WORLD FOOD INDIA 2025
Context:
- The Ministry of Food Processing Industries, Government of India, is set to host the 4th edition of ‘World Food India 2025’ at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, from September 25th, 2025.
- This flagship event serves as a crucial platform for promotion investment, collaboration, and showcasing the immense potential of India’s food processing sector.
ABOUT WFI
- Genesis: The 1st edition of World Food India was held in 2017, followed by successful second and third editions in 2023 and 2024,
- Purpose: WFI acts as a gateway to the Indian food economy, providing a significant opportunity for stakeholders to showcase, connect, and collaborate within the global food ecosystem.
- Organizer: Organized by the Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI), Government of India.
- Scope: It is the largest gathering of investors, manufacturers, producers, food processors, policymakers, and organizations from the global food ecosystem.
OBJECTIVES
WFI aims to:
- Provide opportunities for both investment and trade in the food processing sector for leading Indian and international companies.
- Serve as a premier platform for stakeholders from across the world to connect, collaborate, and explore opportunities in India’s dynamic food processing landscape.
- Position India as a promising global hub for food processing, manufacturing, and cold chain logistics.
- Promote India as the “Food Basket of the World.”
THEME
The theme for the 4th edition is “Processing for Prosperity”. This theme emphasizes the role of food processing in enhancing farmer income, creating employment, and contributing to national revenue.
FOCUSSING ON FOOD PROCESSING SECTOR IN INDIA:
- Make in India Priority: The food processing sector is a high-priority area under the “Make in India” initiative, reflecting its strategic importance for economic growth and employment generation.
- Government Schemes: The Ministry of Food Processing Industries implements various schemes to attract investment and develop robust infrastructure in the sector.
SCHEMES RELATED TO FOOD PROCESSING SECTOR
Key schemes include:
- Pradhan Mantri Kisan SAMPADA Yojana (PMKSY): A comprehensive package aiming at creation of modern infrastructure with efficient supply chain management from farm gate to retail outlet. It includes schemes like Mega Food Parks, Cold Chain, Agro Processing Clusters, etc.
- Pradhan Mantri Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFME) Scheme: A centrally sponsored scheme to provide financial, technical, and business support for setting up/upgradation of micro food processing enterprises, especially focusing on ‘One District One Product’ (ODOP) approach.
- Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for Food Processing Industry (PLISFPI): Aims to support creation of global food manufacturing champions and strengthen Indian brands of food products for the international market.
- Infrastructure Development: MoFPI facilitates the establishment of Mega Food Parks in agriculturally rich areas. These parks provide essential utilities and common processing facilities, offering a “plug-and-play” model for entrepreneurs to set up food processing units.
- Policy Reforms: India has implemented significant policy reforms, including 100% FDI in food processing and reduction in compliances, to create a conducive environment for investment.
KEY OUTCOMES & FUTURE OUTLOOK
- WFI serves as a crucial platform for fostering business-to-business (B2B) and government-to-business (G2B) interactions.
- It highlights India’s diverse culinary heritage and its potential as a source for raw materials and processed food products.
- The event facilitates technology transfer, joint ventures, and partnerships between Indian and international companies.
- By focusing on themes like “Processing for Prosperity,” WFI aims to drive innovations, promote sustainable practices, reduce post-harvest losses, and ensure food security.
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