FNB News - Food & Beverage leaders convene at Anuga FoodTec India and Anuga Select India

You can get e-magazine links on WhatsApp. Click here

FOOD PROCESSING

Food & Beverage leaders convene at Anuga FoodTec India and Anuga Select India

Friday, 22 August, 2025, 08 : 00 AM [IST]

Our Bureau, Mumbai

Anuga FoodTec India and Anuga Select India 2025 commenced at the Bombay Exhibition Centre, Mumbai, setting the stage for one of the most significant congregations of the food and beverage value chain in South Asia. With India’s food processing sector projected to be among the fastest-growing industries in the coming years and the government permitting 100% Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the F&B segment, the twin expos arrive at a defining juncture for the industry. Organised by Koelnmesse India, taking place from August 20 to 22, 2025, the events are designed to drive South Asia’s F&B growth by championing innovation, facilitating international partnerships, and enabling opportunities for trade and knowledge exchange.

The inauguration was graced by an eminent panel of dignitaries, including Seetharaman Raghupathi, executive director, National Dairy Development Board (NDDB); Ahmad Al Ahmari, chargé d'Affaires, royal embassy of Saudi Arabia; Zozo Binti, head of Mission, D R Congo; Labane Gideon, consul general of South Africa; Donnawit Poolsawat, consul general of Thailand; Bastian Mingers, vice president, Food Portfolio, Koelnmesse GmbH; Milind Dixit, managing director – India & SAARC, Koelnmesse Pvt Ltd; and Sameer Mithia, group director, Koelnmesse Pvt Ltd.

Raghupathi said, “India’s food and beverage sector is growing rapidly, backed by 180 million hectares of arable land, food processing valued at Rs 75 trillion, and food expenditure making up over 40% of consumer spend. Dairy contributes 25% of this sector, with India producing one-fourth of the world’s milk, worth Rs 12 trillion. With 17 million farmers across 235,000 villages, 35% of whom are women, dairy cooperatives return 75% of the consumer rupee, channelling Rs 2.1 billion daily into the rural economy. Initiatives like White Revolution 2.0, which aims to establish 75,000 new cooperatives by 2028–29, will further boost this growth. Platforms like Anuga FoodTec India and Anuga Select India are vital to driving innovation and sustainability in the F&B sector.”

Ahmari said, “Saudi Arabia’s rich history, culture, and future are deeply connected with one of nature’s most generous gifts, dates. The Kingdom is home to more than 37.1 million palm trees, producing around 1.1 million tons annually, across 123 kilometres of farmland and over 300 unique date varieties. Sharing dates is a way of sharing culture, while also meeting global demand for sustainable, organic, and health-conscious products. Nations, businesses, and investors are invited to join this journey and partner in bringing this blessed fruit to every corner of the globe.”

Binti said, “The Democratic Republic of Congo, with a population of 112 million, over 80 million hectares of arable land, 87% of the world’s cobalt reserves, and vast potential in fisheries, forests, and hydrocarbons, stands as a land of immense opportunity at the heart of Africa. Platforms like Anuga FoodTec and Anuga Select India 2025 foster partnerships and innovation, helping us reimagine a future of smarter, safer, and more sustainable food systems, while building stronger ties with India and the world.”

Gideon said, “Africa’s food and beverage industry, valued at $313 billion, is projected to reach $1 trillion by 2030, offering immense opportunities for jobs, prosperity, and integration into the global economy. With agriculture still accounting for over 60% of Africa’s value chain, compared to 22% globally, investments in value-added processing and branded products are critical to unlock this potential. South Africa, with a strong food processing industry and key exports including wine, fruit juices, and food additives, recognises India, home to 1.4 billion people and one of the world’s fastest-growing economies, as a vital partner. Platforms like Anuga FoodTec and Anuga Select India 2025 enable us to strengthen trade ties, showcase our diverse offerings, and build lasting partnerships between Africa, South Africa, and India in the food and beverage sector.”

“The opening day of Anuga Select India and Anuga FoodTec India has set a strong tone for the days ahead, bringing together industry leaders, innovators, and decision-makers under one roof. It is encouraging to see such vibrant participation and meaningful exchanges that reaffirm India’s role as a fast-growing hub for food, beverage, and technology innovation. We are proud to see these platforms driving collaboration between India and the global marketplace,” said Gerald Böse, president and CEO, Koelnmesse GmbH.

Dixit said, “Anuga FoodTec India and Anuga Select India are acting as powerful engines of transformation for the F&B sector. With the global food processing market projected to surpass USD 4 trillion by 2030 and India expected to emerge among the top three markets worldwide, these shows provide an invaluable platform to access next-gen technologies, embrace sustainable solutions, and build long-term collaborations. The impressive turnout from leading international exhibitors to high-powered buyer delegations highlights India’s fast-rising stature as a global hub for the food and beverage industry.”