India Food Sector

Inflation horse brought to the stable, has to be kept on a tight leash: RBI

While the September inflation print may see a significant pick-up as base effects turn adverse and food prices register an upturn, food inflation, the RBI said, is expected to ease by Q4:2024-25

India's sustainable eating habits could save the planet, says WWF report

The WWF's Living Planet Report praises India's food consumption practices as the most sustainable among G20 nations, highlighting their potential to mitigate climate change

Centre approves fortified rice supply continuation till December 2028

Meant to nutritional security challenges, rice fortification involves the adding of Fortified Rice Kernels (FRK), containing micronutrients such as iron, folic acid, and Vitamin B12, into regular rice

Average household spending on food falls below half since 1947: EAC-PM

India's average household spending on food has fallen to less than half for the first time since 1947, according to a recent working paper by the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (EAC-PM). The paper titled 'Changes in India's Food Consumption and Policy Implications: A Comprehensive Analysis of Household Consumption Expenditure Survey 2022-23 and 2011-12 further said significant changes are unfolding in India's food consumption pattern. According to the paper, the share of total household expenditure on food has declined substantially in rural and urban areas across all states and UTs. "It is the first time in modern India (post-independence) that average household spending on food is less than half the overall monthly spending of households and is a marker of significant progress," it said. The paper is a comprehensive analysis of the Household Consumption Expenditure Survey 202223 and comparison with 201112. "Overall, there has been a significant increase in ...

FDI in food processing sector down 30% to Rs 5,037 crore in 2023-24

Foreign direct investment (FDI) in India's food processing sector declined 30 per cent in the last fiscal to Rs 5,037.06 crore, according to official data. The FDI in the food processing sector stood at Rs 7,194.13 crore in 2022-23. According to the data presented by the Food Processing Industries Ministry in Lok Sabha, the FDI in food processing sector stood at Rs 5,290.27 crore in 2021-22 and Rs 2934.12 crore in 2020-21. FDI was Rs 6,414.67 crore in 2019-20; Rs 4430.44 crore in 2018-19; Rs 5,835.62 crore in 2017-18; Rs 4,865.85 crore in 2016-17; and Rs 3,312 crore in 2015-16 in the food processing sector. In order to enhance foreign investment in the food processing sector, the ministry has taken various measures, including 100 per cent FDI permitted through automatic route for the food processing sector subject to sectoral regulations. It has allowed 100 per cent FDI, under the government-approval route, for trading including through e-commerce, in respect of food products ...

Govt to monitor prices of 16 more food items daily to stabilise rates

The Department of Consumer Affairs has already been monitoring the daily prices of 22 essential food commodities from 550 centres across 34 states/Union Territories

We are optimistic about India story, says ITC's Director Hemant Malik

Irrespective of whether we experience tailwinds or headwinds, the market opportunities for our various food categories in India are very large, says Hemant Malik, executive director of ITC

FMCG sector to see subdued growth till September quarter: Kantar report

With El-Nino impact expected to keep weather dry for the first half of the year, the agriculture outlook for 2024 is a mixed bag

Burger King owner to take full control of Carrols Restaurant in $1 bn deal

Restaurant Brands will take full control of Carrols Restaurant Group in a deal that values the largest Burger King franchise in the U.S at about $1 billion, the company said on Tuesday

Jharkhand's over 25K FPS dealers join nation-wide 'Ration Bandh' agitation

Over 25,000 fair price shop dealers from Jharkhand on Monday joined the nation-wide indefinite 'Ration Bandh' call given by All India Fair Price Shop Dealers' Federation (AIFPSDF). The strike might impact over 65 lakh beneficiaries covered under national and state food security schemes in Jharkhand, if it goes long, an office bearer of the dealer association said. General secretary of Jharkhand unit of Fair Price Shop Dealers Association (FPSDA) Sanjay Kundu told PTI that the 'Ration Bandh' call has been given in protest against the Central Government's failure to ensure a minimum monthly income guarantee for the dealers and some other issues. "The agitation has been called to press for various demands of the FPS dealers such as ensuring minimum monthly income guarantee of Rs 50,000 for dealers, implementing the recommendations of World Food Program and allowing distribution through e-PoS device by inserting aadhaar number of the cardholders in case of emergency," he said. Kundu sa

Bikano enters branded spice segment with new sub-brand 'Swad Anusar'

Snacks and sweets maker Bikano has forayed into the branded spice market, a category witnessing fast growth in the last few years. Bikano, the renowned brand under Bikanervala Foods Pvt Ltd, has launched a new sub-brand, 'Swad Anusar' under which it is set to introduce a range of blended spices, the company said in a statement. Bikano will partner with spice farmers and suppliers to ensure quality and sustainability and adhere to relevant certifications from regulatory bodies such as FSSAI, ISO, HACCP, and GMP. Commenting on the development, Bikano Director Manish Aggarwal said, "Our snacks and namkeen have always been cherished for their unique blend of spices that make them enticing and delicious. This inspired us to expand our horizons and offer the same experience to daily meals. Thus, the launch of our Bikano spices sub-brand, Swad Anusar, comes as a natural progression." In the last few years, several leading FMCG companies such as Dabur, Emami, Tata Consumer Products Ltd and

Punjab govt giving major push to food processing sector: CM Bhagwant Mann

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has said that the state government is giving a major push to the food processing sector, which will create job opportunities for youth on one hand and immensely benefit farmers as well. "The state government is giving a major push to the food processing sector in Punjab ..," Mann said. The Chief Minister also said that the state government will soon set up 20 dedicated Rural Industrial Hubs across the state. He said that these hubs will be equipped with state-of-the-art infrastructure to facilitate industrialists in setting up their units. These hubs will boost industrial development. Mann assured fulsome support and cooperation to the industrialists opting for setting up their units in these hubs adding that the state government is fully committed to accelerate industrial development in Punjab. Punjab is organising the 5th 'Progressive Punjab Investors Summit' on February 23 and 24 in Mohali. As a run up to the Summit, a mini-conclave was org

Domino's launches 20-minute deliveries across as many zones in India

Firm says overall aim is to ensure delivery of hotter, fresher and tastier pizza without compromising food quality and safety and well-being of delivery riders

Godrej Yummiez expands vegetarian portfolio; aims for 30% growth in FY23

Godrej Yummiez, a brand of ready-to-cook products from Godrej Tyson Foods (GTFL), expanded its vegetarian portfolio with the launch of Godrej Yummiez Crispy Potato Starz

Foodtech startup On2Cook gets Rs 17 cr seed funding at Rs 100 cr valuation

Firm says its cooking appliances help domestic and commercial kitchens

Swiggy denies exodus of restaurants amid deep discounting concerns

Amid reports about hundreds of restaurants delisting from Swiggy Dineout, sources said only 20 brands with nearly 400 outlets have delisted from Swiggy's dining out platform

Licious launches D2C plant-based meat brand, eyes pole position within a yr

The plant-based meat market in India is likely to touch $500 million in three years, according to analysts.

Inga, TIH Singapore tie up to launch PE fund for mid-sized companies

The fund has set an overall target of raising Rs 500 crore and has received commitment of Rs 25 crore

Karim's, Nathu's, and others open in Leh: Fresh flavours at 11,500 ft

The effort that has been put into the look and feel of the place indicates that Karim's is fully invested in Leh

World's food supply faces new threat after India's rice crop falters

The threat to India's rice production comes at a time when countries are grappling with soaring food costs and rampant inflation