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India’s Food Market Growth Driven by Processing and Trade
India has a very large food market that is growing quickly.
Experts estimate its value at US$550–600 billion.
The government wants more food to be processed before it is sold.
This could help farmers receive more value for their products.
India also wants to increase its food exports.
A trade agreement with the European Union could make selling goods between the two regions easier.
Food companies from many countries met at exhibitions in Mumbai.
They discussed food technology, packaging, plant-based proteins, and supply chains.
Officials said cooperation and new technology could help India become a bigger global food-processing center.
India’s food market is estimated at US$550–600 billion and growing at a 6–7% CAGR.
Officials aim to increase food processing and double agri-food exports beyond the current US$53 billion benchmark.
The India–EU Free Trade Agreement was described as opening access to a market of around two billion people.
Anuga Select India and Anuga FoodTec India 2026 featured more than 1,100 exhibitors from 43 countries in Mumbai.
India’s food processing industry reached around US$382 billion in FY2025 and could approach US$689 billion by FY2034.
- Who
- Indian government officials, industry leaders, Koelnmesse, and exhibitors from 43 countries.
- What
- They discussed the expansion of India’s food market and processing industry, export growth, technology, and international cooperation.
- Where
- The events took place at the Bombay Exhibition Centre in Mumbai, India.
- When
- The exhibitions were held from September 29 to October 1, 2026; the remarks were reported as being made on Friday.
- Why
- The discussions focused on increasing food processing, adding value for farmers, expanding exports, and strengthening global food-sector cooperation.
Key facts
- Estimated food market
- US$550–600 billion
- Market growth
- 6–7% CAGR
- Current agri-food exports
- US$53 billion benchmark
- Food processing industry
- Around US$382 billion in FY2025
- Projected industry size
- Nearly US$689 billion by FY2034
- Exhibition participation
- More than 1,100 exhibitors from 43 countries
- Trade agreement coverage
- 99.3% of EU trade value and 96.6% of India’s trade value
Quotes
Devesh Deval
Joint Secretary, Ministry of Food Processing Industries
“The sector had already reached around US$382 billion in FY2025 and is projected to approach US$689 billion by FY2034, while processed food now accounts for more than 20% of India’s agricultural exports.”
deccanchronicle.com
“India’s food market is estimated at US$550–600 billion and growing at a healthy 6–7% CAGR, supported by economic growth and urbanization.”
deccanchronicle.com
Martina Englhardt-Kopf
Vice minister, Ministry of Food and Agriculture, Federal Republic of Germany
“The conclusion of the India–EU Free Trade Agreement is therefore an economically significant milestone, creating a market of around two billion people and liberalizing trade covering 99.3% of EU and 96.6% of India’s trade value.”
deccanchronicle.com
Sources
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