BIRC 2026: Global Rice Buyers from 150+ Nations Flock to New Delhi
Bharat International Rice Conference 2026 sees 4,600+ buyer registrations and 2,000+ B2B meetings scheduled at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.
The Bharat International Rice Conference 2026 is set to become a massive hub for global trade as buyers from over 150 countries prepare to descend upon New Delhi. Organized by the Indian Rice Exporters’ Federation (IREF), the three-day event will take place at the Bharat Mandapam from October 23 to 25, aiming to solidify India's commercial ties with the international rice market.
Massive Turnout and Sold-Out Exhibition
The scale of interest in BIRC 2026 is evident in the numbers. The conference has already recorded 4,649 buyer registrations, with a significant presence from key importing nations such as Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Nigeria, Benin, South Africa, and Kuwait.
The enthusiasm extends to the exhibitors as well. For the second year in a row, the exhibition space has completely sold out, with more than 180 companies confirmed to showcase their offerings. To ensure these interactions lead to actual trade, EY is coordinating a rigorous schedule of 2,038 one-to-one business-to-business (B2B) meetings, connecting Indian suppliers directly with global customers.
A Pan-India Movement
While the event is hosted in the capital, its reach is truly national. Dev Garg, the National Vice President of IREF, highlighted that the conference has drawn immense participation from across the country. According to state-wise registration data, nearly 91 per cent of the participants are coming from outside Delhi, signaling a strong domestic push to expand export horizons.
Decoding the Future of Rice Trade
Beyond the networking and sales, BIRC 2026 is designed as a knowledge hub. The schedule includes nine specialized sessions on October 23 and 24, diving deep into the complexities of the global trade ecosystem. Key topics will include:
- Global demand and supply dynamics.
- Shipping costs and insurance.
- Export payment mechanisms.
- Government policies and quality standards.
- The growing potential of value-added rice products.
Price Crash or Bull Run?
One of the most anticipated segments is the opening session titled “Global Rice Demand and Supply Outlook 2027: Price Crash or New Bull Run?” Experts from IREF, EY, BigMint, and S&P Global will collaborate to analyze various market scenarios and predict price movements for the coming years.
Additionally, the event will reveal a curated list of the "top 10 rice markets to watch in 2027." This list will guide exporters of both basmati and non-basmati rice by evaluating factors such as market access, pricing, competition, and payment risks.
Building on a Legacy of Success
The expectations for the 2026 edition are high, following the stellar performance of the inaugural 2025 conference. That event drew 10,854 visitors, including over a thousand international buyers from 90 countries. According to a post-event assessment by EY, the first BIRC generated business commitments worth a staggering Rs 33,453 crore, covering roughly 8.63 million tonnes of rice.
With higher registration numbers and a broader global reach this year, the IREF expects BIRC 2026 to shatter previous records and further cement India's position as a premier global rice supplier.