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A platform to showcase products and capabilities
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Friday, 17 March, 2023, 08 : 00 AM [IST]
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Nandita Vijay, Bengaluru
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India’s capability in agriculture, plantations of coffee, tea, arecanut, spices poultry, meat, fish milk cereals, fruits and vegetables highlights self sufficiency in food production and producing food in the most organic way.
Aahar is the international food & hospitality fair and a flagship B2B event organised by India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO), which is the premier trade promotion body of the Union government will give India’s food processing companies a platform to display and project their products and capability.
The 37th edition of the event organised from March 14-18, 2023, at the Pragati Maidan, New Delhi, is proving to be a hub for local sourcing and global vendors.
This is India’s most sought after event for agriculture and food processing sector. In the wake of food parks concept and the Production Linked Incentive scheme, events like these make big business sense said MTR Foods, Indira Foods, Megha Food among others.
Key drivers
Noting the success of the agriculture, food processing and dairy, companies noted that high quality and novel concepts were key drivers for purchase. Akshali Shah, executive director, Parag Milk Foods, stated, “As the demand for healthier and better-sourced food continues to increase, more consumers are becoming conscious of the nutritional value, authenticity, and freshness of their food. There will be an increase in the number of businesses that provide direct-to-consumer deliveries of dairy and dairy products. One of the key pillars of success will be ensuring the utmost level of hygiene and cleanliness. As pioneers of the farm-to-home concept, we take great pride in delivering the freshest, unadulterated and hygienic milk to your doorstep.”
On a similar tone was Shashi Kumar, founder and CEO of Akshayakalpa Organic, who said that today, 18% of consumers in India are buying organic produce, apparently the highest in the world and this trend is rising. The organic dairy is getting increasing attention in India owing to the rising health- consciousness among consumers as compared to the regular milk. We really need to educate the consumers of the benefits of organic which are not limited to just environment and extends to their health. Post-Covid there has been a significant demand for healthy alternatives and organic foods. The cooking at home during the pandemic phase has seen preparation of simple recipes and traditional foods. Consumers are more aware today and are looking for options. They want to know the source of their food. There is demand sustainability across the entire supply cycle.
Lower cost to consumers
India has walked the mile, but there is more to achieve. The high cost to consumers leading to a relatively poor demand for organic produce is often the deal breaker. What one needs to understand is that higher demand will lead to lower cost to consumers and therefore lead to a greater share of organic food consumption. Thus, awareness is most crucial for the entire organic industry, added Kumar.
With the Union government highlighting meals with millets to sustain daily dose of micronutrient content, there are several products seen rushing into the market. Millet is a whole grain and the cereal crop is nutritionally superior to wheat and rice due to its higher protein levels and a more balanced amino acid profile. Millets include jowar (sorghum), ragi (finger millet), kodo (kodo millet), kutki (little-millet), kakun (foxtail -millet), sanwa (barnyard-millet), cheena (proso millet), kuttu (buckwheat) and chaulai (amaranth).
India is driving the millet mission, this year designated as the International Year of Millets is envisioned to promote the humble millet to reverse illnesses, and boost wellness. A slew of novel ready to eat creations have stormed into the market to bring in both health and convenience for families keen on home cooked meals. “Millets are the grain of the future. It is the government mandate to introduce millet in their canteen menus,” said Sharmila Oswal, founder, Gudmom by 1Organic.
Ample opportunity for growth
Meanwhile, Eshwar K Vikas, co-founder & CEO, Mukunda Foods, states that the food and beverage industry is vast, with over 1.6 million outlets currently in operation. Each of these outlets faces similar challenges, such as maintaining consistency, dealing with staff turnover, and managing costs. Given the large industry size, we see ample opportunity for growth.
According to food processing industry, the country is a major producer of several agricultural items in the world but only less than 10 per cent of that is processed. Demand for processed food items is set to increase in India in the coming years providing opportunities for greater value addition, lower wastages and alternative employment opportunities. Analysis of corporate data shows that food processing firms have been profitable, but the value addition component needs to increase significantly. Introduction India has made vast progress overtime in providing food security for its people and has become largely self-reliant in agriculture.
Accordingly, the policy focus has shifted from attaining self-sufficiency to generating higher and stable income for the farming population. Food processing industry (FPI) is one area which has the potential to add value to farm output, create alternate employment opportunities, improve exports and strengthen the domestic supply chain. To this end, Aahar will play a key role to identify the opportunities.
Farmers position in value chain
The University of Agricultural Sciences sees the need to improve farmers position in value chain with efficient management of soil, water and air. There will be competitiveness and productivity of primary producers like the farmers. It is here the university sees agri-innovation is needed to provide opportunities for farmers to increase productivity while efficiently managing natural resources. There is need to give additional attention to advances in agriculture and food systems to spur sustainability. Here the university is working to create a pool of qualified workforce with the introduction of new technology-oriented degree programmes in agriculture, marketing, agricultural biotechnology, agricultural engineering, food science that are in sync with the developments of the coming years.
Experts also see that a sustainable food system is profitable as it has broad-based benefits for society with a positive or neutral impact on the natural environment. To this end, India has its own distinctive food system, based on its natural resource base, climate, production patterns, eating habits and history. Food systems are expected to provide food security and nutrition for a world population which is projected to grow to nearly 10 billion by 2050. Food systems are also central to the livelihoods of hundreds of millions of people.
In an age of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG), the food industry greenhouse gas emissions and 70% of freshwater withdrawal, the food & beverage industry inherently feels the pressure to improve their environmental and sustainability practices. Food & beverage companies need to look at their energy sources, disposal practices and environmental footprint as the focus is on lower carbon energy sources.
The impact of these technology refinements on the Indian food industry becomes more reflective and widespread with each passing year. It could be novel food products, AI apps, eco-friendly packaging options, plant-based alternatives, technology is transforming the food industry in India and helping us to follow an eco-responsible approach.
The increased awareness on climate change, ban on single-use plastic, brands are pushed to follow the trend and opt for alternatives to promote responsible production and consumption. With the development in technology, the industry has innovated to develop edible packaging options with zero waste, reusable packaging, sustainable packaging made of biopolymers and biodegradable material. The influence of these trends on the Indian food industry becomes more profound, pervasive, and widespread with each passing year. All these will be showcased at Aahar to display the prowess of Indian food and beverage industry.
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