South India offers huge growth opportunities for the food processing industry: Brijesh Edwards

As India's food processing industry continues to expand, South India has emerged as one of the country's most dynamic manufacturing and investment destinations. Backed by robust industrial infrastructure, proactive government initiatives, and a rapidly growing food manufacturing ecosystem, the region is attracting increasing interest from technology providers, machinery manufacturers, ingredient suppliers, and processing companies worldwide.

Against this backdrop, the Food & Drink Processing Expo, organised by Synergy Exposures, has evolved into a significant B2B platform connecting the food and beverage value chain with manufacturers, processors, technology providers, and solution suppliers. The latest edition (1 to 3 July 2026 at CODISSIA Trade Fair Complex, Coimbatore) attracted more than 44,000 business visitors, underscoring the exhibition's growing influence as a hub for networking, innovation, and business development.

In an exclusive interaction with FoodTechBiz, Mr Brijesh Edwards, Director, Synergy Exposures, discusses the remarkable evolution of the exhibition, why South India presents immense untapped business opportunities, addresses misconceptions surrounding the regional market, and shares his long-term vision of positioning the exhibition as a global manufacturing and sourcing hub.

Food & Drink Processing Expo reflects the region's manufacturing momentum

Hosting its latest edition at the CODISSIA Trade Fair Complex, Coimbatore, the Food & Drink Processing Expo continues to strengthen its position as one of South India's leading business exhibitions dedicated to food processing, beverage processing, dairy technologies, ingredients, packaging, and allied industries.

According to Brijesh Edwards, the exhibition has undergone remarkable transformation over the past five years, both in terms of participation and the quality of business engagement.

"The exhibition has consistently grown year after year. What is particularly encouraging is not just the increase in numbers, but the improvement in the quality of exhibitors and buyers visiting the show. We are witnessing serious business interactions and meaningful networking opportunities throughout the exhibition."

He explains that the region's rapidly expanding manufacturing landscape has significantly contributed to the exhibition's growth.

"South India has become a major hub for food processing, beverage processing, and dairy manufacturing. Alongside these sectors, we are also seeing tremendous growth in allied industries such as animal feed, pharmaceuticals, ingredients, and supporting manufacturing segments. The entire ecosystem is evolving together."

Government support creating new investment opportunities

Mr Edwards believes the continuous expansion of food parks, manufacturing clusters, and industrial infrastructure across South India is opening new avenues for investment and business growth.

"South India's market size is comparable to any other major region in the country. More importantly, there remains enormous scope for future growth. Governments have been extremely supportive by encouraging investments through food parks and new manufacturing facilities. This creates excellent opportunities for businesses looking to establish or expand their operations."

He adds that increasing industrial investments, coupled with rising consumer demand and improving infrastructure, are creating favourable conditions for the food processing industry to flourish.

Beyond language: Understanding the market matters more

One of the frequently discussed concerns among exhibitors from North India is the perceived language barrier while conducting business in South India. However, Mr Edwards believes this perception no longer reflects today's business environment.

"I consider it more of a cultural perception than a genuine language barrier. Whether companies come from North India or from overseas, communication is no longer a significant challenge."

He points out that the exhibition attracts participants from nearly 36 countries, demonstrating its international appeal and the ease with which businesses interact.

"English is widely understood across the region, and many people are also comfortable communicating in Hindi. Moreover, digital communication tools and translation technologies have made business conversations much easier than ever before."

Instead, Mr Edwards believes companies should focus on understanding regional customer requirements rather than worrying about language.

"The right mindset towards doing business and recognising the market's potential are far more important than language or cultural differences. South India remains one of the country's most promising untapped markets."

Bengaluru set to host the next chapter of growth

Building on the strong response received in Coimbatore, Synergy Exposures will host the next edition of the Food & Drink Processing Expo at the Bangalore International Exhibition Centre (BIEC) from 28 to 30 April 2027.

The choice of Bengaluru reflects the city's growing prominence as one of India's leading food and beverage manufacturing and consumption hubs. Backed by Karnataka's strong industrial ecosystem and rapidly expanding beverage market, the city offers an ideal setting for companies looking to explore new business opportunities across South India.

