While talking of the food sector, Agriculture, which has been aiding the sector’s growth since ages and without which there would have not been any food industry. The agriculture sector, besides raising the food basket for internal consumption, also provides the basis for foreign food trade and it earn foreign exchange for the country.

Agriculture holds immense significance, contributing significantly to India's GDP, exports, and livelihoods. It serves as the backbone of various industries, providing raw materials and supporting a substantial portion of the population's livelihoods.

India, as a country, has progressed from scarcity to surplus in food during the past 8-10 years. The progress has resulted in an increased trade in the production of food commodities which, in turn, has paved the way for the food processing industry to grow and become profitable.

India is one of the world's largest consumer markets, with food occupying a significant portion of the consumption basket. This consumption continues to rise steadily. At the domestic level, it encompasses food and grocery items, both raw and processed, primarily consumed within households, as well as food services like prepared meals and beverages served at various establishments outside the home.

This chapter looks into the promising future of the foodservice sector due to enhancement of same-store sales growth, foot traffic, emerging opportunities for expansion, positive consumption trends, and consumer-friendly taxation changes. These developments promise appetizing prospects for the industry's growth and prosperity.

As the Indian food industry caters to huge number of consumers in India as well as abroad, it becomes imperative for food business operators to ensure safety in their supply chains.

In India, grocery-based cashback apps are not in vogue, yet. But with the rise of organized retail, any venture in this direction is a potential disruptor. This is a relatively uncharted territory, and it is a signi􀃺 cant business opportunity waiting to be tapped.

Utilizing untapped inland and aquaculture resources, employing scientific fish production methods, promoting healthy seafood consumption, improving seafood availability at affordable prices, refining supply chains, and establishing the Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Board (FAIDF) are boosting India's seafood business landscape.

With India’s population skewed towards younger consumers, the majority of Indian consumption of food and beverages is driven by people between the ages of 18 and 40, which opens the opportunity for manufacturers to come with more varieties.

Convenience retailers must prioritize creating value through time-saving convenience for customers. When this convenience becomes more valuable to customers than price and the variety of options available, convenience stores have a winning proposition on hand.

The food industry in India is expected to witness a radical shift thanks to various factors – Government of India’s drive to augment processing levels through Make in India campaign and Industry 4.0 playing a major role in elevating the manufacturing as well as supply chain landscape.

The Indian food sector has come a long way, and is poised for immense growth and greater contribution to food trade across the world. The Make in India initiative is re-shaping the landscape of the Indian food industry, and opening doors for its growth through activities aimed at scaling up infrastructure.

Constant innovation and introduction of consumer-friendly products is the need of the hour. It should be welcomed by all FMCG manufacturers. Better quality products and international packaging is required to attract not only Indian but global consumers as well.

If pasta can evolve into a multi-billion dollar industry worldwide, consider the vast array of foods that India produces. The immense potential exists to elevate numerous Indian products to global popularity, fostering a thriving industry.

The demands of the accelerated lifestyles of younger urban consumers and their relatively high levels of health and hygiene awareness, are set to be key factors in the growing uptake in packaged food over unpackaged alternatives.

Better-for-you characteristics in cream biscuits are likely to give consumers a greater reason to indulge.

Indian spices are the most sought-after globally, given their exquisite aroma, texture, taste and medicinal value. Traditionally, spices in India grow in small land holdings, with organic farming gaining prominence in recent times.

The growing popularity of bakery is leading to a manifold increase in the demand for raw material traders, equipment makers, food courts in malls, franchise chains models, among others. The development of global tourism and hospitality industries has spurred this demand further.

Being a most vibrant sector, the market for namkeen and snacks in India has been witnessing unprecedented growth in the recent past and continues to expand rapidly. Indian consumers seem to have recovered their taste for traditional snacks such as sev, bhujia and namkeen/ mixtures, which are contributing to the impressive growth rate of the snack firms

Snacking has witnessed a notable growth overt the years. Today, consumers want a variety of easy-to-carry, price-effective snacks that do not compromise on taste and nutrition.

The notion of convenience food has long been prevalent in the Western culture. As consumers' lives have become increasingly hectic and their incomes are rising, the Ready-to-Eat (RTE) category has experienced remarkable growth. This trend reflects not only a shift in lifestyle but also a demand for quick, hassle-free meal solutions that align with modern demand.

