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World Food India 2025
Where Flavors Meet Global Strategic Partnerships
Posted On:
24 SEP 2025 1:25PM by PIB Delhi
Key Takeaways
- World Food India 2025, being organised by the Ministry of Food Processing Industries on September 25-28, 2025, is a flagship international event positioning India as a ‘Global Food Hub’.
- The event will be inaugurated by the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, on September 25, 2025, at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.
- The event is set to be the largest edition yet, with participation from 90+ countries and 2,000+ exhibitors.
- New Zealand and Saudi Arabia will participate as Partner Countries, while Japan, UAE, Vietnam, and Russia will participate as Focus Countries.
- India is largest producer of milk, onions and pulses, Second largest producer of rice, wheat, sugarcane, tea, fruits & vegetables and eggs.
- USD 7.33 billion FDI equity inflow in the last one decade in food processing sector.
Introduction
In line with this vision, MoFPI launched World Food India (WFI), its flagship international event designed to showcase India’s rich food culture and attract global investment in 2017. Two more editions wereheld in 2023 and 2024, and the 4theditionis set to be held from 25thto 28thSeptember 2025 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. The Curtain Raiser for thiswas held on July 23, 2025 at New Delhi,
Since its inception WFI has grown into a premier platform for global stakeholders to connect, collaborate, and explore opportunities in India’s dynamic food processing landscape. Bringing together leading food processing companies, innovators, supply chain stakeholders, and equipment manufacturers, WFI 2025 will serve as a collaborative platform for forging partnerships, fostering innovation, and unlocking new business opportunities between Indian and international players.
Government Initiatives to Promote India’s Food Processing Industries
India’s food processing industry has seen a remarkable growth over the past 11 years, shaped by its strong farm base, growing demand, and supportive government policies. The country is set to become a global leader in this sector, with steady growth ahead. India’s strong agricultural base, especially its position asthe world’s second-largest producer of fruits and vegetables, has driven rapid transformation in food processing. The sector has become vital to the economy, contributing significantly to GDP, employment, and exports. Agricultural and processed food exports touched USD 49.4 billion in 2024–25, with processed food accounting for 20.4% of the share, up from 13.7% in 2014-15. Employment is also significant, with about 2.23 million workers in registered units and 4.68 million in the unregistered sector, according to official surveys.
The Government of India has been actively promoting the food processing sector through targeted schemes and reforms, recognizing its potential as a global leader in value-added agriculture. The number of registered food business operators has expanded from 25 lakh to 64 lakh, reflecting growing formalisation. Infrastructure has also strengthened with establishing 24 mega food parks, 22 agro-processing clusters and completing 289 cold chain projects and 305 processing and preservation units, creating significant additional capacity. Further, 10 projects under Operation Greens have enhanced value addition, while 225 R&D projects have yielded 20 patents and 52 commercialised technologies.
The MoFPIis implementing the Production Linked Incentive Scheme for Food Processing Industry (PLISFPI) with an outlay of ₹10,900 crore (2021–22 to 2026–27) to build global champions and boost Indian brands in international markets. Further, a Production Linked Incentive Scheme for Millet-based Products (PLISMBP) has been launched to encourage Ready-to-Eat (RTE) and Ready-to-Cook (RTC) millet products, promoting value addition and expanding millet consumption.
To further attract investment and strengthen infrastructure, the government has undertaken several measures under the Make in India campaign. These include permitting 100% FDI in food processing, establishing a ₹2,000 crore NABARD fund for affordable credit in Food Parks, and improving ease of doing business through online scheme management. Flagship schemes like Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana (PMKSY) are creating modern infrastructure and efficient supply chains, while the PM Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises Scheme (PMFME) supports micro-units with technical, financial, and business assistance. Together, these initiatives aim to reduce wastage, enhance processing capacity, generate employment, and position India as a global food processing hub.
World Food India (WFI) 2025
WFI 2025 will be inaugurated by the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, on September 25, 2025 at 6:00 PM at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.Building on the success of its previous editions, this edition is set to be the largest edition yet, with participation expected from over 90 countries, 2,000+ exhibitors, and tens of thousands of stakeholders spanning the entire food value chain from farm to fork.
Objective of WFI 2025
The objective of the World Food India 2025 is to showcase India as the ‘Global Food Hub’ for food processing as well as food supply. The mega event is being planned as one of the biggest ever congregation of senior government dignitaries, investors, business leaders of major global and domestic food companies and all relevant stakeholders. There will be opportunity for all relevant stakeholders such as producers, food processors, equipment manufacturers, logistics players, cold chain players, technology providers, start-up & innovators, food retailers etc., from all over the globe to highlight their strengths in one single platform.
Key Features
- High-level knowledge sessions and panel discussions with global thought leaders, policymakers, and industry experts.
- Sectoral exhibitions spotlighting innovations in food processing, packaging, machinery, cold chain, and allied industries.
- B2B and B2G networking opportunities aimed at forging strategic partnerships and collaborations.
