The twin trade fairs, Anuga FoodTec India and Anuga Select India 2025, opened today at the Bombay Exhibition Centre, bringing together key players from across the global food and beverage industry. Organized by Koelnmesse India, the events will run from August 20–22 and aim to foster innovation, international partnerships, and trade opportunities at a time when India’s food processing sector is experiencing rapid growth. With 100% FDI permitted in food and beverages and the sector projected to expand among the fastest worldwide, the exhibitions are positioned at a crucial moment for South Asia’s F&B landscape.
The inauguration featured prominent dignitaries, including Seetharaman Raghupathi, Executive Director, NDDB; Ahmad Al Ahmari, Chargé d’Affaires, Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia; Zozo Binti, Head of Mission, DR Congo; Labane Gideon, Consul General of South Africa; Donnawit Poolsawat, Consul General of Thailand; along with senior representatives from Koelnmesse GmbH and Koelnmesse India.
Highlighting India’s growing role in the global food economy, Mr Raghupathi noted that the country’s food processing sector is valued at ₹75 trillion, with dairy alone accounting for a quarter of the market. He emphasized the contribution of 17 million farmers, 35% of them women, and pointed to initiatives such as White Revolution 2.0, which will establish 75,000 new cooperatives by 2029. He underlined that platforms like Anuga provide an essential push for innovation and sustainability in the sector. International representatives also spotlighted opportunities: Saudi Arabia showcased its thriving date industry; the DR Congo underlined its vast agricultural and mineral potential; and South Africa highlighted Africa’s growing F&B market, forecasted to touch US$1 trillion by 2030.
Gerald Böse, President and CEO of Koelnmesse GmbH, said the strong turnout of exhibitors and buyers underscored India’s rising importance as a hub for food and beverage innovation. Milind Dixit, Managing Director, Koelnmesse India, added that the expos will help connect global players with India’s fast-growing market and emerging technologies.
This year’s edition features over 1,100 exhibitors, including leading Indian brands such as Parag Milk Foods, Tata Consumer Products, Milky Mist, Chitale, Society Tea, and Goldie Masala. On the technology front, companies like Syntegon, Mespack, Alfa Laval, and Kanchan Metals are showcasing advancements in processing and packaging. Dedicated country pavilions from Saudi Arabia, Germany, South Africa, France, USA, Italy, China, Australia, and others further reinforce the global scope of the event.
The show floor is complemented by knowledge-sharing platforms such as the F&B Manufacturing Conference, the India Food Supply Summit, the Culinary Corner with celebrated chefs, and the Product Launch Showcase, where new solutions in packaging, automation, and processing are being unveiled. Entrepreneurial journeys were also spotlighted at ScaleUp Palate, while the Expert Zone focused on export readiness, digital transformation, and food safety.
Industry leaders expressed optimism about India’s future as a global food hub. Envirocare Labs emphasized the country’s rapid growth in food-tech innovation, while VDMA Germany underlined the rising demand for advanced packaging and processing machinery. Indian companies such as VRS Foods (Paras Dairy) and Lyallji Foods announced product launches and expansion strategies, using the platform to connect with domestic and international buyers.
Over the coming days, the expos will continue with sessions on AI-driven supply chains, sustainability in manufacturing, and next-generation packaging solutions. With strong global participation and a focus on future-ready technologies, Anuga FoodTec India and Anuga Select India 2025 are set to further cement India’s position in the international F&B landscape.
