Is the F&B industry the next growth engine?
The recently concluded Food and Beverage Leaders Conference at Anuga FoodTec showcased India’s role in the global market. This year’s edition features a line-up of over 1,100 exhibitors and was supported by all the trade associations. With India’s food processing sector projected to be among the fastest-growing industries in the coming years, and the government permitting 100 per cent Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the F&B segment, it is set for a long growth journey marked by innovation, international partnerships, and significant opportunities.
Participants from international markets included Thailand, Sri Lanka, South Africa, and debutant Iran, to name a few. India’s food processing and ingredients sector is growing at a CAGR of 8.8 per cent, projected to double by 2030, while food-tech is outpacing global benchmarks at a CAGR of 14 per cent. The food processing equipment market in India is projected to reach $1.5 billion by 2033, while packaging machinery is expected to cross $6.6 billion by 2030.
The event was graced by an eminent panel of dignitaries, including Seetharaman Raghupathi, ED, National Dairy Development Board (NDDB); Ahmed Al Ahmari, Chargé d’Affaires of the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia; Zozo Binti, Head of Mission, DR Congo; Labane Gideon, Consul General of South Africa; Donnawit Poolsawat, Consul General of Thailand; Bastian Mingers, VP, Food Portfolio, Koelnmesse GmbH; Milind Dixit, MD – India & SAARC, Koelnmesse; and Sameer Mithia, Group Director, Koelnmesse.
Steady growth
“India’s food and beverage sector is growing rapidly, backed by 180 million hectares of arable land, food processing valued at Rs75 lakh crore, and food expenditure making up over 40 per cent of consumer spend. Dairy contributes 25 per cent of this sector, with India producing one-fourth of the world’s milk, worth Rs12 lakh crore,” explains Raghupathi of NDDB.
Ahmed Al Ahmari said: “Saudi Arabia’s rich history, culture, and future are deeply connected with one of nature’s most generous gifts – dates. The Kingdom is home to more than 37.1 million palm trees, producing around 1.1 million tonnes annually.” “The Democratic Republic of Congo, with a population of 112 million, over 80 million hectares of arable land, 87 per cent of the world’s cobalt reserves, stands as a land of immense opportunity at the heart of Africa. This conference fosters partnerships and innovation, helping us reimagine a future of smarter, safer, and more sustainable food systems,” said Zozo Binti.
German companies play a vital role, accounting for nearly 42 per cent of India’s imported packaging machinery, and are increasingly adapting solutions to local needs through modular designs, SME-friendly cost structures, and energy-efficient technologies.
According to Labane Gideon, “Africa’s food and beverage industry, valued at $313 billion, is projected to reach $1 trillion by 2030. With agriculture still accounting for over 60 per cent of Africa’s value chain, compared to 22 per cent globally, investments in value-added processing and branded products are critical to unlocking this potential.” “The FoodTec is encouraging to see such vibrant participation and meaningful exchanges that reaffirm India’s role as a fast-growing hub for food, beverage, and technology innovation,” said Gerald Böse. “With the global food processing market projected to surpass $4 trillion by 2030 and India expected to emerge among the top three markets worldwide, these shows provide an invaluable platform to access next-gen technologies, embrace sustainable solutions, and build long-term collaborations,” added Dixit.
The event was also enriched with a series of knowledge forums and interactive features. The F&B Manufacturing Conference spotlighted automation, sustainability, and energy efficiency, while the Live Demo Factory delivered hands-on demonstrations of advanced processing and packaging systems. The India Food Supply Summit convened policymakers, logistics experts, and supply chain leaders to deliberate on food security, cold chain efficiency, and AI-driven transformation. On the outlook for India’s food processing and packaging machinery sector, Rajesh Nath, MD, German Engineering Federation (VDMA), said: “India’s food processing and packaging machinery sector is on a strong growth path.”
“We recently launched our Galacia Cheese portfolio, designed specifically for our HORECA partners, QSR, and institutional kitchens. While we began with a focused presence in North India, as part of our expansion strategy, we are now entering the western and southern markets. To support this growth, we have invested over Rs100 crore in setting up a state-of-the-art cheese plant in Maharashtra,” explains Gajendra Nagar, Jt. MD, VRS Foods Ltd (Paras Dairy).
With global collaborations and cutting-edge technology, the future is bright for unlocking unmatched opportunities for growth and future-ready solutions in the F&B sector.