Latest news with #GI-tagged
Time of India
24-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
$8 billion and rising: How processed food exports can unlock growth for India in global food trade
Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads India's agricultural exports reached $48 billion in FY24, solidifying its position as a major player in the global food trade. However, processed food exports , currently valued at $8 billion, offer significant headroom for growth, according to Deloitte & FICCI's latest report 'Spurring growth: Driving innovation and unlocking opportunities in the Indian food processing sector'.'There is potential to move up the value chain from primary commodities to value-added processed foods , which could be achieved by establishing Indian food products as a mainstream global phenomenon. Few opportunities to help enable this transition include scaling healthy Indian food products, such as millets and makhana; upgrading commodity value chains for highly exported products such as groundnut; and building strategic branding around globally trending products and India's GI-tagged products,' the report the report highlighted that processed food exports would also generate broader ecosystem benefits, including the reduction of post-harvest losses and the enhancement of employment opportunities and improved returns for farmers, all without the need for higher growth in the food processing industry, according to Anand Ramanathan, Partner & Consumer Industry Leader, Deloitte South Asia, can only come if the export market is looked at more conscientiously. 'Such exports will also help in more value addition, which one can use in the domestic market. Currently we are doing a very small percentage of exports, and most of it is for the Indian diaspora. We must start looking at the needs of the wider market and start exporting to them as well,' Ramanathan toldon the sidelines of the Ficci Foodworld India 2025 event held recently in the report sheds light on the contribution of the food processing sector, which accounts for 7.7% of India's total manufacturing GVA (gross value added) and plays a critical role in generating employment, fostering rural development, and enhancing value addition. With a valuation of about $160 billion, the sector reflects India's economic rise, marked by the country's rank as the fifth-largest economy and a doubling of per capita income to Rs 1.97 lakh over the past nine years, the report highlighted. It also noted how tier II and tier III cities are fast becoming engines of economic growth due to consumption trends aligning across urban and rural conducted a survey involving over 1,200 urban consumers to capture insights into prevailing behaviours, attitudes and the consumer trends gaining traction, protein has been highlighted as one of the strongest trends within the health food space. 'This growing awareness is leading to healthier dietary habits and a stronger focus on incorporating diverse protein sources into daily meals. According to the survey, 43% of urban respondents consider protein content very important, while 32% regard it as extremely important,' the report this, the report finds that Indian consumers are increasingly prioritising digestive health as a core component of overall wellness, leading to a surge in demand for processed foods that support gut health. Products enriched with probiotics and prebiotics—such as functional beverages, fortified dairy products and gut-friendly snacks—are witnessing growing report also highlights the rise of Indian superfoods , noting that millets are gaining popularity due to their impressive nutritional profile. 'Their low Glycemic Index (GI) makes them diabetic-friendly, helping to manage blood sugar levels effectively. The urban youth population is increasingly becoming health-conscious and shifting towards millet consumption. The growth in demand is evident in urban and semi-urban areas and is expected to continue rising through 2030,' it millets, the rise of Indian products such as(fox nuts) is also a reflection of the growing demand for healthy and nutritious snacks in India, the report said. 'Makhana, known for its low-calorie and high-nutrient profile, has seen a significant increase in popularity due to its health benefits and versatility. This trend is part of a broader movement towards healthier eating, driven by an increasingly health-conscious consumer base,' the report says consumer demand is shifting towards clean-label, protein-rich and gut-friendly foods, driving a structural evolution in how India consumes food. 'India's agri and food processing sector is on the brink of a transformative leap, where tradition meets cutting-edge technology to build a future-ready food ecosystem. India is poised to lead the global narrative on health-driven, tech-enabled and inclusive food systems, fuelled by advancements in AI, IoT and blockchain. With the right focus, India's food processing industry can set the benchmark for inclusive, responsible growth in the global food economy.'The report suggests that companies may benefit from refining their strategies, with a greater focus on cost management and innovation to drive sector growth. 'Companies may look beyond operational improvements and explore initiatives, such as reformulation, packaging innovation and rapid prototyping of localised offerings. To stay competitive, large incumbents and emerging players may consider building structured, continuous innovation pipelines that respond swiftly to evolving consumer expectations. Collaboration between industry players, government bodies and academic institutions can further drive innovation,' it said.
