Experts highlight India’s food processing sector poised to touch $535 billion by FY26, with organic food market set for exponential growth
New Delhi
India’s food processing sector is projected to reach $535 billion by FY26, driven by rising consumption and growing exports, experts said at a three-day event organised by Informa Markets. The growth is further supported by government initiatives such as ‘Make in India,’ along with technological advances in AI-driven automation and smart packaging.
The event brought together over 350 exhibitors from India and abroad and drew more than 15,000 professionals from 50 countries, underscoring the sector’s growing global relevance.
Industry specialists noted that India’s organic food market, currently valued at $1.9 billion, is set to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 20.13 per cent, reaching $10.8 billion by 2033. The food ingredients segment is also witnessing steady growth of 7–8 per cent annually, positioning India as a global hub for food and packaging materials.
Food ingredients form the backbone of the food sector, with packaging playing an equally critical role in ensuring safety and quality, said Dr Meenakshi Singh, Chief Scientist at the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR).
Yogesh Mudras, Managing Director of Informa Markets in India, added that the organic food market alone is expected to reach Rs 75,000 crore by 2025, as consumers increasingly opt for healthier and plant-based products. He described the sector as being in a transformative phase due to health consciousness and shifting dietary preferences. The sector currently contributes 7.7 per cent to India’s manufacturing output and supports over 7 million jobs. Experts at the event said the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) will introduce stricter labelling requirements.
