India is the world’s second–largest producer of fruits and vegetables.

India has the largest

livestock population across the globe which is equal to 512 million, including 119 million
milch (in-milk and dry) animals, 135 million goats and 65 million sheep. The segment
contributes about 25 per cent to the country’s farm Gross Domestic Product (GDP). To
reduce post-harvest losses of fruits and vegetables, Government plans to set up 500 cold
chain projects in the country. Moreover, 42 sanctioned mega food parks in the country are
likely to become operational by 2018
As on November 2016, Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has
launched a major scheme worth US$ 72 million to address the urgent need to upgrade Food
Testing Laboratories in India.
Top 10 Food Processing Companies in India
The food processing industry in India occupies around 32% of its entire food market. An
approximate 13 million people are employed directly in this industry which accounts for
14% of the country’s GDP (manufacturing) and 13% of its exports. The projected growth
of the industry is pegged at USD 194 billion in 2015 from an estimated USD 121 billion at
present.
Nestle: Backed by its net sales (INR 7,490.82 crore) Nestle has acquired the top spot in the
list of “Top Food Companies” according to moneycontrol.com. It deals into food products
spanning diverse categories namely confectionery, prepared dishes, beverages, chocolates
etc.
Amul: The association between Amul and Indians goes back a long way from the year
1946. This company can be placed among any significant list of top food companies in
India merely by virtue of this association. In fact it would not be an exaggeration to say
that no Indian pantry is complete without at least one Amul product in it. Amulspray, Amul
cheese, Amul butter, Amul Milk Powder, Amul Cadbury are some of its leading products.
Rasna International: One of the largest exporter and manufacturers of processed foods
and beverages from India, the top brands from Rasna's stable are Rasna Fruit Plus, Rasna
Glucose-D, Instant Rasna, GoFrut etc
Tata: The Company's not-so-old foray into the food processing industry was
conspicuously marked by its association with Innovative Foods Ltd (IFL). It was seen as a
positive step for leveraging IFL's business in places like Sri Lanka, Europe, Fiji, US,
Australia, Singapore, Japan etc. Now in the year 2012 Tata is already seen as a "big group"
working in the industry.
Pepsico India Holdings:The year 1989 witnessed the penetration of global food giant
Pepsi in the Indian market. The array of food products from the house of Pepsi come from
top brands like Lay's, Aliva, Cheetos, Uncle Chips, Lehar Namkeen etc.
Britannia:Britannia's unassailable presence in India's food processing industry has once
again been established by figures. At present it features second at the list top food
processing companies compiled by moneycontrol.com by virtue of its net sales which stand
at a whopping INR 4,964.51 crore
Usher Agro:One of the leading agro-processing companies in India, Usher Agro has a
range of products like rice, maida, atta etc.
Cadbury India: Think about the most favored children's brands in the country. Some of
the names which come instantly to you mind would be Eclairs, Oreo, Cadbury Dairy Milk,
5 Star, Perk, Bounvita, Bourneville etc. All these brands are from the house of Cadbury
India operating here since a long time. It deals with different categories of food processing
like beverages, confectionery, candy, gum etc.
MTR Foods: Serving our taste and health needs from the year 1924, MTR is still striving
to bring about further innovations in its products in the years to come. One of the most
trusted brands, MTR adheres to strict hygiene measures while processing its foods.
Products like sweet mixes, snacks, sweets, breakfast mixes, beverages etc feature
significantly in its portfolio.
Priya Foods is another favorite household name in India.
challenges in Food Processing Industry (FPI) in India
The key challenges identified overall for the food processing sector in India are as follows:
 Poor supply chain linkages: India’s agriculture market has a long and fragmented
supply chain that results in high wastage and high costs, especially due to
seasonality, perishability, and variability of produce.
 Infrastructure bottlenecks: The export related infrastructure for agri-produce is
grossly inadequate, especially at sea ports and airports. More than 30 percent of the
produce from the fields gets spoilt due to poor post-harvesting facilities and lack of
adequate storage infrastructure.
 Lack of skilled manpower: The agricultural workforce is inadequately skilled
across different levels of food processing.
  Low adherence to quality standards: India lacks basic standardization and
certification infrastructure. Given the size of the food processing industry, there is
a huge gap in the availability of laboratories, trained manpower, and certification
agencies.

