Why Health & Sustainability is a Reasonable Expectation

Shashi Kumar, CEO & Co-Founder, Akshayakalpa Organic

The organic food market in India is experiencing a robust growth with the rising awareness about organic food products. The growing level of health consciousness in the country is a key factor driving the demand for organic food. The rising awareness about the nutritional content and quality of the food consumed by Indian consumers is leading to the growing demand for organic food. Let’s explore further.

The organic food industry is a rapidly growing sector driven by increasing consumer demand for healthier and more sustainable food options. Organic food refers to products that are grown and processed without the use of synthetic chemicals, pesticides, genetically modified organisms (GMOs), or irradiation. Instead, organic farming practices focus on promoting soil health, biodiversity, and ecological balance.

The organic food industry emphasises the principles of sustainability, environmental stewardship, and transparency throughout the supply chain. It aims to provide consumers with food that is free from harmful chemical residues, promotes animal welfare, and supports the overall well-being of individuals and the planet. 

In India, the organic food industry has gained significant momentum in recent years. Factors such as rising health consciousness, concerns about food safety, and a growing preference for natural and chemical-free products have fueled the demand for organic food. The Indian government has also taken initiatives to promote organic farming, providing subsidies, training, and certification programmes to farmers and businesses in the sector.

Drivers of growth  

• Market growth potential: The organic food industry in India offers significant market growth potential for companies. The increasing consumer demand for organic products presents opportunities to capture a larger market share and expand the customer base.
• Export opportunities: India’s organic food sector has export potential. With the rising global demand for organic products, companies can explore opportunities to export Indian organic food to international markets, thereby expanding their reach and revenue streams.
• Value addition and processing: There is scope for organic food companies to focus on value-added products and processing. By diversifying product offerings and developing innovative organic snacks, beverages, condiments, and processed foods, companies can tap into consumer preferences and increase their market presence.
• Private label and contract manufacturing: Companies can explore opportunities to provide private-label organic products or engage in contract manufacturing for retailers or other organic food brands. This enables them to leverage their expertise, production capabilities, and certifications while expanding their business through strategic partnerships.

Challenges  

• Supply chain management: Building and managing a robust organic supply chain can be a challenge. Ensuring a consistent and reliable supply of organic raw materials, especially in large volumes, requires close coordination with farmers, efficient logistics, and quality control throughout the supply chain.
• Cost management and pricing: Organic production often entails higher costs due to organic farming practices, certifications, and quality control measures. Maintaining cost competitiveness while offering competitive prices in the market can be a challenge for companies.
• Certification and compliance: Obtaining and maintaining organic certifications is crucial for organic food companies. However, the certification process can be complex, time-consuming, and expensive. Companies need to navigate the certification requirements and comply with organic standards to establish credibility and gain consumer trust.
• Limited infrastructure: Adequate infrastructure, such as storage facilities, processing units, and distribution networks, is essential for the organic food industry. However, the availability of such infrastructure may be limited, particularly in certain regions. Companies need to invest in developing or accessing suitable infrastructure to support their operations.
• Marketing and consumer education: Educating consumers about the benefits of organic food and differentiating organic products from conventional alternatives is essential. Companies need to invest in marketing efforts and consumer education initiatives to create awareness, build brand loyalty, and drive demand for their organic products.
• Cold storage and logistics: Cold chain management in the dairy sector refers to the process of maintaining a controlled temperature environment for the handling, storage, and transportation of dairy products, from the point of production to the final consumer. It involves the use of specialised equipment, proper handling procedures, and effective logistics to ensure that dairy products remain fresh, safe, and of high quality throughout the supply chain. Some key aspects like temperature control, quality assurance, hygiene and sanitisation, traceability and monitoring, training and documentation can ensure that consumers receive dairy products that are safe, fresh, and of high quality. This helps to extend shelf life, reduce waste, and maintain customer satisfaction, ultimately benefiting both the industry and consumers.
• Supply chain complexity: The dairy supply chain can involve multiple stakeholders, including farmers, processors, distributors, and retailers. Coordinating and aligning the activities of these different entities can be complex. Timely communication, collaboration, and information sharing are crucial to ensure smooth logistics operations.
• Shelf life and product expiry: Dairy products generally have a limited shelf life, especially products like fresh milk and yoghurt. Ensuring efficient logistics to minimise transit times and prevent products from nearing their expiry dates requires careful planning and coordination. Effective inventory management and rotation practices are necessary to avoid product wastage.

By addressing these challenges and capitalising on the available opportunities, companies in the organic food industry in India can establish a strong foothold in the market, expand their operations, and meet the growing demand for organic products.

The organic food industry has emerged as a significant and rapidly growing sector in response to the increasing demand for healthier, more sustainable food options. With its focus on organic farming practices, environmental stewardship, and transparency, the industry aims to provide consumers with food that is free from harmful chemicals and supports overall well-being. By addressing these challenges and leveraging the opportunities, companies can establish a strong presence in the organic food industry. As consumers continue to prioritise healthier and sustainable food choices, the industry is poised for further growth and innovation. With its emphasis on health, sustainability, and ethical practices, the industry is set to continue its upward trajectory, providing companies with avenues for growth, innovation, and positive change in the food landscape.