The inaugural edition of Anuga FoodTec India Dairy 2026, organised by Koelnmesse Pvt. Ltd., and supported by National Dairy Development Board, concluded successfully at Bharat Mandapam, marking a significant milestone for India’s dairy technology sector. Held from 22–24 April 2026, the exhibition brought together stakeholders from across the dairy value chain, establishing itself as a comprehensive and future-focused industry platform.
The event witnessed participation from 84 exhibitors representing India, Australia, France, Germany, Italy, Sweden, Switzerland, and the USA, and attracted 4,445+ trade visitors and professionals from 15+ countries – reflecting strong industry demand for a specialised platform addressing the evolving needs of the dairy ecosystem. Spread across 4100 sqm, the exhibition showcased a wide range of solutions spanning dairy farm management, milk production and quality systems, processing technologies, packaging, automation, and cold chain solutions.
At a time when India continues to strengthen its position as the world’s largest milk producer, the need for integrated, technology-driven platforms has become increasingly important. Anuga FoodTec India Dairy 2026 responded to this need by creating a focused environment for innovation, collaboration, and business exchange.
Mr. Milind Dixit, Managing Director – India & SAARC, Koelnmesse Pvt. Ltd., said: “India represents one of the most dynamic dairy markets globally, and the response to the inaugural edition of Anuga FoodTec India Dairy reflects this immense potential. With this launch, we have established a strong foundation in the market and are committed to building a long-term platform that drives innovation, collaboration, and business growth for the industry.”
Strengthening the Dairy Ecosystem
A key highlight of the exhibition was the NDDB Knowledge Hub, presented by National Dairy Development Board. The pavilion showcased cooperative success models, rural development frameworks, and farmer-centric initiatives, emphasising the importance of strengthening the upstream ecosystem alongside technological advancements.
Dr. Meenesh Shah, Chairman of National Dairy Development Board, commented: “Here we have witnessed strong innovation across the entire value chain from cow to consumer – especially in dairy processing. The Indian dairy industry, including equipment, raw material, and packaging manufacturers, is doing an excellent job. What we once relied on imports for 40–50 years ago is now being developed domestically under the Make in India initiative. Platforms like Anuga FoodTec India Dairy offer a great opportunity to explore new technologies, discover products, and connect with key stakeholders – making it the ideal place to meet, learn, and make informed business decisions.”
Devanshu Gandhi, Director, Vadilal Industries Limited, said: “Anuga FoodTec India Dairy have ensured strong participation from leading European machine manufacturers, and the exhibition continues to grow every year. It provides an excellent platform for B2B buyers to explore and source advanced machinery from across the globe. In India’s dairy industry – especially in paneer and cheese production – this platform showcases a wide range of modern equipment, supporting the entire journey from milk production to final processing.”
Driving Knowledge and Technical Excellence
The AFTI Dairy Conference, organised in partnership with DLG (German Agricultural Society) as the Knowledge Partner, emerged as a key knowledge platform during the exhibition. The conference featured a distinguished line-up of speakers who shared insights on technology advancements, sustainability, quality standards, and the future of dairy processing.
Industry Perspectives and Strategic Dialogue
The event also hosted the CEO Roundtable and multiple expert-led sessions, enabling meaningful discussions on market trends, policy frameworks, investment outlook, and future-ready strategies.
Sanjay Chauhan, Head of Sales, MAFCO Worldwide, added: “During the panel, we discussed the dairy industry’s growth and the shift toward innovations like personalized nutrition beyond whey protein. Anuga FoodTec India Dairy stands out as a strong platform combining exhibition and conference, bringing together the right experts, R&D professionals, and industry leaders. I connected with the right people here, the overall content truly matches what the industry is looking for.”
Delivering Business Impact and Industry Engagement
With participation from over 84 exhibitors, the exhibition created strong opportunities for business networking, partnerships, and technology adoption. The New Product Showcase further enabled exhibitors to present innovations and engage directly with relevant buyers and decision-makers.
Andreas Ebert, Vemag Machinenbau GmbH shared: “India is a high-potential market for us in the dairy industry, and exhibiting here was the right decision. As this was the first edition, we were excited and the response at Anuga FoodTec India Dairy was very encouraging. Visitors showed strong interest in our machines, leading to meaningful conversations. The show’s clear focus on dairy machinery and equipment truly sets it apart from other exhibitions.”
Venus Bhadresh Joshi, Jay Ambe Industries shared: “Exhibitions like Anuga FoodTec India Dairy are a major boost for the industry, offering far more than just lead generation-they are powerful platforms for branding and visibility. From our experience, this edition exceeded expectations, with high-quality visitors and an overall excellent experience. Among the few exhibitions we’ve participated in, this was truly one of the best.”
A Platform for End-to-End Dairy Solutions
By bringing together stakeholders across the entire dairy value chain, Anuga FoodTec India Dairy 2026 has successfully positioned itself as a comprehensive platform for technology, innovation, and business networking. The event underscored the importance of integrated solutions, enabling the industry to address challenges and unlock new opportunities across all stages of dairy production and value addition.
Building on the success of its inaugural edition, Anuga FoodTec India Dairy is set to further strengthen its presence in the Indian market, continuing to drive innovation, collaboration, and sustainable growth for the dairy industry. The 2nd edition will take place from 28–30 April 2027 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.
