The two-day congregation will set the stage for some intriguing discussions and conversations led by industry experts and new-age entrepreneurs to uncover the collaborative disruptions made by the industry over the years. One of the largest B2B events will be hosting the end-to-end of food business enablement – from product sourcing, and retail tech innovation trends to grocery retailing & food service best practices.

The event will be led by Damodar Mall (CEO – Grocery, Reliance Retail), as Chairman, India Food Forum – Food Retail, and Chef Manjit Singh Gill, President, Indian Federation of Culinary Associations (IFCA), as its Chairman, HoReCa Convention.

The mega business event will connect participants through deliberations on some gripping topics such as transforming supply chains with technology, collaborative strategies for the phygital growth era, mastering the cycle of food entrepreneurship and much more. With an impressive lineup of presentations, fireside chats and panel discussions, the conference will host 500+ brands, 100+ exhibitors, 300+ industry experts and 3000+ attendees for an endearing experience.

Commenting on the 17th edition of the India Food Forum, Nikhil Behl, CEO – Food Business, IMAGES Group shared, “The world over, we are seeing the powerful outcomes that result when food brands, retailers and HoReCa businesses collaborate to not just push consumption, but also to spotlight product innovation, better diets and consumer health. Throughout its history, India Food Forum has been the hub where many game-changing partnerships have been launched, and this focus on collaboration is our central mission this year. ”

Among the 300+ speakers at India Food Forum 2024 are: Aastha Almast (CEO & Co-founder, The New Shop), Abhishek Bindal (COO, Aditya Birla New Age Hospitality), Ajay Thandi (Co-founder, Sleepy Owl Coffee), Amir Majali (Founder & CEO, TruFalafel, Karak Enterprises), Amrut Mehta (Director, The Little Italy Group), Amrish Arora (MD, Fountain Hospitality), Ankit Patel (CEO, The Belgian Waffle), Anju Srivastava (Founder & CEO, Wingreen Farms), Anuj Singh (MD & CEO, Spencer’s Retail), Anurag Katriar (Founder & CMD, Indigo Hospitality), Dr. AK Tyagi (ED, Haldiram’s), Harpreet Tibb (Promoter, Tibbs Frankie), Lalit Jhawar (Co-founder & COO, Food Square), Sairam Krishna (COO, Instamart Swiggy), Saurabh Kalra (MD, McDonald’s India – West & South), and Murali Krishnan (Co-founder & CMO, Wow! Momo Foods), among others.

Other highlights include Future Forward Brands felicitation ceremony, the Star Progressive Grocers honours, the annual Coca-Cola Golden Spoon Awards and Pepsi IMAGES Food Service Awards celebrations.

The post Stage Set for India’s Most Influential Food B2B Event – India Food Forum appeared first on Business of Food.

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.

The post Sustainable Packaging Drives India’s $450 Billion Food Industry Growth appeared first on Business of Food.

Farm-to-Table Restaurants: Nourishing Body and Soul

Industry experts reported that a remarkable 60% surge was witnessed in the farm-to-table restaurant concept that fostered a deeper connection between consumers and their food. Restaurant such as The Banyan Tree Café in Mumbai, Elina Vara in Delhi and Farmlore in Bangalore are a few examples of the ever-changing dynamic of farm to table restaurants. These restaurants exemplify the idea of cooking with sustainable organic ingredients without compromising on taste.

 Sweet Indulgences without Guilt

Sweets have always been a favorite of the typical Indian household as it was the third most ordered dish nationally. Yet 2023 presented a unique change as desserts with healthier claims became increasingly popular, endorsed by a substantial 69% of experts. Sweets such as Mishti Doi, Kheer, Phirni and Halwa providing a protein packed punch for the average Indian sweet tooth.

The Evolution of Ice Cream: Clean, Dairy-Free, and Delicious

Ice cream, a perennial favorite indulgence, has also undergone a transformation towards health-consciousness. With 75% of experts noting a rising demand for dairy-free and vegan options, the market has seen a shift as consumers move beyond the flavor and towards the ingredients of a guilt free treat. Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, and Chennai saw an increased demand for such healthy vegan ice creams as the urban population adopts a mindful, nutritious mindset towards food.  

 Wellness in Every Sip

In the wake of global health concerns, consumers are prioritizing immunity and functional health-boosting beverages, with a notable 56% of experts acknowledging their popularity. From herbal teas to probiotic-rich kombuchas, consumers are embracing beverages that not only quench thirst but also nourish their bodies with vitamins, antioxidants, and immune-boosting ingredients.

Rushina Munshaw Ghildiyal, Managing Director of A Perfect Bite Consulting and Curating Editor of the annual Godrej Foods Trends, says. “From the resurgence of farm-to-table dining to the flourishing array of plant-based alternatives and guilt-free desserts, each trend of 2023 reflected a conscious choice towards holistic wellness. Now with the much-awaited launch of the Godrej Food Trend Report 2024, we can look forward to new trends that will take these conversations around sustainable and enlightened approaches to food consumption further.”

Godrej Food Trends Report 2023 is available for download at www.vikhrolicucina.com

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