APEDA records its food trade under six major product groups – Floriculture, Fresh Fruits & Vegetables, Processed Fruits & Vegetables, Animal products, Other Processed Foods and Cereals. India’s growth prospect in terms of foreign food trade remains asymmetric across regions. The economic growth projections by the IMF, World Bank and United Nations provide a positive outlook and an expected trade growth.

Indian agriculture has come a long way. The food security that we have today stands in sharp contrast to a period not so far back, when food stocks had reached such a precarious low that it was only sufficient to last for two weeks and, still worse, there was nothing in transit. The seeds of Green Revolution that were sown have given the country a lot to cheer about.

Indian consumers today represent a community with diverse sentiments. A majority of them favour an experimental palate, which creates a plethora of opportunities for the international F&B sector in country. While maintaining a balance between aspiration and tradition agrees perfectly with the Indian palate, the trends originating in the West are also promptly picked up by the Indian social media and translated into practice with instant recognition.

The food industry is undergoing a significant evolution, influenced by socio-economic and cultural shifts among each new generation. These changes are reflected not only in people's behavior but also in their food habits. Traditional cuisines, deeply rooted in regional traditions, lifestyles, religions, climates, and agricultural conditions, are adapting to these evolving trends.

The Food and Beverage (F&B) sector, both globally and in India, has shifted from being a mere appendage of retail to a fully independent segment. It's no longer just about complementing retail; F&B now has the power to stand alone and even enhance the consumer experience, sometimes becoming the primary retail offering.

The key trends are shaping the food services industry globally and in India across various segments: from consumer preferences and restaurant dynamics to kitchen innovations, logistics, marketing, and digital advancements, reflecting a comprehensive evolution of the entire ecosystem.

Modern lifestyles with reduced physical activity and less exposure to natural environments have led to depleted nutrition intake. Nutraceuticals, recognized globally as supplements to regular diets, are gaining traction worldwide, rapidly penetrating developing countries like India due to their ability to provide essential nutrients efficiently.

In today’s age, millennial are looking for healthier food alternatives – ready to eat quinoa salad is preferred more than ready to eat fries. Healthier food alternatives are changing the market dynamics and now becoming a mainstream option of consumption.

Spotting trends in the Foods & Beverages sector is both safe and risky. Even identifying a few trends can correctly can lead to significant success. However, changes in the industry occur gradually over many years, particularly in regions with rich histories and cultures. Here are five major trends to watch out for.

A notable trend shaping consumption habits is the proactive selection of food products by Indians to align with their dietary and health objectives.

As more people move away from their hometowns in search of career opportunities, it's common for them to seek food items from their place of origin to their new work or living location.

Companies are employing proven techniques such as cafeterias designed to support healthy choices through environment cues, as well as reduced portion sizes, effective labeling schemes, and other innovations that make it easy for employees to eat healthy food on a daily basis, and maintain a healthy weight over time.

The Indian food sector has gained attention for serving 13.4 percent of the world's population domestically and exporting to a significant global market. It has become a focal point for major economies globally.

The food grocery market, enriched by regional tastes, geographical demands, cultural traditions, and diverse consumer preferences, is highly dynamic. It exists in various forms, reaching consumers through a plethora of retail channels, from traditional hawkers and street vendors to modern supermarkets, hypermarkets, specialty food stores, and online shopping websites.

Dry food grocery (DFG) products encompass cereals, grains, pulses, grams, and their respective flours, in addition to sugar, edible oils, and dry fruits.

The dairy market in India is eye-catching for the primary reason that the country is the largest producer of milk. The Indian dairy industry has grown considerably post the White Revolution, and the Food items include liquid milk, baby foods, processed milk such as skimmed, condensed and powdered milk, curd, butter, ghee (clarified butter), ice-cream and other milk products.

While spices are considered part of Dry Food Grocery (DFG), their crucial role as food additives warrants a separate discussion. India, as the largest producer, consumer, and exporter of spices and spice products globally, boasts a rich history of spice trading spanning ages.

The category of fresh produce contributes as an integral part of the total cultivation in the country and caters to the overall Indian population. The category consists fruits and vegetables in fresh and raw forms.

