Fi India and ProPak India 2024 to Focus on Food and Packaging Innovation

Informa Markets in India, India’s leading B2B event’s organiser is all set to bring in the 18th edition of the Food Ingredients (Fi India) along with the 6th edition of collocated ProPak India to Bengaluru this year from 25th to 27th September 2024 at the BIEC.  These vibrant expos stand as the premier B2B hub, uniting the food, health, packaging, and processing sectors in one grand event. Fi India offers an unparalleled chance to discover top-tier ingredients and cutting-edge innovations, perfectly aligned to meet the changing needs of consumers and the industry. Meanwhile, ProPak India showcases a comprehensive array of advanced processing machinery and packaging solutions, featuring a wide spectrum of products, from packaging materials and machinery to labelling systems, automation technologies, and beyond.

Food Ingredients Market

The India food ingredients market, valued at USD 1.083 billion in 2023, is on a growth trajectory, projected to reach USD 1.82 billion by 2031, with a CAGR of 6.7% from 2024 to 2031. This growth is fuelled by the promising outlook for the Indian food industry, where ingredients are poised to play a pivotal role in the next wave of expansion. Key drivers include a growing population, rising disposable incomes, the shift to double-income households, urbanization, and improved living standards. These factors are expected to boost demand for natural colours, flavours, additives, and particularly for health-conscious and functional food products. 

As lifestyle diseases rise due to changing eating habits, there is a simultaneous increase in consumer awareness regarding the health impacts of certain foods. This has led to a growing demand for health and wellness products, including Prebiotics, Probiotics, plant base, sweeteners, natural colours, Smart proteins, Enzymes ,flavours, which are becoming essential in the market. 

The expansion in the production of diverse starches, food gums, and texturing ingredients, supported by India's extensive wheat and corn cultivation, highlights the vast potential for ingredient innovation. While India has a strong foundation for food production, market opportunities akin to those in the Western world are beginning to emerge. To capitalize on this momentum, food ingredient players must accelerate their strategies to keep pace with the rapidly evolving market.

India’s Food & Packaging Industry in Focus

The India Food & Beverage Packaging Market is projected to grow from USD 35.93 billion in 2024 to USD 49.27 billion by 2029, with a CAGR of 6.52% during this period. This growth is driven by the increasing consumption of packaged foods, growing awareness of product quality, and the expanding food processing sector, which reduces agricultural waste. The rise of organized retail, higher purchasing power among the middle class, and the booming online food delivery market, supported by platforms like Zomato and Swiggy, also contribute to this trend. However, the market faces challenges due to fluctuating raw material prices, stringent regulations on plastic use, and the need for sustainable packaging solutions, spurred by environmental concerns. The shift towards eco-friendly packaging, supported by companies like Evirocor, and innovations in nanotechnology to enhance packaging sustainability and functionality, are expected to further shape the market's growth amidst evolving regulatory landscapes.

Speaking on Fi India and Propak India expos, Mr. Yogesh Mudras, Managing Director, Informa Markets in India, said, “Fi India & ProPak India 2024 is more than just an exhibition; it's a convergence of innovation, collaboration, and forward-thinking solutions that will shape the future of the food and packaging industries. As new regulations focused on sustainability and safety redefine packaging standards, companies must adapt and innovate to remain competitive. With 75% of global consumers willing to pay more for eco-friendly packaging and 68% expressing concerns about plastic waste, the demand for sustainable practices is undeniable.

"Additionally, the rise in food-borne diseases has heightened health consciousness among consumers, leading to a growing demand for natural ingredients and safer food practices. In response to these evolving trends, this year’s event will provide an unparalleled platform for industry leaders to connect, explore solutions, and drive the transformation of the sector. Bengaluru, being a dynamic hub for food processing and innovation, makes it the perfect venue to host Fi India & ProPak India 2024 once again. The city’s thriving market and strategic importance in the industry will play a crucial role in fostering growth and collaboration among key stakeholders."

Uniting Forging Connections in Food & Packaging Industry

Fi India & ProPak India attracts a wide range of attendees, including food manufacturers, producers, distributors, and suppliers, packaging materials providers, machinery and equipment manufacturers, labeling solutions experts, and automation technology providers, along with procurement heads, R&D professionals, food consultants, and government officials providing a fertile ground for networking and business collaboration. Exhibitors will showcase a diverse array of products, such as herbs, spices, seasonings, food additives, flavors, colors, fragrances, and nutritional ingredients essential for food formulation. Fi India is expected to feature over 240 domestic exhibitors and over 1000 brands along with international exhibitors  from Thailand, Japan, Hong Kong, France, Poland, Denmark and Canada. While ProPak India will feature over 100 exhibitors and over 500 brands, both expos collectively anticipating to drawing over 17,000 visitors.  

Leading exhibitors at Fi & ProPak India  will include Brenntag Ingredients India Pvt Ltd, IMCD, Synthite Industries Pvt Ltd, K.P. Manish Global Ingredients Pvt Ltd, Novasol Ingredients Pvt Ltd, Azelis (India) Pvt Ltd, Symega Food Ingredients Ltd, and Norex Flavours Pvt Ltd, Fillpack Technology, Glatt (India) Engineering Pvt Ltd, Hilda Automation, Starpac, among others.

Industry Association Support

Fi & ProPak India 2024 is supported by several key industry associations, including SIES (South Indian Education Society), IFCA (Indian Federation of Culinary Associations), ASPA (Authentication Solution Providers' Association), AIFPA (All India Food Processors' Association), AFSTI-Mysuru & Bengaluru Chapters(Association of Food Scientists & Technologists (India), HADSA (Health Foods and Dietary Supplements Association), CASMB, and IBA, further enhancing the event’s credibility and influence.

A Comprehensive and Engaging event

This year's conference will focus on sustainability and innovation, featuring sessions on the ingredient supply chain, smart protein ingredients, and insights from the Good Food Institute India (GFI) and the Alternative Protein Innovation Center (APIC). The conference will witness 25-30 industry experts delivering 10 to 14 sessions across three days.  Other highlights include Fi Innovative Product Showcase Zone- A platform for showcasing cutting-edge food and beverage ingredients; Network Sessions & Fund Quest- Presentations by start-up companies and insights from industry visionaries; Live Demonstrations & Global Trend Zone - Explore global trends and developments in the food and beverage sector; Fi India Awards - The awards will recognize industry leaders and visionaries driving growth and innovation within the food and beverage industry, celebrating excellence and creativity.