Context:
The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) took center stage at the 39th edition of AAHAR 2025, held from March 4–8, 2025, at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. The event, organized by the India Trade Promotion Organization (ITPO), underscored India’s growing influence in the global agriculture and food processing industry.
Diverse Participation Reflecting India’s Agri-Food Strength
APEDA facilitated the participation of 95 exhibitors, including:
- Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) and Farmer Producer Companies (FPCs)
- Entrepreneurs and manufacturing firms from 17 states and multiple Union Territories
This broad representation highlighted India’s regional agricultural diversity and its evolving food processing sector, emphasizing innovation, sustainability, and quality standards.
Focus on Sustainable and Plant-Based Food Innovations
During the ‘India Plant-Based Foods Show’, APEDA Chairman Shri Abhishek Dev emphasized:
- India’s expanding agricultural and processed food exports
- The rising global demand for plant-based food as a sustainable alternative
- The potential of millets and organic products to meet international sustainability goals
Showcasing India’s Processed Food Diversity
The APEDA Pavilion featured a wide array of organic and processed food categories, including:
- Millets & value-added products
- Frozen & canned foods (vegetarian & non-vegetarian)
- Dehydrated onions & garlic
- Flavored cashews, confectionery & chocolates
- Edible oils, cereals, spices & health-centric beverages
The Pavilion served as a hub for industry professionals, fostering networking and trade collaborations.
Culinary Showcase & Live Demonstrations
A wet sampling area, led by an Indian chef, provided live demonstrations of healthy millet-based cuisines such as:
- Millet mathri pie, foxtail corn risotto, ragi & mango smoothie
- Aromatic biryani, brown rice porridge, and other nutritious dishes
This interactive segment attracted strong footfall, offering attendees a first-hand experience of India’s evolving culinary innovations.
Key Inaugurations & Industry Engagement
- The event was inaugurated by Hon’ble Union Minister of Food Processing Industries, Shri Chirag Paswan.
- The APEDA Pavilion was launched by APEDA Chairman, Shri Abhishek Dev, alongside officials from FSSAI and other regulatory bodies.
Their participation reinforced India’s commitment to exporting high-quality, sustainable food products, positioning the country as a key player in global food markets.
Strategic Takeaways & Future Outlook
- Enhanced international trade collaborations through APEDA’s export-ready product showcase.
- Strong investor and buyer interest in plant-based, organic, and processed foods.
- Emphasis on sustainability, with a growing focus on millets and plant-based food innovation.
- Potential regulatory refinements to further facilitate the export of Indian agricultural products.
APEDA’s participation at AAHAR 2025 marked a significant milestone in India’s food export strategy, demonstrating its agricultural prowess and commitment to sustainable food production. The event further cemented India’s role as a global leader in processed and organic food exports, opening doors for enhanced trade partnerships and investment opportunities.
Source: PIB
