Biswaranjan JenaNew Delhi, March 5, 2025 – Marking a significant milestone in the country’s journey towards sustainable food innovation, the highly anticipated India Plant Based Foods Show 2025 concluded on March 4th, 2025, at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. Organised by the Plant Based Foods Industry Association (PBFIA) in collaboration with the Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI), Ministry of Micro, Medium and Small Enterprises (MoMSME), Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), and India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO), the event brought together policymakers, industry leaders, scientists, investors, and innovators to shape the segment of plant-based nutrition in India.
The event was graced by Honourable Shri Chirag Paswan, Minister of Food Processing Industries, as the Chief Guest, who inaugurated the Plant-Based Food Arena, demonstrating the government’s commitment to fostering a robust Plant-Based food ecosystem in India.
The event was proudly powered by leading industry sponsors, including NETZSCH, PALL Corporation, RELUS, SYMEGA, U.S. Soybean Export Council, Invest in Denmark and Giani’s. The event was also supported by Radio Mirchi as the Radio Partner and IPSOS as the knowledge partner.
Welcoming all the attendees and guests, Praveer Srivastava, Executive Director of the Plant Based Foods Industry Association, delivered a compelling address, underscoring the association’s role in driving innovation and policy advocacy for plant-based foods in India. He highlighted that this is not just a show – but a movement, a foundation for a very big cause, a change that we are going to witness in the next 5-10 years. “The progress which we have made is not the work of one individual organisation or person, but a collective effort of the industry that believes in better food, better health and the best of the planet” he stated, reaffirming PBFIA’s and associated members’ commitment to bridging the gap between stakeholders and government bodies to create an enabling environment for alternative proteins. He also highlighted that there are still challenges, including protein deficiency among Indians, growing popularity and easy accessibility of meat compared to plant-based items, and the lack of resources for setting up Protein Clusters in India.
The event was also a part of a Post-Budget Webinar addressed by the Honourable Prime Minister of India, Mr. Narendra Modi, who focused on three topics: MSMEs and their changing growth, Manufacturing Exports and Nuclear Energy Missions, and Regulatory Investments and Ease of Doing Business Reforms. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi emphasized the significance of manufacturing and exports in shaping the future of India’s plant-based food sector. He highlighted India’s strong
growth trajectory and the increasing interest of other countries in partnering with India for plant-based innovations. He also underscored the impact of Atmanirbhar Bharat reforms, which have strengthened research and development (R&D), employment generation, and support for entrepreneurship. The MSME sector, recognized as the backbone of the industry, was a key focus, with the Prime Minister stressing the importance of timely credit availability for small businesses. Additionally, he acknowledged that first-time entrepreneurs require not only financial investment but also structured mentorship and guidance to scale their ventures, reinforcing the government’s commitment to fostering a thriving ecosystem for sustainable food solutions.
Following his addressal, His Excellency Mr. Rasmus Abildgaard Kristensen, Ambassador of Denmark to India, graced the event and emphasised the immense potential of farm-based products and plant-based foods in driving sustainable growth. He highlighted how Denmark is a frontrunner and the increasing need for innovative solutions that not only strengthen India’s food ecosystem but also contribute to the nation’s development. By leveraging advancements in plant-based food production, India can create impactful solutions that promote health, sustainability, and economic growth. He also stressed the importance of exploring new avenues for partnerships with Denmark, both domestically and globally, to accelerate the sector’s expansion and position India as a leader in the plant-based food industry.
Mr. Abhishek Dev, Chairman of APEDA, also took the stage to showcase the significant growth in India’s plant-based food sector and quoted that “it is not the time to be spectator, but to act”. “With abundant raw materials such as soya, pulses, and millets, India is well-positioned to advance in this space”, he stated. However, the high cost of plant-based products remains a key challenge, necessitating improvements in quality, taste, and affordability to drive wider consumer adoption. He emphasized the “Lifestyle for Environment” project, in collaboration with the government, is actively working to integrate sustainability into everyday choices.
A Day For Sustainable Innovations: Engaging Sessions and Industry Insights
The event was also kickoff by a dedicated roundtable discussion over ‘Exploring Market Dynamics of Plant-Based Food Industry’, which included industry experts like Mr. Ashu Phakey, Vice President and Business Head, Frozen Foods, ITC who emphasised the importance of farm-to-table practices, the role of plant-based ingredients in ITC’s ready-to-eat portfolio, and the need for affordability in alternative protein products, citing ITC’s pioneering efforts in launching plant-based offerings like Shakarkandi Kabab. He was also accompanied by Ms. Prerna Bajaj, Director, Wesley Foods, who discussed the integration of sustainability into daily food habits and shared examples such as plant-based egg bhurji along with Mr. Simarjeet Singh, Founder and Director, Mr. Veg Foods, Mr. Aravind R, Category Head, Big Basket, Ms. Charu Mohan, Brand Manager Nestle, and Mr. Rohit Bhagat, Business Head, Life Health Foods Pvt. Ltd.
