Fi India, ProPak India 2024 attracts 340 exhibitors; 17,000 visitors

Organised by Informa Markets in India, the leading B2B exhibitions organiser, the expos featured over 340 exhibitors and attracted more than 17,000 visitors collectively. Fi India and ProPak India served as a vital platform for driving innovation and establishing new trends, offering an annual one-stop sourcing destination for food, beverage, and health ingredients, as well as processing and packaging solutions.

The grand opening of the esteemed expos was graced by the distinguished dignitaries including Dr Suresha, president, AFSTI, Bangalore Chapter; Nilesh Lele, president, Chamber For Advancement of Small and Medium Businesses; Prasad Balan Iyer, director, SIES School of Packaging; Sagar Singh, joint director, Chemical Department, Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) under Ministry of Consumer Affairs; Food and Public Distribution, Government of India; Rajeshwar S. Matche, chief scientist, AcSIRm, Dept. Food Packaging Technolog, CSIR- Central Food Technological Research Institute, Mysuru; Chakravarthi AVPS, global ambassador, World Packaging Organisation; Yogesh Mudras, managing director, Informa Markets in India and Rahul Deshpande, senior group director, Informa Markets in India.

Dr Suresha, President AFSTI, Bangalore Chapter, said, “India's food industry is witnessing significant growth, with exports increasing nearly sixfold. As the largest producer of millets and milk, India aims to boost milk production from 230 to 300 million metric tonnes by 2030. Additionally, grain production has surpassed 330 million metric tons, and the country is the second-largest meat producer, emphasising a focus on expanding exports. The packaging industry, growing nearly sixfold compared to a decade ago, plays a crucial role in supporting this expansion. Government initiatives like Atma Nirbhar Bharat are further fuelling growth in food processing, offering benefits for women-led startups, including no GST for the first five years and additional subsidies. As Bangalore continues to strengthen its position as a hub for food industry R&D, these trends highlight the critical role of both ingredients and packaging in shaping the future of the industry.”

Mr Prasad Balan Iyer, director, SIES (South Indian Education Society) School of Packaging, said “India has now become the third-largest packaging market globally, surpassing Japan, with the industry exceeding USD 86-billion in value. The global packaging market, valued at over USD 1 trillion, is driven by sectors like e-commerce, food delivery, pharma, and the food industry, particularly in cities like Bangalore and Mumbai. Packaging plays a crucial role in food safety, extending shelf life, and boosting India's export competitiveness. In 2023, India's packaged food sector reached a market size of USD 2.8-billion, with projections suggesting it will grow to USD 6.4 billion by 2029. This expansion highlights shifting consumer preferences and the growing demand for convenient, ready-to-eat options in one of the world's most populous countries. As a key partner of ProPak India, we remain dedicated to promoting sustainable solutions, fostering a circular economy, and preparing skilled professionals to meet the industry's evolving needs."

Chakravarthi AVPS, Global Ambassador, World Packaging Organisation, said "India's ascending economy is poised to receive a significant boost from its food and agriculture sector, which is projected to emerge as a vital contributor. Spearheading this transformation are platforms like FI India and ProPak India, providing a dynamic convergence point for innovators and stakeholders. Notably, India's packaging industry has already surpassed $85 billion, while globally, it has reached $1.05 trillion, highlighting the critical role of sustainable and customer-centric packaging in shaping the future of food processing and nutrition. The evolution of machinery and processing technologies, which once relied on imports, now thrives with domestic advancements. These developments are crucial for extending shelf life, enhancing food safety, and supporting India's growth as a key player in global exports.”

Yogesh Mudras, managing director, Informa Markets in India, said, “India's food processing sector is undergoing a transformation, supported by initiatives like the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana (PMKSY), ensuring efficient farm-to-retail infrastructure. As a global leader in food production, India stands out in spices, producing over 11 million tons in 2022-23. Our diverse agro-climatic conditions allow for the cultivation of cereals, pulses, and vegetables. The rapid growth of the food packaging industry, driven by convenience and sustainability, is evident, as seen in Fi India & ProPak India 2024's success, showcasing innovation and collaboration.”

He added, “Bangalore remains a pivotal market due to its strong agritech ecosystem and strategic location in South India, making it the perfect hub for driving growth in food processing and packaging.”  

The 2024 edition of Fi India & ProPak India featured over 25 insightful sessions and discussions focusing on current industry trends and challenges with contributions from organisations like the Good Food Institute India (GFI) and the Alternative Protein Innovation Center (APIC). Fi India included sessions on diverse topics such as Holistic Food Experiences with Glocal Ingredients, Global and FSSAI Regulations for Food Additives, and Cleaner Production Possibilities in Ingredient Solutions. Panel discussions like Good Food Good Health: Towards Sustainable Food and Supply Chain Management and Scaling the Smart Protein Ingredients Supply Chain for India: Exploring Capabilities and Opportunities, highlighted the growing importance of sustainability and innovation in the sector. Additionally, presentations on Ovomet and Ovoderm: Egg Membrane Collagen for Healthy Joints and Beautiful Skin brought attention to novel ingredients in the market.

On the ProPak India side, the event featured a presentation by Sagar Singh, joint director (chemical department), BIS, Ministry of Consumer Affairs, on 

“The Regulatory Framework for Printing Inks and Packaging in India." Additionally, the event hosted panel discussions on “Novel Food Packaging Technologies” and “Bioplastic, Biodegradable, and Recycled Materials for Food Packaging,” delving into sustainable alternatives in packaging. Key sessions also explored "Packaging Regulations and Safety Evaluation for Food Packaging" and "Decoding Consumer Attitudes: Navigating Global Sustainability and Ethical Behavior," offering insights into the consumer-driven shift towards eco-friendly practices.