India’s organic food market projected to grow USD 10,807 Million by 2033: CSIR chief scientist

The 19th edition of Fi India co-located with 7th edition of ProPak India organized by Informa Markets in India, opened on a strong note, attracting stakeholders from across the food ingredients, processing, packaging and supply chain ecosystems. The shows run from 3rd to 5th September 2025 at India Expo Mart (IEML) Delhi, convening Global and Indian stakeholders to network, innovate and shape the future of food. Together, the shows are set to welcome over 15,000 professionals, featuring 340 exhibitors and strong international participation. The platform continues to enable high-value sourcing, collaboration and investment across one of the world's fastest-growing F&B markets.

The prestigious inauguration ceremony for Fi India was graced by the esteemed panel of industry leaders and government representatives, including Dr. Prabodh Halde, Chairman, Chamber for Advancement of Small and Medium Businesses; Dr. Dinkar B. Kamble, President, AFST Delhi; Mr. Nilesh Lele, President, Chamber for Advancement of Small and Medium Businesses; Mr. Hitesh Patel, Chair, Ingredients and Extract Committee, Health Foods and Dietary Supplements Association (HADSA); Mr. Umesh Kamble, Secretary General Chamber For Advancement of Small and Medium Businesses (CASMB), Mr Yogesh Mudras, Managing Director, Informa Markets in India and Mr Rahul Deshpande, Senior Group Director, Informa Markets in India, among others. A ribbon cutting ceremony also took place to mark the start of the ProPak India show.

Speaking at the event Dr. Prabodh Halde, Chairman, Chamber for Advancement of Small & Medium Businesses (CASMB), said “India’s food processing and ingredient industry holds immense strategic importance in the current global geopolitical scenario, with the market already valued at $8–9 billion and steadily expanding. Growth is being driven by Ayurveda, herbal, organic products and initiatives such as FSSAI’s Aahara food standards, which emphasize actives and nutraceuticals. Unlike in 2006, when international participants dominated, today India’s presence has strengthened not only domestically but also across global platforms in Dubai, the UK and beyond, reflecting the industry’s transformation. Strengthening food processing is critical, as it directly enhances farmer incomes, supporting nearly 68% of India’s population and adds value through exports. Ingredients such as turmeric, exemplify the dual role of Indian spices in promoting both taste and health, contributing to lower rates of mortality during Covid and neurological disorders compared to global averages. This evolution underlines the importance of platforms like Fi India, which have consistently partnered in the sector’s growth, enabling small and medium businesses, empowering farmers, and driving consumer well-being. With the 20th edition ahead, the industry is poised to build further on this remarkable journey with collective efforts under the vision of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas.”

Hitesh Patel, Chair, Ingredients & Extract Committee, Health Foods & Dietary Supplements Association (HADSA), said “India’s food and beverage industry has always held tremendous potential, and platforms like Fi India & ProPak India have been instrumental in unlocking it. Unlike the early 1990s and 2000s, when organized exhibitions were lacking, today such expos bring every stakeholder from technology providers and packaging experts to ingredient suppliers and buyers onto one platform. This convergence not only supports branding, marketing, and innovation but also empowers Indian entrepreneurs to compete confidently with global markets.”

Nilesh Lele, President, Chamber for Advancement of Small & Medium Businesses, said “Having been associated with Fi India for over a decade, both as the President of AFSJ Mumbai Chapter and later as the National President of the Association of Food Scientists and Technologists of India. It is encouraging to witness how this platform has consistently supported the food industry through conferences, seminars, and now the Fi Awards. What makes the awards significant is their inclusivity, recognizing not only large players but also MSMEs that drive innovation in food processing, product development, and R&D. As Vice Chair of the India TIC Council, I also see the vital role of testing, inspection, and certification in ensuring that food ingredients showcased here meet global standards and contribute positively to health and nutrition. Indian food preferences, such as Basmati rice or regional pickles, continue to shape consumption patterns even among the diaspora, highlighting the cultural and nutritional impact of these products globally. India’s food processing sector is on a strong growth trajectory, projected to reach USD 535 billion by 2025–26, driven by rising consumption, exports, and government focus on “Make in India. While some industries like textiles or gems and jewelry may face larger external pressures, the food sector remains resilient, with strong demand for traditional staples and processed innovations both in India and abroad.”

