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Food processing industry entering a transformative phase
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Thursday, 23 July, 2026, 08 : 00 AM [IST]
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Nandita Vijayasimha, Bengaluru
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India's food processing industry is entering a transformative phase, driven by changing consumer preferences, technological advancements, and an increasing demand for quality, convenience, and authenticity. While the industry has traditionally focused on extending shelf life and improving production efficiency, today's consumers are equally conscious about nutrition, hygiene, sustainability, and the story behind the food they consume.
Pramod Murarka, Director, Bikanervala Bangalore, said, that the sweets and savouries segment, in particular, has witnessed remarkable evolution. Traditional Indian mithai and namkeen are no longer restricted to festive occasions. They have become an integral part of everyday consumption, corporate gifting, celebrations, and even international exports. Consumers today expect the same authentic taste they grew up with, but produced under world-class manufacturing standards with consistent quality and food safety.
Modern food processing technologies have enabled manufacturers to achieve this balance. Automation, advanced packaging solutions, improved cold chain infrastructure, and stringent quality control systems have significantly enhanced product consistency while preserving traditional recipes. The adoption of international food safety standards and traceability systems has further strengthened consumer confidence, he added.
Another significant trend is premiumisation. Consumers are increasingly willing to pay for superior ingredients, artisanal recipes, healthier alternatives, and aesthetically appealing packaging. There is also growing demand for products made with natural ingredients, reduced sugar, millet-based formulations, and preservative-conscious manufacturing. These trends are encouraging manufacturers to continuously innovate while respecting India's rich culinary heritage, Murarka told FnBNews in an email.
Sustainability is becoming another defining pillar of the industry. Companies are investing in energy-efficient manufacturing, responsible sourcing, recyclable packaging, and waste reduction initiatives. As environmental awareness grows, sustainable practices are no longer optional—they are becoming an important factor influencing purchasing decisions, noted Murarka.
The organised sweets and savouries market presents enormous opportunities for growth. While India continues to have a large unorganised sector, consumers are steadily shifting towards trusted brands that offer consistency, hygiene, transparency, and reliable quality. This transition is creating significant opportunities for established brands to expand into new cities and regional markets, he said.
We at Bikanervala Bangalore view this evolution as an opportunity to blend heritage with innovation. Our vision extends beyond offering traditional Indian sweets and savouries—we aim to deliver products that reflect authentic recipes, premium ingredients, modern processing standards, and exceptional quality. Every product represents a commitment to preserving India's culinary legacy while embracing contemporary manufacturing and food safety practices, said Murarka.
Looking ahead, the Indian food processing industry is poised for sustained growth, supported by rising disposable incomes, urbanisation, digital commerce, organised retail, and increasing global appreciation for Indian cuisine. Brands that successfully combine authenticity, innovation, operational excellence, and sustainability will be best positioned to lead the next chapter of this exciting journey, he pointed out.
The future of India's sweets and savouries industry lies not in replacing tradition, but in elevating it through responsible processing, technological advancement, and an unwavering commitment to quality. By doing so, the industry can continue delighting consumers in India and across the world while preserving the timeless flavours that define our rich culinary heritage, said Murarka.
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