The post-pandemic era has ushered in significant growth in the online food sector and packaged food products. According to a report by IMARC India, the market size for packaged food is projected to reach USD 3.4 billion by 2027. The Indian food processing industry, which represents 32% of the country’s total food market, stands as one of India’s largest sectors, contributing approximately 14% to the manufacturing GDP, 13% to exports, and 6% to total industrial development. By 2025-2026, this sector is expected to be valued at over USD 535 billion.

Dr Suresha, President,  Association of Food Scientists & Technologists India (AFSTI), said, “India’s food industry is witnessing significant growth, with exports increasing nearly sixfold. As the largest producer of millets and milk, India aims to boost milk production from 230 to 300 million metric tons by 2030. Additionally, grain production has surpassed 330 million metric tons, and the country is the second-largest meat producer, emphasizing a focus on expanding exports. The packaging industry, growing nearly sixfold compared to a decade ago, plays a crucial role in supporting this expansion. Government initiatives like Atma Nirbhar Bharat are further fuelling growth in food processing, offering benefits for women-led startups, including no GST for the first five years and additional subsidies. As Bangalore continues to strengthen its position as a hub for food industry R&D, these trends highlight the critical role of both ingredients and packaging in shaping the future of the industry.”

Nilesh Lele, President, Chamber for Advancement of Small and Medium Businesses (CASMB), said “The Agri and Food industry contributes nearly 16% to India’s GDP, valued at approximately USD 450 billion (around INR 30 lakh crore) annually. Dairy alone accounts for about 20% of this sector, with a market size of INR 6 lakh crore, and value-added dairy products such as ghee, cheese, and butter are driving significant growth. India’s milk consumption stands at 292 ml per capita per day, with room for growth as value-added products become more popular. Other key sectors include beverages at INR 2 lakh crore and snacks and bakery each contributing around INR 1 lakh crore. The growth in the packaged and processed food industry is accelerated by technological advancements like extrusion, which has transformed snack production. While India’s packaged food consumption is currently around 7%, there is potential to increase this to 20%, reducing post-harvest losses and extending shelf life, as seen in more developed markets where packaged food consumption reaches up to 80%. As the global population grows, efficient food processing and packaging solutions will be crucial to meeting the increasing demand for food with longer shelf life and better transportability, emphasizing the importance of innovation in this sector.”

Sagar Singh, Joint Director, Chemical Department, Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) under Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, Government of India, said “Our aim at Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) and the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is to create industry-friendly regulations that enhance operational efficiency. Recent revisions to packaging and labeling regulations at FSSAI, along with our commitment to aligning Indian standards with international benchmarks, are key initiatives. As we work towards revising food packaging standards, we anticipate that the quality of Indian food products will not only meet but potentially surpass global standards in the near future.”

Prasad Balan Iyer, Director, SIES (South Indian Education Society) School of Packaging, said “India has now become the third-largest packaging market globally, surpassing Japan, with the industry exceeding USD 86 billion in value. The global packaging market, valued at over USD 1 trillion, is driven by sectors like e-commerce, food delivery, pharma, and the food industry, particularly in cities like Bangalore and Mumbai. Packaging plays a crucial role in food safety, extending shelf life, and boosting India’s export competitiveness. In 2023, India’s packaged food sector reached a market size of USD 2.8 billion, with projections suggesting it will grow to USD 6.4 billion by 2029. This expansion highlights shifting consumer preferences and the growing demand for convenient, ready-to-eat options in one of the world’s most populous countries. As a key partner of ProPak India, we remain dedicated to promoting sustainable solutions, fostering a circular economy, and preparing skilled professionals to meet the industry’s evolving needs.”

Chakravarthi AVPS, Global Ambassador, World Packaging Organisation, said “India’s ascending economy is poised to receive a significant boost from its food and agriculture sector, which is projected to emerge as a vital contributor. Spearheading this transformation are platforms like FI India and ProPak India, providing a dynamic convergence point for innovators and stakeholders. Notably, India’s packaging industry has already surpassed $85 billion, while globally, it has reached $1.05 trillion, highlighting the critical role of sustainable and customer-centric packaging in shaping the future of food processing and nutrition. The evolution of machinery and processing technologies, which once relied on imports, now thrives with domestic advancements. These developments are crucial for extending shelf life, enhancing food safety, and supporting India’s growth as a key player in global exports.”