The event featured a series of high-impact panel discussions and expert sessions aligned with the agenda, each providing valuable insights and actionable recommendations for the industry. It commenced with the session “The Soy You Deserve” which explored the growing role of soy in the plant-based food industry, moderated by Ms. Deeba Giannoulis of the U.S. Soybean Export Council. Industry leaders, including Mr. Gaurav Agrawal, Ms. Malavika Siddharth, and Mr. Suresh Itapu, discussed soy’s nutritional benefits, market expansion, and global trade opportunities. Powered by USSEC, the session highlighted soy’s potential in driving sustainability and food security. gut health trends pre- and post-COVID-19, the high prevalence of lactose intolerance in India, and the potential of soy as a crucial ingredient in plant-based diets. Sumit Agarwal focused on soy-based foods, including flavored yogurts, roasted beans, and the rapid rise of soy milk consumption. Suresh Itapu discussed the trend of adding protein to traditional foods, the growing demand for convenient nutrition products, and the functionality of soy in enhancing food quality. Christelle Cordahl spoke about the health benefits of soy, its role in cholesterol management, and the need for advanced agricultural practices to ensure accessibility and public health improvement.
A special highlight of the event was the launch of PBFIA-IPSOS Joint Report, “Sowing the Seeds of Growth: An Outlook on India’s Plant Based Foods Sector,” marking a significant moment in the event, offering valuable insights into the evolving landscape of plant-based foods in India. Mr. Deepak Hanumantharavappa, Partner and Country Head, IPSOS, delivered an insightful presentation on the report, a collaboration between the Plant Based Foods Industry Association (PBFIA) and IPSOS, and provided a comprehensive analysis of market trends, consumer behaviour, and future growth opportunities in the sector. Industry leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders gathered to discuss the findings, emphasizing the increasing demand for plant-based alternatives and the need for policy support to accelerate growth. The report serves as a roadmap for stakeholders looking to invest and expand in this dynamic industry.
A compelling presentation, “Denmark – A Plant Based Foods Nation”, on Denmark’s leadership in the plant-based food sector was presented by Ms. Katrine Dalsgaard Skovly, Special Advisor for Food & Agriculture at Invest in Denmark. The presentation outlined Denmark’s strides in innovation, sustainability, and market growth, emphasizing its role as a global pioneer in plant-based food production and provided valuable insights into how Denmark’s policies and advancements could serve as a model for India’s evolving plant-based ecosystem.
Following this, a panel discussion titled “Envisaging India’s Role in Global Supply Chain through Plant Protein Clusters” brought together industry experts, including Dr. Siddharth Pal, Mr. Gaurav Shisodia, Mr. Satyam Shivam Sundaram, Mr. Indranil Chatterjee, Mr. Srinivas Kuchibotta and Mr. Tejendre. Moderated by Mr. Rajesh Srivastava, Chairman of Prowess Advisors, the discussion examined India’s potential to integrate into the global plant-based supply chain, addressing critical
factors such as production scalability, international trade opportunities, and emerging industry collaborations.
A thought-provoking Fireside Chat featuring Good Dot, PROT Food, and Nourish You followed, moderated by sustainability strategist and climate activist Ms. Shreya Ghodawat. Another session of the event was a panel discussion on “Elevating the Sensory Functionality through Cutting-Edge Technologies in the Plant-Based Food Sector”, moderated by CS Jadhav, CEO of Nutricircle. The session featured leading experts who explored advancements in texture, taste, and overall sensory experience in plant-based foods.
The India Plant Based Foods Show 2025 underscored the growing significance of alternative proteins in India’s food industry. With commitments from policymakers, enhanced industry-government collaboration, and increased corporate investments, the event solidified India’s position as a frontrunner in sustainable nutrition. Key takeaways included the need for continuous policy support, increased funding for startups, and the establishment of dedicated protein processing clusters to reduce import reliance. The success of the India Plant Based Foods Show 2025 reflects the industry’s collective determination to make sustainable nutrition a mainstream reality. As India takes strides in alternative proteins, this event has set the stage for a transformation in food innovation.
