World Food India (WFI) is set to establish India as a global hub for food processing, capitalizing on the nation’s rich agricultural base and diverse food products to meet global demands. WFI focuses on investment, innovation, and supply chain improvements, making it a cornerstone for the country’s ambitions in the food sector. This blog explores the key initiatives, objectives, and highlights of the 2024 event.
What is World Food India?
World Food India is a flagship initiative by the Indian government aimed at transforming the food processing sector. It attracts investments, fosters innovation, and enhances the supply chain by bringing together stakeholders from agriculture, logistics, retail, and food processing industries.
Key Objectives of World Food India
- Investment Attraction
WFI focuses on creating a favorable environment for domestic and foreign investors in the food processing industry, accelerating growth and innovation. - Enhancing Food Processing Capabilities
Reducing food wastage and adding value through advanced processing techniques are at the core of WFI’s mission, which benefits farmers and enhances the market for processed foods. - Strengthening Supply Chains
A streamlined supply chain is crucial for delivering food products efficiently from farms to consumers. WFI aims to strengthen logistics and infrastructure for this purpose. - Promoting Export Opportunities
By promoting Indian food products globally, WFI aims to boost exports and help Indian brands gain a foothold in the international market.
Highlights from World Food India 2024
WFI 2024 took place at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, from September 19-22, and was a key platform for showcasing India’s food processing potential. One of the event’s showstoppers was the MPEDA Pavilion, which highlighted the diversity and strength of Indian seafood products.
MPEDA Pavilion: A Spotlight on Indian Seafood
The Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA) was a major participant at WFI 2024, presenting a rich array of Indian seafood, from aquacultured shrimp and wild-caught varieties to unique value-added products. The MPEDA Pavilion stood out as a key attraction for international buyers, eager to explore the potential for seafood imports from India. The 25 co-exhibitors showcased the vast potential of India’s marine resources.
From the platter of delicious Indian seafood to a hive of activities in the Buyer-Seller Meets, the MPEDA Pavilion was undeniably a crowd-puller. The invited buyers, excited by the prospects of importing seafood from India, expressed their gratitude for the opportunity provided by MPEDA to explore new business avenues during these interactions.
Major Initiatives Under WFI
- Policy Reforms
To streamline business operations, WFI introduces policy reforms aimed at simplifying regulations and encouraging smoother functioning within the food processing sector. - Skill Development Programs
Training and skill development initiatives focus on enhancing the workforce’s capabilities in food processing, which is critical for supporting the industry’s growth. - Partnerships and Collaborations
WFI fosters collaboration between the government, private sector, and international bodies, creating a platform for knowledge sharing and resource pooling. - Technology and Innovation
WFI promotes cutting-edge technologies in food processing, packaging, and preservation, driving both efficiency and sustainability.
Opportunities for Entrepreneurs and Businesses
- Startup Ecosystem
WFI nurtures a dynamic ecosystem for startups in the food processing and technology sectors, offering government support and funding opportunities. - Market Access
Entrepreneurs and businesses can capitalize on improved access to both domestic and international markets through WFI initiatives, opening up new growth possibilities. - Networking and Collaboration
Participation in WFI provides invaluable networking opportunities with industry leaders, investors, and stakeholders, leading to potential collaborations and partnerships.
World Food India 2024 has proven to be a transformative platform for the country’s food processing sector. The event, exemplified by the MPEDA Pavilion’s standout showcase, underscores India’s potential in the global food market. By attracting investments, promoting innovation, and strengthening the supply chain, WFI paves the way for India to emerge as a global leader in food processing. The opportunities for businesses and entrepreneurs are vast, and the future looks promising for India’s food ecosystem.