The perishable food items form an integral part of daily meals. The category of perishables includes eggs, meats (mutton, beef, pork, etc.), poultry and game, seafood and fish markets.

The beverages category includes non-alcoholic drinks liketea, coffee, packaged & flavoured water, fruit juices and bottled & canned drinks. With the entry of major international beverage players over the last few decades, the market has evolved and has made way for many beverage products, which have found an immediate connect with Indian consumers.

The category of other processed foods (OPF) includes all those foods that have undergone processing and transformed into ready-to-eat items such as biscuits, bakery food items, sweets, snacks, sauces, pickles, preserves, etc. These foods generally serve as table accompaniments in meals, snacks and refreshments.

With its agricultural prowess, India has long been poised to become a major player in the global food processing industry. While progress has been notable since liberalization, the sector is now primed for significant expansion across key categories, meeting domestic and international demand. This presents vast opportunities, creates employment, and boosts farm incomes nationwide.

This chapter provides a detailed examination of the evolving food processing industry in India, exploring its various segments. Authors delve into historical context, tracing sector development and governmental policy initiatives aimed at enhancing industry competitiveness. Key challenges, growth drivers, and industry trends are also analyzed, offering a comprehensive understanding of the sector.

Investing in the food value chain presents significant opportunities in India today, ranging from large-scale investments to niche opportunities, depending on investor preferences. Government support has facilitated investment in the sector, driven by both consumer demand and industry attractiveness.

With health and nutrition being a top priority for the family, marketers must address these primary needs with their packaged food offerings. To stand out, successful propositions can differentiate themselves through unique elements in their marketing mix.

As India’s confectionery market continues to evolve, interesting innovations will come forth and further propel growth of the market.

Due to advancements in food processing and packaging, the ready-to-eat food category is witnessing a surge in consumer popularity and acceptance. However, the category is largely export-driven as it is yet to establish a firm footing in the Indian retail market Nevertheless, the category holds promise for growth with increasing consumer awareness and evolving lifestyles

India's food processing industry is crucial for nutritional security, but its progress doesn't align with the challenge of "nutritional transition." Diverse challenges must be identified and addressed to unlock the sector's growth potential.

A proliferation of bakery training institutes, increasing demand for bakery chefs and trained manpower, transition of India from importer of bakery ingredients to exporter, surge in manufacture and import of bakery equipments, and increasing consumption of bakery items, indicate an exponential growth of the bakery industry in the near future.

A report on the global trends in food retail, established and emerging grocery formats and the contours of India’s evolving grocery market.

Once deemed far-fetched, the online grocery market has rapidly gained traction, now competingwith a multitude of players. These e-grocers attract customers with fast delivery, competitive pricing, advanced technology, and fancy interfaces.

This chapter looks at the factors that have led to the proliferation of e-commerce in emerging economies and finds that a combination of traditional retailing along with e-commerce will gain ground in the coming years.

With omni-channel strategy gaining ground in India, the retail sector including Food and Grocery is looking up to myriad innovations that will help to tap today’s tech-savvy customers.

The food market in India has undergone many structural changes over the past two decades. Here’s an in-depth analysis that looks into these shifts, the dynamics of evolution and how the spending patterns are shaping the trends and growth in different food categories.

As India's rural market consumers rapidly evolve in attitudes, priorities, and purchase behaviors, businesses must go beyond geographic expansion. While physical reach is crucial, sustainable growth in rural markets demands extending "mental reach" to earn trust and loyalty from these consumers.

Consumer India eagerly awaits a relevant and value-driven supply of diverse food and food services. While small eateries and street food innovate, big businesses often underserve this market. Rather than waiting for consumer preferences to shift towards foreign food, there's an opportunity to add value to their current preferences today.

This section in the IMRB food report focusses on the primary motivations behind food and beverage consumption in India. These studies concentrated on food and beverage categories beyond the everyday staples. The chapter concludes with some observations likely on the food's future in India.

This section of the IMRB food report attempts to unravel and understand the changing food & grocery consumption behaviour on the basis of key consumer insights and understand the emerging trends that will shape the future and profitability of food retail in India.