India.com
22-05-2025
- Business
- India.com
How India's Food Processing Sector Is Leading Tier 2 And 3 Indian Cities To Becoming Engines Of Economic Growth
New Delhi: India's food processing sector is on a transformative growth path, and with consumption trends aligning across urban and rural India, tier 2 and 3 cities are fast becoming the engines of economic growth, according to a new report. The sector supports over 7 million jobs across the value chain, directly and indirectly, while enabling rural industrialisation and reducing post-harvest losses. According to the report by Deloitte and FICCI, the sector accounts for approximately 7.7 per cent of India's total manufacturing GVA (gross value added), and its critical role in generating employment, fostering rural development and enhancing value addition. The agriculture and food processing sector, representing nearly 30 per cent of the national food market, is gaining momentum due to rising rural demand, digital advancements and strong policy support. 'India's agri and food processing sector is on the brink of a transformative leap, where tradition meets cutting-edge technology to build a future-ready food ecosystem. Consumer demand is shifting towards clean-label, protein-rich and gut-friendly foods, driving a structural evolution in how India consumes food,' said Anand Ramanathan, Partner and Consumer Industry Leader, Deloitte South Asia. India is poised to lead the global narrative on health-driven, tech-enabled and inclusive food systems, fuelled by advancements in AI, IoT and blockchain. The opportunity before us is not just to feed a billion, but to do so with purpose, resilience and intelligence, he added. 'India's food processing sector holds immense transformative potential, both as a driver of economic growth and as a catalyst for inclusive development. As evolving consumer preferences and health-conscious choices reshape food systems, the need for resilience, innovation and value addition has never been greater,' said Jyoti Vij, Director General, FICCI. In addition, India's record agricultural exports of $48.2 billion in FY24 and the global recognition of GI-tagged products highlight the sector's export potential and its growing role in the world food economy.
Hans India
21-05-2025
- Business
- Hans India
Bhadrak to apply for GI tag for ‘Palua Ladu'
Bhadrak: The district administration of Bhadrak has initiated measures to secure a Geographical Indication (GI) tag for 'Palua Ladu', a traditional sweetmeat known for its distinct flavour and artisanal preparation. The move comes following a directive from District Collector Dilip Routray, who had instructed all departmental heads, tehsildars and block development officers to include 'Palua Ladu' in hospitality packets served during official meetings and events. 'Securing the GI tag will safeguard the cultural and historical legacy of 'Palua Ladu' while providing Bhadrak a unique identity,' Routray said. It will also boost the regional economy, encourage local sweet makers and showcase Odisha's rich heritage on the global platform, he said. 'Palua Ladu' is cherished across Odisha and beyond for its rich taste and traditional preparation using simple, time-honoured ingredients like 'palua' (arrowroot powder), semolina and sugar. The initiative to obtain a GI tag is seen as a strategic effort to protect its authenticity, prevent imitation and promote the skills of Bhadrak's confectioners, an official said. The district administration is working closely with local sweet makers and cultural organisations to compile historical and technical documentation needed for the GI tag application, he said. 'If the tag is granted, 'Palua Ladu' will join Odisha's other GI-tagged specialties like 'Rasagola' and 'Kandhamal Haldi',' the official said.
