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Experts stress on regulatory compliance for export growth
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Friday, 07 August, 2026, 08 : 00 AM [IST]
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Our Bureau, Mumbai
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India's food processing and beverage industry must view regulatory compliance as a strategic enabler of export growth, consumer trust and food waste reduction, rather than a regulatory burden, industry experts said during a panel discussion at FoodTekPack 2026, held alongside IndusFood Ahmedabad at the Helipad Exhibition Centre in Gandhinagar.
The session highlighted the growing importance of complying with the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) framework as Indian food manufacturers expand their presence in global markets. Speakers stressed that adherence to food safety regulations is increasingly linked to brand credibility, product quality and international competitiveness.
Bhushan Namderao Yengade, Founder of Binder Technology Consultancy and National Vice President of Market Research at CPRTTF, said FSSAI compliance has become a fundamental requirement for building commercial trust and enabling export-led growth.
"FSSAI compliance is no longer optional; it is the structural foundation of commercial trust," Yengade said, adding that aligning with international food safety standards is essential for safeguarding public health and accessing premium export markets.
He also outlined key challenges facing domestic food processors, including inadequate cold chain infrastructure, inconsistent raw material quality and the high cost of upgrading ageing processing equipment. According to Yengade, many small and medium-sized processors continue to struggle with meeting the extensive documentation and traceability requirements mandated under modern food safety regulations.
Addressing the role of packaging in food safety, Foram Badani, Assistant Director at the Indian Institute of Packaging (IIP), Ahmedabad, said compliant packaging plays a crucial role in extending shelf life, preventing food waste and ensuring consumer safety.
He noted that adherence to packaging standards helps prevent chemical migration from packaging materials into food products while preserving product quality and nutritional value. Badani encouraged manufacturers to consider compliant packaging as a long-term investment rather than a compliance expense.
The discussion also focused on the growing importance of transparent product labelling. Rashida Vapiwala, Founder of LabelBlind, said clean labelling is becoming a significant differentiator for food brands as consumers increasingly seek clear and honest ingredient information.
He noted that transparent labels not only support compliance with FSSAI regulations but also strengthen consumer confidence and enhance brand value by eliminating misleading claims and complex terminology.
Gokul S of EJAGI also shared insights on FSSAI regulations and broader compliance requirements, highlighting the need for greater awareness across the food processing ecosystem.
Concluding the session, Yengade called for closer collaboration between regulators, manufacturers and technology providers to build a more competitive and compliant food industry.
"The future of the Indian food sector depends on our ability to transform regulatory pressure into a competitive market advantage," he said.
The FoodTekPack 2026 conference concluded with networking sessions that enabled industry stakeholders to explore partnerships and discuss next-generation food processing and packaging technologies aimed at strengthening India's food manufacturing and export ecosystem.
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