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The 19th edition of Fi India co-located with 7th edition of ProPak India organised by Informa Markets in India, was held in Delhi. The inauguration ceremony for Fi India was graced by industry leaders and government representatives, including Dr Prabodh Halde, Chairman, Chamber for Advancement of Small and Medium Businesses; Dr Dinkar B Kamble, President, AFST Delhi; Nilesh Lele, President, Chamber for Advancement of Small and Medium Businesses; Hitesh Patel, Chair, Ingredients and Extract Committee, Health Foods and Dietary Supplements Association (HADSA); Umesh Kamble, Secretary General Chamber For Advancement of Small and Medium Businesses (CASMB), Yogesh Mudras, Managing Director, Informa Markets in India and Rahul Deshpande, Senior Group Director, Informa Markets in India.
Dr Prabodh Halde, Chairman, Chamber for Advancement of Small & Medium Businesses (CASMB), said, “India’s food processing and ingredient industry holds immense strategic importance in the current global geopolitical scenario, with the market already valued at $8–9 billion and steadily expanding. Growth is being driven by Ayurveda, herbal, organic products and initiatives such as FSSAI’s Aahara food standards, which emphasise actives and nutraceuticals. Unlike in 2006, when international participants dominated, today India’s presence has strengthened not only domestically but also across global platforms in Dubai, the UK and beyond, reflecting the industry’s transformation. Strengthening food processing is critical, as it directly enhances farmer incomes, supporting nearly 68 per cent of India’s population and adds value through exports. Ingredients such as turmeric exemplify the dual role of Indian spices in promoting both taste and health, contributing to lower rates of mortality during Covid and neurological disorders compared to global averages. This evolution underlines the importance of platforms like Fi India, which have consistently partnered in the sector’s growth, enabling small and medium businesses, empowering farmers, and driving consumer well-being.”
Hitesh Patel, Chair, Ingredients & Extract Committee, Health Foods & Dietary Supplements Association (HADSA), said, “India’s food and beverage industry has always held tremendous potential, and platforms like Fi India & ProPak India have been instrumental in unlocking it. Unlike the early 1990s and 2000s, when organized exhibitions were lacking, today such expos bring every stakeholder from technology providers and packaging experts to ingredient suppliers and buyers onto one platform. This convergence not only supports branding, marketing, and innovation but also empowers Indian entrepreneurs to compete confidently with global markets.”
Nilesh Lele, President, Chamber for Advancement of Small & Medium Businesses, said, “Having been associated with Fi India for over a decade, both as the President of AFSJ Mumbai Chapter and later as the National President of the Association of Food Scientists and Technologists of India. It is encouraging to witness how this platform has consistently supported the food industry through conferences, seminars, and now the Fi Awards. What makes the awards significant is their inclusivity, recognizing not only large players but also MSMEs that drive innovation in food processing, product development, and R&D. As Vice Chair of the India TIC Council, I also see the vital role of testing, inspection, and certification in ensuring that food ingredients showcased here meet global standards and contribute positively to health and nutrition. Indian food preferences, such as Basmati rice or regional pickles, continue to shape consumption patterns even among the diaspora, highlighting the cultural and nutritional impact of these products globally. India’s food processing sector is on a strong growth trajectory, projected to reach $535 billion by 2025–26, driven by rising consumption, exports, and government focus on “Make in India. While some industries like textiles or gems and jewelry may face larger external pressures, the food sector remains resilient, with strong demand for traditional staples and processed innovations both in India and abroad.”
Dr Meenakshi Singh, Chief Scientist, Technology Management Directorate, Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR), said, “Food ingredients form the backbone of the food sector, with packaging playing an equally critical role in ensuring safety and quality. Supported by schemes like the Production Linked Incentive (PLI), the industry is witnessing strong growth, as seen in the participation of over 350 exhibitors from India and abroad. CSIR, through its 37 R&D labs nationwide, including scientific testing labs and those focused on food ingredients, continues to drive innovation in food ingredients and packaging, while FSSAI has mandated safety checks, placing responsibility on all stakeholders to ensure compliance. In 2025, FSSAI’s focus on stricter labeling, organic food standards and consumer awareness is shaping industry practices at a time when India’s organic food market has already reached $1,917 million in 2024 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 20.13 per cent to $10,807 million by 2033. Platforms like Fi India & ProPak India play a vital role in enabling innovation, sustainability and global competitiveness in India’s food ecosystem. CSIR, through its 37 R&D labs across the country, including scientific testing facilities and those focused on food ingredient continues to drive innovation in food ingredients and packaging, while FSSAI has mandated strict safety checks, placing the responsibility of compliance on all stakeholders.”