The Ministry of Food Processing Industries is all set to host the third edition of World Food India 2024, from September 19 to 22, at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. Aimed at becoming the largest event for the food processing and allied sectors in India, this prestigious gathering will bring together industry leaders from across the globe. Spanning not just processed food industries but also critical allied sectors such as machinery, packaging, technology, and logistics, World Food India 2024 will showcase innovations and opportunities across the entire food value chain.
The Government of India initiated the inaugural World Food India event in 2017 with the dual aim of showcasing India’s rich culinary traditions and encouraging investments in the country’s diverse food processing sector. Building on this vision, the Ministry has since focused on channelizing investments across sub-segments, from backward linkages and research and development to cold chain solutions and start-ups, positioning India as a global food hub. With roots in showcasing India’s culinary heritage and advancing global collaborations, World Food India has become a key platform to drive the country’s vision of transforming into the world’s food basket.
Indian Food Sector at a Glance
Focus Pillars of World Food India 2024
Food Irradiation: Ensuring Safety and Extending Shelf Life: This pillar underscores the crucial role of food irradiation in enhancing food safety, security, and longevity. By eliminating harmful pathogens and extending the shelf life of perishable products, food irradiation plays a pivotal role in ensuring the integrity of the food supply chain.
Plant-based Proteins: Innovations and Impact: With shifting consumer preferences towards healthier and more sustainable food choices, plant-based proteins are transforming the global food landscape. This focus area highlights the innovative potential of plant-based proteins, which are becoming essential in meeting the growing demand for sustainable alternatives.
Minimum Waste, Maximum Value: As India’s food processing industry expands, the need for waste reduction and value maximization is critical. This pillar emphasizes strategies to minimize food waste while creating maximum value from every part of the food production process, contributing to a more efficient and sustainable industry.
Sustainable Packaging in Food Processing Industries: This focus area addresses the pressing need for environmentally friendly packaging solutions within India’s fast-growing food sector. Sustainable packaging not only reduces environmental impact but also enhances the competitiveness of food products in both domestic and international markets.
Ensuring Food Safety for All from Farm to Fork: Fostering a robust and secure food system is central to this pillar, which advocates for stringent safety standards across the entire food value chain, from agricultural production to final consumption. By aligning with global safety benchmarks, it aims to advance sustainable development goals and ensure food safety for all.
Intended Outcomes of World Food India 2024
World Food India 2024 will bring together global industry leaders to showcase innovations and explore investment opportunities. The event aims to position India as a global food hub, empowering MSMEs, highlighting India's sourcing potential, and promoting cutting-edge technologies. From food irradiation to sustainability, World Food India 2024 will serve as a platform for transformative growth in the food value chain.
Attracting Investments: Position India as the Global Food Factory by promoting investment in food processing and allied sectors.
Sourcing Hub: Establish India as a sourcing hub through extensive B2B interactions and exhibitions, involving all food-related ministries and departments.
Empowering MSMEs: Provide micro and SME stakeholders with opportunities to collaborate with larger domestic and global players via app-based business interactions.
Reverse Buyer Seller Meet: APEDA, MPEDA, and the other Commodity Boards of the Department of Commerce will provide a platform for potential importers and buyers to engage directly, facilitating one-on-one interactions to explore business opportunities. 1,309 buyers have registered from 87 countries as on 30th August 2024.
Global Food Regulators Summit 2024: FSSAI to host this summit, focusing on global food safety standards, featuring regulators and experts from WHO, FAO, and key domestic institutes.
Technology Pavilion: Showcase cutting-edge food processing innovations, emphasizing sustainability and efficiency through interactive exhibits.
Food Irradiation & Waste Reduction: Demonstrate models for reducing food wastage and popularizing food irradiation.
Great India Food Street: Display India’s regional food heritage and explore fusion opportunities with global cuisines to promote Indian food internationally.
ODOP Products: Exhibit over 100 One District One Product items, along with 1,000 varieties of pickles, supported by QR-coded information for buyer-producer interaction.
ONDC & GEM: Onboard products from small entrepreneurs, with dedicated booths for engagement.
Startup Grand Challenge 2.0: Launched to catalyze innovation and accelerate technological advancements in India's food processing sector. It focuses on three key problem areas: valorization of residue and waste from agricultural and food value chains, the development of novel technologies for creating nutritious and palatable food products and improving water-use efficiency through process modifications. Six start-ups have been shortlisted for incubation by NIFTEM, Kundli, and will be felicitated during World Food India 2024.
Chef Competition: The Chef Competition at World Food India 2024 will recognize chefs who blend tradition with innovation, showcasing global cuisine, presentation skills, and the use of technology in culinary techniques. The competition features individual displays, live cooking, mixology, and a mystery basket challenge.
Participants at World Food India 2024
Conclusion
World Food India 2024 promises to be a landmark event, serving as a vital platform to showcase India’s food processing potential and rich culinary heritage to a global audience. With a focus on innovation, sustainability, and collaboration, the event aims to drive investments, foster MSME participation, and position India as a leading global food hub. From cutting-edge technologies to traditional food practices, and from farm-to-fork safety measures to reducing food wastage, World Food India 2024 is set to unlock new opportunities and strengthen India's role in the global food value chain. Attendees from across the food industry, government, and academia will have the chance to explore the latest trends, engage in fruitful collaborations, and contribute to the future of food processing in India and beyond.
References:
Click HERE to subscribe to our FREE Weekly Newsletter