The exotic vegetables market is expected to grow at a higher rate largely due to its premium nature, higher consumer demand, and growth of the organized food service sector.

Despite facing hurdles, organic produce in India holds the potential to positively impact farming communities and transform consumers' lives.

This report on India's dairy market aims to provide an analysis, helping manufacturers identify key demographic targets and opportunities to enhance sales and buying occasions for dairy products through reformulation and strategic positioning.

The growing acceptance and appreciation of coffee as a beverage in India have prompted established brands to introduce exotic ranges.

Over the past few years, nuts and dry fruits have transitioned from being considered luxury items to becoming essential commodities.

An analysis of the evolution of the Indian spice market in the face of global trends.

There is more to foods than meets the eye. There is technology. There is the consumer who is forever morphing. And there is the future. Let’s peep into it.

Technology is revolutionizing industries globally, with startups scaling rapidly. India is at the forefront of this transformation, with every sector being impacted. The rise of food tech mirrors the e-commerce trend, with significant innovation seen in the Indian food industry driven by tech startups. This momentum is unlikely to wane, with new startups emerging consistently. The future is full of possibilities!

The lack of full-chain visibility and an absence of structured information sharing among the various supply chain partners is the root cause of ineffective food recalls.

Implementing Food Supply Chain Management to improve supply chain resilience and increase flexibility.

In today's dynamic landscape of fluctuating commodity prices, evolving customer preferences, and emerging markets, supply chain sustainability is increasingly vital for global food and beverage companies as a risk mitigation strategy. This article aims to showcase successful interventions by IFC clients and their resulting economic, environmental, and social developments.

Here is a detailed analysis of the various segments within the Indian Food Service market and their future prospects.

The food service industry has experienced increasing competition, with early indications of growth recovery, select consolidations, and significant capital investments in food-oriented consumer internet-enabled ventures.

The Indian restaurant industry is thriving, experiencing double-digit growth in recent years. This growth is mainly driven by young consumers who are willing to spend more on dining out with family and friends, leading to the expansion of restaurants of all types and sizes.

Evolving tastes and preferences are propelling the food service market like never before. India is witnessing not only a shift in food choices but also in the methods used to reach target customers.

From ingredients to influences, here‘s what need to be optimized for an innovative foodservice.

Industry experts suggest that within the next 40 years, the world's population may need to adopt a vegetarian diet to mitigate the effects of rapid climate change. Hotels and restaurants are already preparing for this shift as people begin to transition towards vegetarianism.

The Informal Eating Out (IEO) industry is expanding, presenting opportunities for Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) players to extend their reach and attract a broader consumer base by introducing new cuisines and innovative marketing strategies.

Restaurant franchising has emerged as an interesting proposition in India. While international brands are wooing desi food lovers, Indian brands are whetting the appetite of overseas consumers, thanks to franchising

For hospitality operators, investing in tools to provide exceptional guest experiences is essential. With hi-tech and one-touch solutions promising to enhance experiences, hotels are fully embracing technology integration, from their kitchens to table service.

Social media provides restaurateurs with a cost-effective platform for immediate marketing and promotion through engaging campaigns that directly involve customers. However, the downside is that a single tweet has the potential to instantly damage the brand's value.

The supply chain is at the heart of the economics of a restaurant and must be designed depending upon the product, the targeted customer experience and location of the restaurant.

Biryani has a pan-India appeal. In the north, it is loved as Awadhi or Lucknawi, and in the south it is associated with Hyderabadi Cuisine. The Bengalis love their lighter version and Mumbaites take pride in Bombay Biryani. Evolving food tech, packaging and delivery mechanisms, and the Indian youth’s love for QSRs as well as the staying power of biryani to retain its aroma and taste has re-invented the way Indians are ordering, serving and consuming biryani.

With the onslaught of international equipment, Indian manufacturers, too, have started delivering upgraded and automated products that can give better results. Hence, one can choose between imported and local kitchen equipment, or a combination of both for optimal utilisation of capital invested without compromising on the final product output quality

Equipment upgrades and cost reduction are current trends in the hospitality industry. Kitchens are embracing energy-efficient, environmentally friendly, and technologically advanced equipment, with advancements in refrigeration, heating, storage, and food preparation technology.