World Food India 2025: India’s Vision to Become a Global Food Hub

India is gearing up to showcase its rich culinary heritage and agricultural prowess at World Food India (WFI) 2025, the fourth edition of this flagship international event. Scheduled from September 25 to 28, 2025, at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, the event aims to position India as a global food hub, attract international investments, and highlight the diversity of Indian cuisine.

A Grand Opening with Global Flair

On September 25 at 6:00 PM, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will launch WFI 2025, the largest edition yet, with over 90 countries and 2,000+ exhibitors. From food producers to tech innovators, this event will unite the entire food value chain in a celebration of flavor and opportunity.

New Zealand and Saudi Arabia join as Partner Countries, while Japan, UAE, Vietnam, and Russia shine as Focus Countries, fostering new trade and cultural connections.

India’s Food Might: From Fields to Markets

India is a global agricultural powerhouse:

• World’s largest producer of milk, onions, and pulses.

• Second-largest producer of rice, wheat, sugarcane, tea, fruits, vegetables, and eggs.

The food processing sector has attracted USD 7.33 billion in foreign investment over the past decade. In 2024–25, India’s agricultural and processed food exports hit USD 49.4 billion, with processed foods making up 20.4%, a leap from 13.7% ten years ago. Employing 2.23 million workers in registered units and 4.68 million in unregistered ones, this sector is a cornerstone of India’s economy.

Government Fueling Food Innovation

India’s government is driving the food processing boom with bold initiatives:

1. Infrastructure Growth:

• 24 mega food parks for large-scale processing.

• 22 agro-processing clusters to empower local farmers.

• 289 cold chain projects to keep food fresh.

• 305 processing and preservation units for quality and efficiency.

2. Key Programs:

• Production Linked Incentive Scheme for Food Processing Industry (PLISFPI): ₹10,900 crore (2021–27) to build global Indian brands.

• Production Linked Incentive Scheme for Millet-Based Products (PLISMBP): Promoting nutritious ready-to-eat and ready-to-cook millet products.

• Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana (PMKSY): Modernizing supply chains and infrastructure.

• PM Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFME): Supporting small businesses with technical and financial aid.

With 100% FDI allowance and a ₹2,000 crore NABARD fund, these efforts are cutting waste, boosting jobs, and connecting rural India to global markets.

What’s on the Menu at WFI 2025?

WFI 2025 is a feast of innovation, networking, and culture:

• Knowledge Sessions: Global experts and policymakers discuss the future of food.

• Innovative Exhibits: Discover advancements in food processing, packaging, and cold chain tech, with zones for pet food, HoReCa (Hotels, Restaurants, Catering), and more.

• Networking Opportunities: Build partnerships through B2B, B2G, and G2G meetings.

• Culinary Showcases: Enjoy chef competitions, live cooking demos, and the Great Indian Food Street, celebrating India’s diverse flavors.

• Startup Grand Challenge: Watch food-tech startups pitch bold ideas with mentorship and funding opportunities.

Global Side Events

Two major events will amplify WFI 2025’s impact:

• 3rd Global Food Regulators Summit (FSSAI): Harmonizing food safety standards worldwide.

• 24th India International Seafood Show (SEAI): Showcasing India’s growing seafood export potential.

Vision 2047: A Sustainable Food Future

Aligned with Viksit Bharat 2047, WFI 2025 champions:

• Sustainability: Eco-friendly technologies and nutrition-focused products.

• Infrastructure: Advanced food-tech and global market integration.

• Entrepreneurship: Empowering startups and small businesses.

• Global Leadership: Positioning India as a trusted food processing leader.

• Innovation: Driving cutting-edge solutions for a resilient food ecosystem.

By reducing food waste, boosting farmer incomes, and creating jobs in smaller cities, WFI 2025 is a step toward a prosperous India.

Building on WFI 2024’s Success

The third edition (September 19–22, 2024) set the stage with 1,557 exhibitors, 20 country pavilions, and 2,390 foreign delegates from 108 nations. It showcased 100+ One District One Product (ODOP) items and delivered:

• 67 food processing units launched with ₹5,135 crore in investments.

• 25,000 beneficiaries supported with ₹2,351 crore under PMFME.

• ₹245 crore in seed capital for 70,000 SHG members.

WFI 2025 will take this legacy further.

Join the journey at worldfoodindia.gov.in and savor India’s rise as a global food leader!

(Rh/VK/MSM)