Introduction:
The food processing sector is one of the largest sectors in India in terms of production, growth, consumption, and export. India's food processing sector covers fruit and vegetables, spices, meat and poultry, milk and milk products, alcoholic beverages, fisheries, plantations, grain processing, and other consumer product groups like confectionery, chocolates and cocoa products, soya-based products, mineral water, high protein foods, etc. Since liberalization in August 1991, proposals for projects have been proposed in various segments of the food and agro-processing industry. Besides this, Govt. has also approved proposals for joint ventures, foreign collaboration, industrial licenses and 100% export-oriented units envisaging an investment. The sector has attracted USD 6.8 billion FDI equity inflow during 2014 to 2023-24.In 2023-24, processed food contributed to 23.4% of total agri exports.
Exports:
India's exports of Processed Food were Rs. 7,701.66 USD Millions in 2023-24, which is as follows:
| Items | Exports FY24 (USD Mil) |
| Mango Pulp | 75.35 |
| Processed Vegetables | 787.28 |
| Cucumber and Gherkins (Prepd. & Presvd.) | 256.58 |
| Processed Fruits, Juices & Nuts | 682.58 |
| Pulses | 686.93 |
| Groundnuts | 860.73 |
| Guargum | 541.65 |
| Jaggery & Confectionary | 430.88 |
| Cocoa Products | 183.54 |
| Cereal Preparations | 841.79 |
| Alcoholic Beverages | 375.09 |
| Miscellaneous Preparations | 1326.24 |
| Milled Products | 172.69 |
| Prepared Animal Feeder | 447.40 |
| Other Oil Cake/Solid Residues | 32.93 |
The Indian food processing industry is primarily export oriented. India's geographical situation gives it the unique advantage of connectivity to Europe, the Middle East, Japan, Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia and Korea. One such example indicating India's location advantage is the value of trade in agriculture and processed food between India and the Gulf region.
The Indian government has highlighted the food processing sector under the “Make in India” initiative, a Government of India program designed to facilitate investment, foster innovation, enhance skill development, protect intellectual property, and build a good manufacturing infrastructure. The food processing sector has emerged as an important segment of the Indian economy in terms of its contribution to the gross domestic product, exports, investment, and employment.
