At Anuga FoodTec India 2026, Duravant India showcased its expanding capabilities across food processing, packaging and automation. Mr Anthony D’Souza, Managing Director, Duravant India, discusses the company’s integrated solutions strategy, growing opportunities in India and plans to strengthen its presence in the processing segment.

Duravant is strengthening its position in India's food processing and packaging industry by bringing multiple established businesses under one organisation. With capabilities spanning processing, packaging, automation and monitoring, the company aims to provide manufacturers with integrated solutions that simplify operations and improve productivity.

Speaking to FoodTechBiz at Anuga FoodTec India 2026, Mr Anthony D’Souza, Managing Director, Duravant India, said this year's participation marked an important milestone, as the company brought its various operating businesses together under the Duravant brand for the first time in India.

“It has always been a good show for us because it brings food processing and packaging together on one platform. This year, however, is particularly significant as we are participating under the Duravant brand rather than showcasing our businesses separately,” Mr D’Souza said.

He explained that the consolidation reflects the company's objective of offering customers a broader portfolio while ensuring greater reliability, service and accountability.

“Duravant has several established brands that customers already know and trust. We can provide solutions across food processing and packaging while taking responsibility for the overall solution. Customers don't have to source one machine from one company and another from a different supplier. This means fewer headaches, greater reliability and better assurance of quality, service and productivity.”

Automation and end-to-end integration

At its exhibition booth, Duravant demonstrated automation solutions, including palletisation technology for food and industrial applications. Although logistical challenges prevented some planned equipment from reaching the venue, the company used the opportunity to highlight its approach to integrated automation.

“Automation is at the heart of a modern organisation. At every stage of an operation, we can provide an optimised automation solution. Many companies offer automation, but few work toward a truly integrated solution. We are taking this a step further by offering total integrated solutions,” Mr D’Souza said.

Illustrating this approach, he cited a potato-processing facility manufacturing French fries. Such an operation involves multiple stages, from receiving raw potatoes and processing them to packaging, case packing, palletisation and transferring finished products to the warehouse.

Duravant aims to address these requirements through an end-to-end solution, supported by monitoring capabilities that provide visibility across the production process.

“Duravant can provide an end-to-end solution, from the incoming raw material to the finished product leaving the plant. But providing equipment is only one part of the solution. Customers also need to monitor the entire operation. Our monitoring solutions allow them to track the complete process, from the entry point to the finished product, with the ability to monitor, control, modify and manage operations.”

This approach also addresses the growing demand for turnkey solutions, as manufacturers increasingly seek to reduce the complexity of coordinating multiple technology suppliers.

“Not everyone has the expertise to provide an optimum solution. We have the technology and capabilities to develop solutions around customer requirements. Manufacturers today don't want to deal with multiple suppliers and manage the complexities themselves. Our objective is to make the entire operation as simple and seamless as possible,” he added.

India at a pivotal stage of food processing transformation

Mr D’Souza believes India is at a pivotal stage in the development of its food processing industry, supported by government initiatives, infrastructure development and growing investments.

He pointed to schemes such as the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) programme, the development of food parks and the expansion of food exports as important factors contributing to the sector's growth.

“About ten years ago, food processing was not discussed or prioritised to the same extent. Today, the situation is very different. Government initiatives and schemes have created significant opportunities, and we are seeing considerable investment in the sector,” he said.

The growth of processed and frozen food exports, particularly French fries, is one example of the changing landscape. According to Mr D’Souza, increasing domestic investments and the entry of international companies reflect the potential of the Indian market.

“We can see large investments in food processing plants, particularly in frozen and processed potato products, including French fries. Some companies are building very large facilities, potentially among the biggest in Asia. This demonstrates the tremendous opportunity in India.”

For Duravant, these developments create opportunities to expand its reach beyond its traditional packaging-focused presence.

Duravant sees significant growth opportunity in India

With several businesses now represented under the Duravant umbrella, the company expects to strengthen its engagement with customers across food processing, packaging and automation.

“Earlier, we were predominantly known as a packaging company through one of our businesses. Today, under Duravant, we have several brands and businesses spanning different areas of food processing, packaging and automation,” Mr D’Souza said. “Historically, Mespack established our strong presence in the packaging industry. Today, with brands such as Key Technology, Pattyn and Foodmate, our portfolio has expanded significantly, enabling us to offer a broader range of solutions across food processing, packaging and automation.”

He added that customers have responded positively to the expanded portfolio, recognising the advantage of accessing a wider range of capabilities through one organisation. “The scope is very large, and I would say we have only just started. There is a significant opportunity for us to grow in the Indian market.”

Stronger processing presence planned for future editions

Reflecting on the response at Anuga FoodTec India 2026, Mr D’Souza said visitor feedback had been encouraging. The company now plans to strengthen its presence in the processing segment at future editions. “Next year, we also want to showcase something different that demonstrates how automation can create greater synergy between food processing and packaging,” he said.

Duravant is also looking forward to participating in PackMach Asia and DrinkTec India, which will offer another opportunity to demonstrate its capabilities across processing and packaging.

Keeping innovation and AI at the centre

Mr D’Souza added that the company's priorities remain focused on advanced technology, engineering capabilities, skilled resources and productivity improvement.

“We are building an infrastructure based on advanced technology, strong skills and optimum engineering. Everything we are doing is focused on increasing productivity and making our customers' lives easier,” he said.

He also emphasised the importance of embracing emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence, while maintaining a strong focus on innovation and quality.

“We should not be afraid of AI. AI should work for us, not replace us. If we use it properly, it can help us build better businesses and better solutions. At the same time, we should continue working towards optimisation without compromising on quality.”

Concluding the conversation, D’Souza underlined the industry's responsibility to deliver products that meet the highest standards of productivity, quality and value.

“Ultimately, we are all consumers. Our children and families will also be the end consumers of these products. So, our responsibility is to ensure that we deliver the best possible productivity, quality and value.”

As Duravant expands its capabilities in India, its focus on integrated automation, engineering and customer-centric solutions reflects its ambition to become a stronger technology partner for the country's evolving food processing and packaging industry.

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