- Culinary experiences and chef competitions, showcasing India’s diverse food heritage alongside global trends in healthy, sustainable, and futuristic foods.
In addition, two prestigious international events will be held alongside WFI 2025:
- 3rd Global Food Regulators Summit by Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI)– providing a unique platform for global regulators to deliberate on harmonization of food safety standards and strengthen international regulatory cooperation.
- 24th India International Seafood Show (IISS)by the Seafood Exporters Association of India (SEAI) – focusing on India’s growing seafood export potential and global market linkages.
Viksit Bharat 2047 envisions India as a developed, inclusive, and globally competitive nation, and WFI 2025 plays a crucial role in this roadmap by advancing the food processing sector. The event brings together technology, investment, and innovation to boost rural prosperity, enhance farmer incomes, reduce post-harvest losses, and create jobs in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities. Anchored on five strategic pillars—sustainability, infrastructure, entrepreneurship, global leadership, and innovation—WFI 2025 emphasizes climate-smart technologies, nutrition-focused products, advanced food-tech, and global market integration while supporting micro-enterprises, capacity building, and Make in India, marking a key milestone toward Vision 2047.
Partner &Focus Countries
This year’s edition will see New Zealand and Saudi Arabia as Partner Countries, while Japan, UAE, Vietnam, and Russia will participate as Focus Countries, reflecting India’s growing international cooperation in the food sector. Their presence will contribute to strengthening bilateral relations, enhancing knowledge exchange, and creating fresh opportunities for trade and investment.
Core Focus Pillars of WFI 2025
Key Events of WFI 2025
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Event Component
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Key Highlights
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Startup Grand Challenge
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Innovation showcase
Mentorship opportunity
Funding connections
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High-Level CEO Round Table Meeting
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Dialogue between industry and policy makers
Government policy framework
Taxation and trade dynamics
Navigating regulatory challenges
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B2B/B2G/G2G Meetings
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Direct business connections
Government partnerships
International collaborations
Strategic alliances
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Exhibitions: Showcasing opportunities
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State & UT, country, ministry-wise pavilions
Product-wise pavilions
Specialised zones for pet food
HoReCa (Hotels, Restaurants, and Cafés/Catering), alcoholic beverages, and post-harvest machinery
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Conference and Knowledge Sessions
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Industry insights
Knowledge sharing sessions
Latest trends and innovations
Technical workshops
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Digital Showcase
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Digital product displays
Interactive presentations
Immersive tech zones
Smart supply chains
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Great Indian Food Street
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Flavours of India
Regional Culinary Showcase
Live Cooking Experiences
Fusion Food Innovation
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World Food India 2024
The 3rdedition of World Food India was organized by the MoFPI from September 19-22, 2025 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. WFI 2024 had strong institutional backing with support from 9 Ministries, 8 bodies, and 26 States. It featured 1,557 exhibitors, 20 country pavilions, 809 buyers from 108 nations and 2,390 foreign delegates. Spread across 70,000 sq. meters in nine halls, the exhibition showcased 100+ ODOP items, with Japan as Partner Country and Iran and Vietnam as Focus Countries.
During this event, the following milestones were achieved:
- 67 food processing unitswere inaugurated under PLISFPI and PMKSY, with a total investment of ₹5,135 crores.
- 25,000 beneficiaries received credit-linked support for micro projects worth ₹2,351 crores under the PMFME Scheme.
- ₹245 crores seed capital sanctioned to 70,000 SHG members under PMFME.
Conclusion
World Food India (WFI) 2025 is not merely a platform for showcasing India’s food sector—it is an open invitation to the world to co-create the future of food with India. The event positions India not only as a market but as a trusted partner that combines scale, innovation, affordability, and sustainability. From ancient grains like millets to emerging categories such as plant-based proteins, India offers unmatched diversity across ingredients, consumer segments, and the value chain.
With its status as theworld’s largest producer of milk, the second largest producer of fruits and vegetables, and a rapidly growing hub for processed food exports, India has established itself as a global food processing powerhouse. Pro-business policies, enabling infrastructure, and ease-of-doing-business reforms further strengthen this ecosystem.
At a time when the world is grappling with food security, supply chain disruptions, and climate challenges, India stands out as a reliable partner offering stability, trust, and collaboration. WFI 2025 is envisioned as a platform not only to drive investments but also to forge lasting partnerships that address global challenges in nutrition, sustainability, and inclusive growth. Together, with global leaders and stakeholders, India seeks to shape a resilient, innovative, and sustainable food future for the world.
References
Ministryof Food Processing Industries
https://worldfoodindia.gov.in/
https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2147532
https://www.pib.gov.in/PressNoteDetails.aspx?NoteId=155134&ModuleId=3
https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2166089
https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=2057536
https://sansad.in/getFile/loksabhaquestions/annex/185/AU1932_z8otC3.pdf?source=pqals
https://www.eoilisbon.gov.in/docs/1753446032WFI%202025%20International%20Participation%20PPT%202[1].pptx.pdf
Click here for pdf file.
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