Exports of processed food and related products

 During FY11–16, India's exports of processed food and related products (inclusive
of animal products) grew at a CAGR of 11.74 per cent, reaching US$ 16.2 billion.
 Main export destinations for food products have been the Middle East and Southeast
Asia.
 In FY17* India’s exports stood at US$ 1.3 billion.
Food processing and its segments
 The food processing industry is one of the largest industries in India and ranks fifth
in terms of production, consumption and exports. As per the latest data available,
food processing sector is expected to reach US$ 258 billion in FY15.
 In FY16* (till December 2015), food processing industry constituted 14 per cent to
India’s GDP through manufacturing.
Trends
Changing consumer tastes
 Wide array of products, coupled with increasing global connectivity, has led to a
change in the tastes and preference of domestic consumers
 This trend has been bolstered by rising incomes, increasing urbanisation, a young
population, and the emergence of nuclear families. Consumer preference is moving
towards healthier snacks
Entry of international companies
 Liberalisation and growth of organised retail have made the Indian market more
attractive for global players
 With a large agriculture sector, abundant livestock, and cost competitiveness, India
is fast emerging as a sourcing hub of processed food. Danone, Nestle, Kraft Foods,
Mondelez International, Heinz are the international players in food processing
market in India
Higher consumption of horticulture crop
 There is a surge in demand for fruits & vegetables as a result of a shift in
consumption.
 Accordingly, Indian farmers are also shifting production towards horticulture crops
to cash in on the growing demand.
Packaging as purchase influencer and communicator
 Food packaging has enabled today’s consumers to look for various options, and
compare the value offerings thereof, before making a purchase.
 Packaging has also helped enhance ‘carry ability’ of products and increase their
shelf life
Go-Green initiative implementation within food processing industry
By practicing the 3R principle which is by reducing, reusing, and recycling the resources
used, using organic products, and installing equipment’s with green technology.
Energy Efficiency & Conservation:
Energy efficient technologies and conservation practices exist for lighting, heating,
ventilation, air-conditioning, foodservice appliances, office equipment and transportation.
Water Efficiency & Conservation:
Water efficient technologies and conservation practices exist for foodservice appliances,
equipment, and landscaping.
Recycling & Composting:
Recycling services exist for many waste products such as glass, plastic, metal, cardboard,
mixed paper, grease, ink & toner cartridge. Food waste can be diverted from landfills and
made into nutrient-rich soil through the use of a composting service or an on-site system.
Sustainable Food:
Sustainable food products support the long-term maintenance of ecosystem and agriculture
for future generations. Organic agriculture prohibits the use of toxic synthetic pesticides
and fertilizers, irradiation, sewage sludge, and genetic engineering. Locally grown food
reduce the amount of pollution associated with transportation primarily by fossil fuels.
Plant-based food require fewer natural resources and create less pollution per calorie
consumed.
Opportunities
Job Profile:
 Bacteriologists
 Toxicologists
 Food Technologists
 Food batch makers
 Food cooking machine operators and tenders
 Baking and drying machine operators and tenders
 Bakers
 Jobs in Food Supply Chain
Road Ahead
Going forward, the adoption of food safety and quality assurance mechanisms such as Total
Quality Management (TQM) including ISO 9000, ISO 22000, Hazard Analysis and Critical
Control Points (HACCP), Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and Good Hygienic
Practices (GHP) by the food processing industry offers several benefits. It would enable
adherence to stringent quality and hygiene norms and thereby protect consumer health,
prepare the industry to face global competition, enhance product acceptance by overseas
buyers and keep the industry technologically abreast of international best practices.