Bengaluru has emerged as one of India's fastest-growing beverage markets, supported by Karnataka's robust manufacturing ecosystem, world-class infrastructure, and a rapidly evolving consumer landscape. Karnataka's beverage sector generates nearly INR 40,000 crore annually and is backed by progressive government policies that encourage investment, innovation, and manufacturing expansion. The state is home to more than 10,500 food processing units, generating employment for nearly one lakh people and reinforcing the strength of its integrated food and beverage value chain.

Driven by rising disposable incomes, rapid urbanisation, premiumisation trends, and increasing demand for ready-to-drink, dairy-based, functional, and health beverages, Bengaluru has become a preferred destination for beverage manufacturers, ingredient suppliers, packaging companies, and technology providers.

As India's beverage industry enters its next phase of growth, the city provides an ideal platform for businesses seeking to strengthen their presence across South India while tapping into one of the country's most dynamic consumer and manufacturing markets.

Mr Edwards is optimistic that Bengaluru's strong industrial base and strategic location will further enhance the exhibition's reach. "Our next edition in Bengaluru will bring together the complete food and beverage ecosystem, including packaging, processing, ingredients, automation, and technology providers. We believe Bengaluru offers tremendous opportunities for companies looking to explore one of India's fastest-growing industrial markets."

Having successfully organised industry-focused exhibitions for over fifteen years, Synergy Exposures aims to create a platform that delivers measurable business outcomes for exhibitors and visitors alike.

"We have built a strong legacy over the years through the continued support of industry stakeholders. Our objective is to create a business platform where companies can connect with serious buyers, establish partnerships, and identify new market opportunities. We are confident that the Bengaluru edition in April 2027 will further strengthen this vision."

A quality-driven market with faster business decisions

Drawing on Synergy Exposures' extensive industry experience, Mr Edwards highlights another distinctive characteristic of the South Indian market—its emphasis on quality and efficient decision-making.

"Synergy Exposures & Events India Private Limited has spent over fifteen years serving the food and beverage ecosystem. During this period, we have developed strong relationships with food business operators across India and Asia, enabling meaningful B2B networking throughout our exhibitions."

According to him, exhibitors consistently experience productive interactions because of the quality of visitors attending the show.

"We welcome buyers from food processing, dairy, beverages, ingredients, pharmaceuticals, animal feed, packaging, and several allied industries. One of the major advantages of this region is that decision-making happens relatively quickly, allowing businesses to move forward faster."

He also notes that unlike many other markets, purchasing decisions here are often driven by performance and value rather than price alone.

"This is not an overly price-sensitive market. If your product delivers quality, reliability, and long-term value, customers are willing to invest. Companies with the right solutions have significant opportunities to expand their business here."

Vision: Creating a global manufacturing and sourcing platform

Mr Edwards envisions the Food & Drink Processing Expo evolving beyond a conventional trade exhibition into a strategic platform for manufacturing, sourcing, innovation, and international collaboration.

"Our long-term vision is to establish the exhibition as one of the leading manufacturing and sourcing hubs for the food processing industry."

He believes the exhibition can play an important role in supporting India's manufacturing ambitions by attracting global companies seeking to establish operations, develop sourcing networks, and build long-term partnerships within the country.

"We want to see more international companies choosing India as their manufacturing base through this platform. By bringing together global technology providers, Indian manufacturers, processors, and buyers, we hope to facilitate stronger manufacturing capabilities, expand sourcing opportunities, and create long-term business partnerships that contribute to the growth of the food and beverage industry."

As India's food processing sector continues its upward trajectory, platforms such as the Food & Drink Processing Expo are becoming increasingly important in connecting innovation with industry. With its next edition scheduled for Bengaluru from 28 to 30 April 2027, Synergy Exposures aims to further strengthen its role as a catalyst for collaboration, investment, technology adoption, and sustainable growth across the food and beverage manufacturing ecosystem.