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World Food India 2025: Powering India’s journey as the global food factory
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Wednesday, 10 September, 2025, 08 : 00 AM [IST]
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Abhitash Singh, Mumbai
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India’s food processing sector is entering a transformative era, backed by its strong agricultural base, rapidly growing consumer market, and government-led initiatives to position the country as the “Global Food Factory.” The upcoming World Food India (WFI) 2025, to be held at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, from Sept 25-28, is set to become the largest congregation of stakeholders across the food processing and allied sectors. The mega event will not only showcase India’s food processing capabilities but also create a global platform for collaboration, innovation, and investment.
India’s Food Processing Potential
India stands tall as the world’s fastest-growing major economy and the fifth-largest economy overall. With a population of 1.4 billion and a consumer base that is increasingly urban, aspirational, and inclined towards branded and functional foods, the opportunity in the food processing sector is immense.
The sector already accounts for 8.4% of the Gross Value Added (GVA) in agriculture, forestry, and fishing, and contributes a significant share to India’s export basket. In 2023–24, India’s agri-food exports touched US$46.4 billion, with processed food products making up 23% of this figure. The top export destinations include USA, China, Bangladesh, the UAE, and Vietnam.
India’s production leadership in milk, livestock, millets, pulses, fruits, vegetables, tea, and fisheries provides the backbone for a thriving food processing ecosystem. With a market size of US$361 billion in 2024, the industry is projected to touch US$770 billion by 2033, reflecting the enormous growth potential.
World Food India: A Global Platform
The Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI) is organising the fourth edition of World Food India (WFI 2025) to capitalise on this momentum. Building upon the success of WFI 2024, which witnessed participation from 20+ countries, 1,557 exhibitors, 85,000+ business visitors, and over 18,000 business-to-business meetings, the 2025 edition promises to be even bigger and more impactful.
The event’s objectives are clear:
- Promote and attract investments in food processing and allied sectors.
- Highlight India as a sourcing hub for food products through a whole-of-government approach.
- Facilitate reverse buyer-seller meets, bringing global buyers to Indian producers.
- Host a Global Food Regulators Summit led by FSSAI to harmonise food safety and quality standards.
- Encourage innovation and startups through the Startup Grand Challenge.
- Educate and inform through thematic sessions on emerging trends, technologies, and market opportunities.
One of the hallmarks of World Food India is its diverse and extensive participation.
International Representation
So far, confirmed participating countries include Saudi Arabia, Iran, Russia, Japan, Greece, Taiwan, France, Denmark, Thailand, Indonesia, Cyprus, Nepal, the UAE, and Germany, among others. These countries will not only exhibit their food products and technologies but also explore collaborations with Indian companies.
State and Ministry Participation
On the domestic front, almost all Indian States and Union Territories are expected to showcase their unique food strengths. Partner and focus States like Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Gujarat, Odisha, Bihar, Kerala, Maharashtra, and Manipur will highlight their agri-food potential.
Central ministries and departments such as the Department of Fisheries, Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying, Ministry of Rural Development, APEDA, MPEDA, Coffee Board, Spices Board, and Tea Board will also be part of the event, ensuring a whole-of-government presence.
Industry Leadership and Partnerships
Global and domestic industry leaders are set to play a central role at WFI 2025. Companies like Nestlé, Tata Consumer Products, Allana, Lulu Group, BL Agro, Adani, and MTR Foods have confirmed their partnerships at different levels – from Platinum and Diamond to Gold and Silver.
A CEO Roundtable will bring together more than 100 global and Indian CXOs from companies such as Hindustan Unilever, PepsiCo, ITC, Amul, Mondelez, Marico, Ferrero, General Mills, Rasna, Zydus Wellness, and Haldiram’s. The discussions will be co-chaired by Union Ministers and focus on strategies to take Indian food to dining tables worldwide.
Thematic Sessions and Knowledge Sharing
WFI 2025 is not just an exhibition but also a knowledge-sharing platform. A total of 35 sessions are planned, covering multiple themes and stakeholders:
- MoFPI-led sessions (13): Covering sustainability, net zero food processing, processed food for nutrition and health, livestock and marine products, plant-based foods, nutraceuticals, and packaging technologies.
- State sessions (10): Allowing States to showcase investment opportunities in their regions.
- Country sessions (6): Giving participating nations a platform to present their food sectors.
- Ministry sessions (4): Addressing policy and sectoral issues.
Topics such as specialty foods, alcoholic beverages, pet food industry, food testing labs, and South Asian policy leadership for improved nutrition will also feature prominently.
Innovation and Startups
Recognising the role of innovation, World Food India will host the Startup Grand Challenge, aimed at bringing forth technology-driven solutions for supply chain efficiency, nutrition, food safety, and sustainability. Winners will receive cash prizes, incubation, and acceleration support through NIFTEM, encouraging new-age entrepreneurs to scale their innovations.
Expected Scale and Impact
WFI 2025 is projected to cover over 100,000 sqm of exhibition area, feature 2,000+ exhibitors from 30+ countries, and attract 100,000+ business visitors. More than 1,000 hosted buyers and thousands of B2B, B2G, and G2G meetings are expected to take place, making it the largest food business event in India to date.
In addition, initiatives like Food Street will showcase Indian cuisines, while Buyer-Seller Meets will provide a direct platform for trade partnerships.
From Local to Global: India’s Food Story
World Food India 2025 comes at a time when India is in its Amrit Kaal, focusing on becoming a developed nation by 2047. With its strong raw material base, increasing focus on food safety and quality, and the government’s push for sustainable and innovative practices, India is positioning itself as the food basket of the world.
The event is not just a trade fair but a vision statement — to make Indian food products a global staple, from ready-to-eat meals and organic produce to nutraceuticals and plant-based foods. It will bring together policymakers, industry leaders, innovators, and investors to create an integrated roadmap for the sector’s growth.
World Food India 2025 is more than an exhibition; it is a movement to redefine India’s role in the global food economy. By creating a platform for investment, innovation, and international collaboration, the event will accelerate India’s journey towards becoming a global food processing hub. With participation from leading States, ministries, countries, and corporations, the mega event will be a landmark in India’s food sector, reflecting its aspirations, strengths, and readiness to serve the world.
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