Rajeshwar S. Matche, Head and Chief Scientist, Department of Food Packaging Technology, Central Food Technological Research Institute (CSIR), Mysuru, Karnataka, said “Innovative developments in active smart packaging systems and global processing trends are pivotal in shaping the future of the food packaging industry. As sustainability takes center stage, addressing degradation issues becomes essential in creating packaging solutions that are not only effective but also environmentally responsible. Ensuring that packaging meets stringent safety standards for human consumption is paramount. The participation of diverse experts from esteemed institutions like IIT Delhi and IIT Roorkee, along with industry leaders, enriches the conversation and encourage collaboration. Importantly, engaging the student community is vital in bridging the gap between academia and industry, paving the way for future innovations.”

Speaking on the sidelines of Fi India & ProPak India, Yogesh Mudras, Managing Director, Informa Markets in India, said “India’s food processing sector is undergoing a transformation, supported by initiatives like the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana (PMKSY), ensuring efficient farm-to-retail infrastructure. As a global leader in food production, India stands out in spices, producing over 11 million tons in 2022-23. Our diverse agro-climatic conditions allow for the cultivation of cereals, pulses, and vegetables. The rapid growth of the food packaging industry, driven by convenience and sustainability, is evident, as seen in Fi India & ProPak India 2024’s success, showcasing innovation and collaboration.”

“Bangalore remains a pivotal market due to its strong agritech ecosystem and strategic location in South India, making it the perfect hub for driving growth in food processing and packaging.” he further added.

Fi India & ProPak India 2024 are supported by key industry associations such as AFSTI-Mysuru & Bengaluru Chapters (Association of Food Scientists & Technologists India), HADSA (Health Foods and Dietary Supplements Association), CASMB, and IBA  AIFPA (All India Food Processors’ Association), SIES (South Indian Education Society), ASPA (Authentication Solution Providers’ Association), further strengthens the event’s significance and impact within the industry.

The event brought together leading exhibitors including Brenntag Ingredients India Pvt Ltd, IMCD, Synthite Industries Pvt Ltd, K.P. Manish Global Ingredients Pvt Ltd, Novasol Ingredients Pvt Ltd, Azelis (India) Pvt Ltd, Symega Food Ingredients Ltd, Norex Flavours Pvt Ltd, Fillpack Technology, Glatt (India) Engineering Pvt Ltd, Hilda Automation, and Starpac, among others, showcasing the latest innovations and solutions in food and packaging technology.

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The 14th edition of the CII Food Safety Award ceremony took place on January 31, 2024, where Cargill’s food safety initiatives were recognised in two award categories: Large Manufacturing Food Businesses: Fats and Oils – Kurkumbh plant, Maharashtra; Large Manufacturing Food Business: Sweeteners – Davangere plant, Karnataka

The CII Food Safety Award is a respected industry platform benchmarking food safety best practices in manufacturing across the supply chain. The evaluation criteria for the award cover company performance on stringent domestic food safety standards, leadership initiatives, besides social and statutory compliances. Winners are selected following a rigorous assessment process that also includes onsite evaluation of food safety practices by a team of experts.

Simon George, President, Cargill India, and Managing Director, Food Solutions South Asia, said, “At Cargill, we are committed to providing safe and quality products. We invest in advanced manufacturing and refining equipment and processes, to ensure compliance to the highest standards of food safety regulations in the country. Our customers and consumers count on us to ensure the safety and quality of our products. This award is a great validation of the progress we have made in our food safety performance over recent years. As we move ahead, we continue to set a higher benchmark for ourselves in this important area.”

Over the last 35+ years of operations in India, Cargill has established robust food safety measures and mechanisms. The Cargill plants including Kurkumbh and Davanagere have state-of-the-art infrastructure, in-house testing facilities, trained manpower and stringent process control that ensure product safety at every touch point. The packaging lines at Kurkumbh and Davanagere plants are entirely automated to avoid manual intervention and deliver safe products to our customers.

Cargill’s internal Product Safety, Quality and Regulatory Policy follows international standards of operating procedures and processes at plants to ensure product safety, quality, authenticity, statutory and regulatory compliance of our products and services, meeting customer requirements.

Cargill also has a dedicated Continuous Improvement Production Excellence (CIPE) team that continually improves the quality management programs and processes across products and services. Product safety is integrated in Cargill culture. This recognition further strengthens the company’s commitment to deliver on its purpose of nourishing the world in a safe, responsible, and sustainable way.

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