Fi India & ProPak India 2024: Driving growth and collaboration in India’s food ingredients, processing and packaging sectors

The 18th Edition of Fi India & 6th Edition of ProPak India 2024, both co-located, commenced with great momentum at the Bangalore International Exhibition Centre (BIEC), bringing together key stakeholders from the food, health, packaging, and processing sectors. Organized by Informa Markets in India, the leading B2B exhibitions organizer, the expos featured over 340 exhibitors and attracted more than 17,000 visitors collectively. Fi India and ProPak India served as a vital platform for driving innovation and establishing new trends, offering an annual one-stop sourcing destination for food, beverage, and health ingredients, as well as processing and packaging solutions.

The grand opening of the esteemed expo was graced by the distinguished dignitaries including Dr. Suresha, President AFSTI, Bangalore Chapter; Nilesh Lele, President, Chamber For Advancement of Small and Medium Businesses; Prasad Balan Iyer, Director, SIES School of Packaging; Sagar Singh, Joint Director, Chemical Department, Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) under Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, Government of India; Rajeshwar S. Matche, Chief Scientist|Head | Professor AcSIRm, Dept. Food Packaging Technolog, CSIR- Central Food Technological Research Institute, Mysuru, Karnataka; Chakravarthi AVPS, Global Ambassador, World Packaging Organisation; Yogesh Mudras, Managing Director, Informa Markets in India and Rahul Deshpande, Senior Group Director, Informa Markets in India.

Dr Suresha, President AFSTI, Bangalore Chapter, 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, 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."

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.”

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 FSSAI(Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) 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.”

Rajeshwar S. Matche, Chief Scientist |Head | Professor AcSIRm, Dept. Food Packaging Technology, CSIR- Central Food Technological Research Institute, 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 occasion, 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 added.

Industry Support and Leading Exhibitors

Fi India & ProPak India 2024, 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.

Expert Sessions and Fi India Awards

The 2024 edition of Fi India & ProPak India featured over 25 insightful sessions and discussions focusing on current industry trends and challenges with contributions from organisations like the Good Food Institute India (GFI) and the Alternative Protein Innovation Center (APIC). Fi India included sessions on diverse topics such as Holistic Food Experiences with Glocal Ingredients, Global and FSSAI Regulations for Food Additives, and Cleaner Production Possibilities in Ingredient Solutions. Panel discussions like Good Food Good Health: Towards Sustainable Food and Supply Chain Management and Scaling the Smart Protein Ingredients Supply Chain for India: Exploring Capabilities and Opportunities, highlighted the growing importance of sustainability and innovation in the sector. Additionally, presentations on Ovomet and Ovoderm: Egg Membrane Collagen for Healthy Joints and Beautiful Skin brought attention to novel ingredients in the market.

On the ProPak India side, the event featured a presentation by Mr. Sagar Singh, Joint Director (Chemical Department), BIS, Ministry of Consumer Affairs, on "The Regulatory Framework for Printing Inks and Packaging in India." Additionally, the event hosted panel discussions on "Novel Food Packaging Technologies" and "Bioplastic, Biodegradable, and Recycled Materials for Food Packaging," delving into sustainable alternatives in packaging. Key sessions also explored "Packaging Regulations and Safety Evaluation for Food Packaging" and "Decoding Consumer Attitudes: Navigating Global Sustainability and Ethical Behavior," offering insights into the consumer-driven shift towards eco-friendly practices.

Day 2 of Fi India will introduce the range of panel discussions addressing key trends and innovations in the food industry. Change is on the Menu: How India Eats explored evolving dietary habits, while sessions on the Health Benefits of DHA (Omega 3) and the Method and Composition for Producing Biscuits and Cookies with Improved Texture and Quality will offer valuable insights into health-focused ingredient solutions. Other sessions will highlight Most Sought and Potential Food Additives and Ingredients for the Future, Protein Hydrolysates as Potential Functional Ingredients in the Food Industry, and Ingredients – A Product’s Core Foundation and Trust for Consumers. Additionally, the discussion on Plant-Based Dairy – Novel Ingredients and Approaches to Accelerate Adoption will emphasize the growing shift toward plant-based alternatives in the market. Meanwhile, ProPak India on Day 2 will feature critical topics such as Sustainable Packaging Solutions, Packaging Innovation – Concept to Commercialisation, Packaging Development: Optimization and Circular Economy, and Fitting a Packaging Application: Challenges and Troubleshooting.

On Day 3, Fund Quest by CASMB is a major highlight, providing a platform for industry professionals to explore funding opportunities. The event will culminate with the prestigious 2nd Edition of the Fi India Awards, where industry leaders will be honored for their exceptional contributions to food innovation and packaging excellence.

Industry Growth and Market Insights

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.

Driving this growth are advancements in food processing technologies such as encapsulation, nanotechnology, and enzyme engineering, which enable the creation of novel ingredients with enhanced functionalities. These innovations allow manufacturers to improve taste, texture, nutritional value, and shelf life, aligning with consumer preferences for healthier, more convenient, and flavorful food products. Additionally, food technology breakthroughs have facilitated the extraction and use of natural ingredients, catering to the rising demand for clean-label and natural products. This continuous innovation fosters healthy competition among ingredient suppliers, encouraging investment in research and development to bring new and improved ingredients to market.