Mumbai, 11 December 2025:
The 17th edition of FICCI’s Annapoorna Interfood Exhibition 2025 opened to a strong industry turnout in Mumbai, spotlighting India’s rapidly evolving food-processing ecosystem and its growing global relevance. Speaking at the event, Avinash Joshi, IAS, Secretary, Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI), emphasized that India’s food-processing sector holds transformative potential for farmers, consumers, and the national economy.
“Food Processing Can Deliver Prosperity for All” — Avinash Joshi
Addressing delegates from India and abroad, Avinash Joshi said:
“FICCI’s Annapoorna Interfood event is a window into the potential of India’s food-processing industry to transform agriculture, livelihoods, and consumer experience.”
He noted that with rising agricultural productivity, changing consumption patterns, and expanding domestic demand, India must urgently scale up value-addition, processing capacity, and food-safety standards to unlock prosperity for farmers and enhance consumer choice.
He highlighted how MoFPI is driving sectoral growth through flagship programmes:
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PM Kisan Sampada Yojana (PMKSY)
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PM Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFME)
These initiatives offer:
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Capital subsidies to micro and small food-processing units
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35%–50% support for cold-chain facilities, testing labs, incubation centres
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Funding and incentives for women-led SHGs
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Support for cluster-based processing units
“Through these programmes, we are not just processing produce — we are transforming rural livelihoods and expanding consumer access to quality and diverse products,” Joshi added.
Global Participation Demonstrates India’s Market Strength
The Annapoorna Interfood Exhibition gathered stakeholders from 17–18 countries, including delegations from Africa, the US, Europe, UAE, and Australia.
Leading food-processing companies, buyers, exporters, regulators, and trade professionals converged to explore collaboration opportunities in India’s booming market.
Gen Z is Redefining Consumption Trends: Industry Insights
Ms. Nandini Roy Chowdhury, Principal Consultant at Future Market Insights, presented a detailed report on shifting consumer behaviour.
She emphasized that Gen Z is fundamentally reshaping how brands must operate, stating:
“For Gen Z, transparency is not a value-add — it is the bare minimum.”
She highlighted that:
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Gen Z demands clarity on sourcing, ingredients, and sustainability
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Their product discovery happens through creators, trends, and visual content, not traditional ads
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India’s domestic kitchen appliance market is set to cross USD 50 billion by 2035, rising from USD 32.1 billion in 2027, driven heavily by Gen Z lifestyles
This shift is influencing the entire food ecosystem — from home kitchens to industrial processing.
States Signal Strong Investment Momentum
Rajesh Rathod, Executive Director, MPIDC, highlighted Madhya Pradesh’s growing attractiveness for food-processing investments due to:
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Improved connectivity
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Robust infrastructure
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Availability of skilled workforce
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Abundant agricultural resources
“Madhya Pradesh is fast becoming a preferred destination for food-processing units,” he said.
Industry Leaders Emphasize Post-Pandemic Transformation
Balvinder Singh Sawhney, Assistant Secretary-General, FICCI, noted that the pandemic accelerated demand for convenience, safety, and high-quality food products, making exhibitions like Annapoorna crucial for reconnecting the value chain.
He emphasized the exhibition’s role in enabling innovation, collaboration, and market expansion.
Ashwani Pande, CEO, VA Exhibitions, reaffirmed Annapoorna’s position as one of India’s most established platforms for the food-processing sector.
The exhibition:
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Brings together producers, processors, regulators, policymakers, and exporters
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Serves as a national forum for understanding market trends
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Highlights FSSAI food-safety standards and APEDA export norms
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Showcases emerging products and new technologies across India’s food industry
Conclusion
The Annapoorna Exhibition 2025 highlights India’s rapid progress in building a modern, competitive, and innovation-driven food-processing ecosystem. With strong government support, global participation, and a vibrant consumer landscape shaped by new generations, the sector is poised to generate rural prosperity, boost exports, and deliver world-class products to Indian consumers.
For more real-time updates, visit Channel 6 Network.
Source: PIB
