New
Delhi : The
highly anticipated India Plant-Based Foods Show 2024, organised by the Plant Based
Food Industry Association (PBFIA), igniting a wave of innovation and
collaboration in the food industry, concluded today at the prestigious Bharat
Mandapam, Pragati Maidan, New Delhi, Thursday, March 7th, 2024. The show was
presented on the 1st day of AAHAR, by the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers
Welfare, The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Development Authority
(APEDA), ICAR- Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), India Trade
Promotion Organisation (ITPO), U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC), Indian
Chamber of Commerce (ICC), Pall
Corporation and ProVeg International, and EY as the Knowledge Partner. The event was supported by international and
national startups and companies like THRYVE Plant-Based Venture, Plantaway
Foods, