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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According to the report, customers perceive exotic fruits and vegetables as healthy: In 2024, customers in Bengaluru and Hyderabad are concerned about their health — 38% customers in Bengaluru and 34% in Hyderabad are genuinely concerned about their health and are willing to pay a premium for healthier food options. In fact, 35% of customers in Bengaluru and 30% in Hyderabad perceive exotic foods as healthy.

Additionally, nearly 40% of customers in Bengaluru and 27% in Hyderabad express a desire to opt for exotic produce in 2024. Customers want healthy dairy products: Customers in Bengaluru and Hyderabad are increasingly choosing A2 milk in both cities. Since traditional milk consumption leads to digestive discomfort because of the A1 beta-casein protein, customers are preferring A2 as it is perceived as a gentler option on the digestive system, making it a preferred choice for those with lactose sensitivity or mild lactose intolerance. In fact, 70% of customers in Hyderabad and 55% in Bengaluru display a strong inclination towards buying A2 dairy products owing to its purported health benefits.

Customers aren’t buying immunity-boosting foods: Immunity-boosting foods were a top preference for customers during the pandemic. However, in the aftermath of the pandemic, customer awareness and interest has dwindled — 65% customers in Bengaluru and Hyderabad say they don’t buy immunity-boosting foods.

With customers concerned about health, grocery retailers bear a responsibility to educate their customers about the enduring advantages of adopting a healthy lifestyle and diet for long-term immunity. The findings reinforce the importance of consistent healthy food choices in the overall well being of consumers.

Millets and Whole Grains reign low in the customer shopping cart: Despite customers growing concerned about their health, only 13% choose millets and whole grains. This signals a significant gap between health awareness and consumer choices. Addressing this requires a concerted effort from retailers in educating consumers about the need to pivot towards healthier alternatives, and align their dietary preferences with their health goals.Increased education on the benefits of millets and whole grains, coupled with accessible options in retail outlets, can empower consumers to make more informed choices.

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In the initial phase of this expansion initiative, the brand intends to launch four cloud kitchens, with the objective of attracting half a million discerning customers within the city over the next two years. This strategic expansion aligns seamlessly with Salad Days’ overarching growth strategy, which focuses on solidifying its presence in three pivotal metropolitan areas: Delhi-NCR, Bangalore, and now, Mumbai. Leveraging its proven track record of serving over one million unique customers in Delhi-NCR and another 100,000+ in Bengaluru, the brand aims to make a substantial impact in the bustling metropolis of Mumbai.

Expressing his excitement for the Mumbai expansion, Varun Madan, Founder & CEO, Salad Days, said, “The launch of our first cloud kitchen in Mumbai is a big milestone for Salad Days and sets the right tone for our growth plans for 2024. Mumbai presents a thrilling opportunity for us to bring our various offerings to its residents and align with their food habits. Drawing from our successful experiences in Delhi-NCR and Bengaluru, we are confident that our quality, consistency, and taste will win the hearts of our valued customers in Mumbai as well. We are also exploring strategic avenues to raise funds that will further support our expansion and enhance our presence in key markets.”

Since its establishment in 2014, Salad Days has shown a commitment for promoting a healthier lifestyle through its tasty and nutritious meals. The brand believes that salads are not just sides, but rather full and satisfying meals that can contribute to one’s overall well-being. By offering affordable, healthy, and delicious food options, Salad Days aims to position salads and other nutritious meals as regular meal choices in Indian households.  

Salad Days’ health-focused menu features salads, grain bowls, baguette sandwiches, pita pockets, overnight oatmeal bowls, soups, cold-pressed juices, smoothies, and desserts. It also caters to diverse dietary preferences such as Keto-friendly, vegan, detoxifying, gluten-free, and lactose-free. The brand currently sells its offerings through home channels as well as through leading food delivery aggregators Swiggy and Zomato.  

The brand’s vision is to make salads and other wholesome choices a regular part of Indian households’ dining habits. The brand has a network of 15 strategically located cloud kitchens in the Delhi-NCR and Bangalore regions. Additionally, the brand operates two central kitchens and an organic farm in Vasant Kunj (Delhi), cultivating a variety of fresh produce for its menu.

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Cargill has achieved this milestone by becoming the first global supplier whose entire worldwide edible oils portfolio meets the WHO’s best practice standard on iTFAs, limiting iTFA content to no more than two grams per 100 grams of fats/oils, including in countries where there is currently no legislative mandate.

iTFAs are most often formed through the partial hydrogenation of vegetable oils (PHOs) but can also be created by high thermal treatment during edible oil refining. In 2018, the WHO called for the global elimination of iTFAs by 2023, noting that trans fats intake greater than 1 percent of total energy intake is associated with coronary heart disease events and mortality.

While Cargill announced its commitment to removing iTFAs from its fats and oils portfolio in December 2021, the achievement reflects decades of work. The company’s iTFA journey spans more than a quarter century including early innovation, millions of dollars of investments in capital expenses and resources, and thousands of R&D hours. Along the way, Cargill has helped more than 400 customers create nutritious and tasty products that contribute to happier, healthier lives, removing more than 1.5 billion pounds of products containing iTFAs from the global food supply.

“We’re pleased to see Cargill’s continued commitment to reduce industrially produced trans-fats in all their oils, recently achieving their goal to align with the World Health Organization’s recommended standards,” says René Lammers, PepsiCo’s chief science officer. “This move aligns with PepsiCo’s successful reduction of iTFAs in our foods to meet this same standard, and we encourage our fellow industry partners to join us in this important initiative to evolve our food and beverage portfolio to be better for the planet and people.”

In the past two years alone, Cargill has invested an additional $8.5 million to upgrade facilities to reduce the amount of trans-fat produced during oil processing, while working closely with more than 100 additional customers in two dozen countries to reformulate new product solutions that meet their needs.

“We’re extremely proud that we’ve met our commitment and helped fulfill our purpose – nourishing the world in a safe, responsible and sustainable way,” said Natasha Orlova, Cargill vice president for edible oils and managing director for North America. “Taking this industry-leading step, even in countries without current iTFA legislation, helps ensure consistency in their supply chain for larger food manufacturers, while offering Cargill’s breadth of innovation and experience to smaller manufacturers.”

To ensure compliance, Cargill has added iTFAs to its larger food safety and quality assurance program. This systems-based approach includes multiple layers of monitoring, compliance and auditing.

In its latest progress report, the WHO noted that policies limiting the use of iTFAs have only been implemented in 60 of the world’s countries, covering approximately 43% of the global population. This leaves the majority of the world’s consumers at risk for continued iTFA consumption. The report called on major suppliers of oils and fats to “follow the pioneering effort of Cargill to remove industrially produced TFA from the products that are sold to food manufacturers globally.”

“We are the first and only global edible oil supplier to commit to and meet the WHO standards consistently and across the board for our full global portfolio, and while we are understandably proud of this milestone, the WHO report highlights that much work remains,” Orlova said. “We have proven it is not only feasible to meet the iTFA recommendations while being mindful of saturated fat levels, but it can also be done without discernibly changing the taste or texture of consumers’ favorite foods. We call upon other industry players to follow our lead and remove iTFAs from all their products, too.”

Cargill has also taken steps to help advance industry-wide reformulation during the past two years, particularly in countries that did not have iTFA regulation at the time of the company’s commitment. Among its actions, in Pakistan, Cargill partnered with the Sustainable Development Policy Institute on a public awareness campaign. In Malaysia and Mexico, the company interacted with industry, academic and government stakeholders to raise awareness of WHO best practices, while sharing experiences and expertise in iTFA reformulation.

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