Hindustan Times
19-05-2025
- Business
- Hindustan Times
Bihar will play a pivotal role in positioning India as global food basket: Paswan
Patna, Maintaining that the vision of a 'viksit Bihar' is inseparable from 'viksit Bharat', Union Minister Chirag Paswan on Monday said the state's fertile land and entrepreneurial spirit will play a pivotal role in positioning India as a global food basket. The Union Minister of Food Processing Industries said this while inaugurating the two-day 'International Buyer Seller Meet ' here. This 'International Buyer Seller Meet' is not just a trade event, it is a turning point for rural prosperity, he said. Reflecting on Bihar's rich civilisation, Paswan highlighted its historic leadership in shaping the nation. "Being the land of Aryabhatta, Sita Mata, Chanakya, Lord Mahavira and Lord Buddha — Bihar has always shown the way. That same potential will now power the growth of food processing sector in the state. We envision Bihar's youth to become job creators, not job seekers. We will ensure every investor is fully facilitated by the government," said the union minister. The Ministry of Food Processing Industries in partnership with Agricultural & Processed Food Products Export Development Authority , Trade Promotion Council of India , and Government of Bihar, is organising the meet. The event aims to bring together key stakeholders from food and allied sectors to promote trade, strengthen exports, and unlock Bihar's agri-food potential. Paswan stated that in the financial year 2024–25, the Union Ministry of Food Processing Industries has sanctioned a record 10,270 loans worth ₹624.42 crore under the Pradhan Mantri Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises scheme to micro food processing units in Bihar—the highest for any state in the country. He said that this is not a mere coincidence, but the result of the government's focused push to translate the vision of viksit Bihar into ground-level impact. It reflects both the ministry's resolve to strengthen rural enterprise and the resounding trust that Bihar's micro-entrepreneurs have placed in the policies of the government, Paswan added. Drawing a parallel with the ancient glory of Nalanda, where scholars from across the world once came in pursuit of knowledge, he remarked that the newly announced National Institute of Food Technology, Entrepreneurship and Management in Bihar will carry forward that legacy. "From being the land of wisdom to becoming a hub of innovation in food, Bihar is once again ready to lead," he said. The Union minister also launched a strategic report titled "Strategies to Boost India's Makhana Exports", underscoring Bihar's leadership in this unique GI-tagged product. Speaking on the occasion, Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha highlighted the role of the food processing industry in enhancing farmers income. He also informed the gathering about the launch of the Bihar Krishi App, a dedicated platform to provide farmers with essential support and information. The DyCM invited investors to positively consider the state as a promising and future-ready investment destination. Bihar Industries Minister Nitish Mishra said, "Bihar has the potential to become the growth engine of East India". He mentioned the presence of a Government of India-approved Mega Food Park at Muzaffarpur and encouraged investors to leverage Bihar's industrial infrastructure. He mentioned the state's investor-ready ecosystem and the proactive allotment of land within seven days through the Single Window Clearance System. Significantly, 12 companies announced procurement commitments for rice, pulses, spices, fruits, vegetables, and makhana from Bihar, marking a breakthrough in long-term sourcing partnerships with countries. Seventy international buyers representing 20 countries, including six global retail chains, alongside 50 domestic and 20 institutional buyers, are attending the meet. The meet witnessed interest from global players like LuLu Group , SARTAJ , Datar & Sons and Global Foods Trading , who are exploring large-scale procurement of rice, spices, makhana, and fruits from Bihar. Companies such as Royal Golden Trading and UVR Natural Foods have also announced concrete sourcing plans, reaffirming Bihar's emergence as a trusted sourcing hub under the proactive efforts of the Ministry of Food Processing Industries, said the statement issued by the state Industries department.
Time of India
16-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
UP to seek GI tags for 75 products this fiscal
Lucknow: UP govt will apply for GI tags for 75 products in this financial year. Uttar Pradesh also leads among states with 77 GI-tagged products and is hoping to reach the milestone of 152 GI products by March 2026. A govt spokesperson said applications for 25 products are in the process of being submitted to the GI Registry in Chennai. A GI tag identifies a product as emerging from a specific geographical location and marked by key characteristics. A GI tag, therefore, can be seen as a certificate of authenticity. In addition to increasing the number of GI tags, the official added, the state govt is taking robust measures to promote GI products, raise public awareness, and expand the base of authorised users. The MSME department is developing a detailed framework to enhance the recognition and reach of GI-tagged products across the state. "A key component of this initiative is identifying and onboarding more entrepreneurs as authorised users of GI products. These users will be officially recognised and play a vital role in promoting GI goods and encouraging wider participation among local producers. The production and marketing of GI-tagged products will catalyse entrepreneurship and awareness at the grassroots level," the official said. The MSME department is also signing an MoU with the Human Welfare Association, a renowned GI expert organisation, to strengthen this initiative further. "This partnership will be instrumental in expanding the network of authorised GI users and supporting the addition of new GI tags. The move will help safeguard the unique identity of traditional and indigenous products, protecting them from unauthorised use and imitation," the official added. He said the initiative would contribute to rural development, preservation of traditional knowledge, and increased marketing and export potential for UP's distinctive products.