Dr. Meenakshi Singh, Chief Scientist, Technology Management Directorate, Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR), said “Food ingredients form the backbone of the food sector, with packaging playing an equally critical role in ensuring safety and quality. Supported by schemes like the Production Linked Incentive (PLI), the industry is witnessing strong growth, as seen in the participation of over 350 exhibitors from India and abroad. CSIR, through its 37 R&D labs nationwide including scientific testing labs and those focused on food ingredients, continues to drive innovation in food ingredients and packaging, while FSSAI has mandated safety checks, placing responsibility on all stakeholders to ensure compliance. In 2025, FSSAI’s focus on stricter labeling, organic food standards and consumer awareness is shaping industry practices at a time when India’s organic food market has already reached USD 1,917 million in 2024 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 20.13% to USD 10,807 million by 2033. Platforms like Fi India & ProPak India play a vital role in enabling innovation, sustainability and global competitiveness in India’s food ecosystem. CSIR, through its 37 R&D labs across the country, including scientific testing facilities and those focused on food ingredients continues to drive innovation in food ingredients and packaging, while FSSAI has mandated strict safety checks, placing the responsibility of compliance on all stakeholders.”

Addressing the opportunities in this sector, Yogesh Mudras, Managing Director (MD), Informa Markets in India, said "The Indian food processing sector is undergoing a transformative phase, driven by rising health consciousness, growing preference for organic and plant-based foods and a notable shift in dietary patterns. With the organic food market projected to touch ₹75,000 crore by 2025, and a majority of consumers willing to pay a premium for healthier alternatives, the industry is seeing rapid expansion across fruits, vegetables and plant-based offerings. Against this backdrop, Fi India & ProPak India serves as a catalyst for the industry, showcasing innovation, encouraging meaningful dialogue, and enabling businesses to align with the evolving needs of consumers. By facilitating knowledge exchange and spotlighting breakthroughs, it strengthens India's position in the global food ecosystem while opening new avenues for value addition, exports and employment generation."

Sustainability is driving innovation with biodegradable and recyclable materials like bamboo plates, sugarcane bottles, and edible tea cups, while automation through high-speed lines ensures hygiene and efficiency. However, compromise remains a major challenge, as some manufacturers continue prioritizing cost over quality, affecting consumer trust. At the same time, fortified products with vitamins, enhanced nutrition, and longer shelf life are strengthening industry standards. With these efforts, India’s food packaging sector is set to grow at 10–15% annually, alongside rising processed food exports and greater farmer participation in organic cultivation, positioning India as a competitive force in the global food ecosystem”.

India's food processing industry today stands as one of the largest globally, accounting for 32% of the nation's total food market. It contributes nearly 14% of manufacturing GDP, 13% of exports, and 6% of total industrial investments, highlighting its pivotal role in the economy. According to a Deloitte–FICCI report, the sector contributes 7.7% to India's overall manufacturing output while supporting more than 7 million jobs directly and indirectly. Beyond its economic weight, the industry is instrumental in driving rural industrialization, reducing post-harvest losses, and positioning India as a key hub for processed and value-added food products on the global stage.

ProPak India 2025 is the India edition of the globally recognized ProPak exhibition series spanning Asia, Africa and the Middle East, bringing international processing and packaging innovations to the Indian market while fostering global connections.

The events are supported by AFSTI (Association of Food Scientists & Technologists India), Delhi Chapter, CASMB, AIFPA (All India Food Processors' Association), HADSA (Health Foods and Dietary Supplements Association), IBA (Indian Beverage Association), SIB (Society of Indian Bakers) and ASPA (Authentication Solution Providers' Association).

At ProPak India, attendees explored the MSME Pavilion, leveraged business matchmaking, experienced live demonstrations and product launches and engaged with decision-makers from India and overseas.

Fi India featured a diverse line-up of sessions covering critical themes across product development, nutrition, and innovation in the food and beverage sector. Day 1 witnessed discussions on the 'Basics of Product Design and Development', 'Selection of Food Ingredients', 'Regulatory Aspects of Additives', and 'Sensory Analysis for New Product Development'. Expert-led sessions by BENEO and others focused on plant-based, prebiotic, and protein-enriched solutions, alongside insights into the utilization of insoluble dietary fibers for nutritional and functional attributes. Marketing strategies for innovative ingredients and products were explored, complemented by panel discussions hosted by HADSA on "Ingredients – the Backbone of Product Development and Efficacy" and on “Novel Food Ingredients and their Applications".