compliance.
Focus Areas and Expected Participation
An official spokesperson stated that this year’s expo would concentrate on smart packaging, artificial intelligence and automation, alternative energy-based equipment, e-commerce, and global supply chains linked to food products. In total, 160 distributors are expected to participate, while embassies of more than 35 countries are being approached for international participation.
