Trends in food and packaging at Fi India and ProPak India

The 17th edition of Food Ingredients (Fi India) along with the co-located fifth edition of ProPak India by Informa Markets in India commenced at the Bombay Exhibition Centre, Mumbai. The expos brought together top suppliers of food and beverage ingredients and industry experts in research, development, production, and packaging, showcasing a diverse array of novel products and services.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by Keith Kan, consul and senior trade commissioner, Consulate General of Canada, Prabodh Halde, West Zone chairman, All India Food Processors Association, Pawan Agarwal, CEO, Food Future Foundation, Ex-CEO FSSAI, AVPS Chakravarthy, Global Ambassador WPO, Jitha K.K, joint director, FSSAI, West Region, Mumbai, Nilesh Lele, president, Chamber for Advancement of Small and Medium Businesses (CASMB), Umesh Kamble, President, The Association of Food Scientists and Technologists (India) Mumbai Chapter, Ajit Singh, President, Health Foods and Dietary Supplements Association (HADSA), Chandra Sekhar, president Indian Flexible Packaging & Folding Carton Manufacturers Association, Sagar Kurade, managing director, Suman Food Consultants, Chinmayee Deulgaonkar, managing director, FoodChain ID India, Sanjay Sethi, executive director, The Plant Based Foods Industry Association, Subhaprada Nishtala, director in-charge of the ITC-FSAN, Nilesh Amritkar, president designate, Association of Food Scientists and Technologists (India) & managing director, Envirocare Labs.

Speaking at the inaugural ceremony, Nilesh Amritkar said, “We’re honored to commend Fi India’s 17-year journey. AFSTI’s active engagement with Fi India has fostered vital industry, regulatory, and academic connections. Through this collaboration, we’ve united experts, regulators, and educators in enriching conferences and initiatives. Sessions, spanning topics from cooking’s future to innovative cereal products and plant protein competition, promise valuable insights for AFSTI and its members. Our commitment remains steadfast – ensuring safe, nutritious food for all.”

Emphasizing the importance of sustainability in the food and packaging industries, AVPS Chakravarthy said, “The synergy between the packaging and food industries drives innovation in both realms. Globally, the packaging industry stands at $1.1 trillion, with food packaging comprising around $350 billion, projected to rise to $550 billion. The focus on sustainable packaging is evident at ProPak India, showcasing pioneering solutions. Packaging’s vital role in food preservation and supply chain efficiency is undeniable. The WPO’s Safe Food campaign highlights packaging’s crucial role in safeguarding food, especially in underdeveloped regions. Sustainability resonates with millennials, shaping choices in both food and packaging. We are dedicated proponents of sustainability, engaging in close collaboration on a global level.”

Offering the perspective on a science-driven approach in the food industry Jitha K.K said “FSSAI has transitioned from traditional enforcement to a self-compliance approach, prioritizing a science-based foundation. As the food industry evolves with innovations in ingredients and packaging, FSSAI plays a critical role in ensuring their safety. Our presence here aims to spread awareness about our science-driven approach, fostering a secure environment for innovative practices. FSSAI is committed to upholding safety, trust, and innovation in the food sector. Through events like Fi India, we convey our dedication to harmonizing creativity and consumer protection.”

This year’s editions had over 230 leading exhibitors and more than 1,000 brands in Fi India, while ProPak India saw the participation of 85 exhibitors and over 300 brands.  

The key exhibitors at Fi India include Brenntag Ingredients, Synthite Industries, IMCD India, K.P.Manish Global Ingredients, Ingredion India, Azelis (India), Kerry Ingredients India, Biomed Ingredients, Rettenmaier India, Spices Board, Mane Kancor Ingredients, Morinaga Nutritional Foods (Asia-Pacific), Palsgaard A/S, Nexira, Exberry by GNT, Norex Flavours, Gujarat Enterprise, Flavaroma Flavors and Fragrances, VKL Seasoning, Hexagon Nutrition, Scope Ingredients, Symega Food Ingredients, Sudeep Nutrition and more. 

Concurrently, ProPak included companies such as Bry Air Asia, Serac Packaging Solution, Glatt India, Antares Vision India, Galaxy Sivtek, Hilda Automation, Holostik India, Mitsubishi Chemicals India, Mosca India Packaging, Konica Minolta, Dase Sing Packaging Technology, Enerparc Energy. The expos witnessed participation from international exhibitors representing countries, including the Netherlands, Denmark, France, Belgium, the USA, Poland, Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Thailand.

Sagar Kurade said, “In the wake of the Covid era, the food industry seeks to reemerge and thrive. Fi India and ProPak India are pivotal events, enabling vital connections between industry and clients, and fostering growth and innovation. Despite the pandemic, India exported $27 billion in food products in 2021, underscoring the sector’s potential. This is our moment to enhance value through the food industry, catering to discerning local consumers and global standards. Innovation, like in plant-based meats and fruit-based vacuum-cooked products, drives this transformation. This unique platform empowers sourcing and collaboration for essential ingredients, while ProPak fuels our journey toward advanced packaging solutions.”

The expos are primarily supported by industry associations such as the Association of Food Scientists & Technologists (India) (AFSTi Mumbai Chapter); All India Food Processors’ Association (AIFPA); Authentication Solution Providers’ Association (ASPA); SIES School of Packaging;,  Indian Flexible Packaging and Folding Carton Manufacturers Association ( IFCA) and Health Foods and Dietary Supplements Association (HADSA), Chamber For Advancement of Small and Medium Business (CASMB) and international support from Mintel and Innova Market Insights India.

Addressing the opportunities in this sector, Yogesh Mudras, Managing Director, Informa Markets in India, at Fi India and ProPak India, said, “Fi India and ProPak India Expos bring together the best minds and innovations from the food ingredients and food packaging industries. These industries are the backbone of the food cycle ensuring that consumers have access to safe, nutritious, and appealing food products. Both industries are continuously evolving to meet the ever-changing demands of consumers and regulatory requirements. We collaborate closely with food manufacturers and other stakeholders to develop solutions that not only ensure food safety but also enhance the overall consumer experience.”

“Moreover, we are witnessing a historic moment in India’s agricultural and processed food sectors, as Fi India and ProPak India set the stage to boost the growth of these sectors. With agricultural and processed food exports soaring to a record-breaking US$ 26.3 billion in 2022-23 as compared to FY22, the potential of these sectors is undeniable,” he said.

The event featured a dedicated ‘Sustainability Square’, a specialized zone within the venue that highlights the importance of sustainability in packaging. This designated space served as a central hub for exhibitors, engaging presentations, and interactive activities focused on promoting sustainable packaging practices and innovative solutions. 

In addition to attending instructive and informative programs like seminars, live demonstrations, FundQuest by CASMB and, visitors discovered a variety of food ingredients, colors, fragrances, flavors, and functional ingredients from domestic as well as international suppliers.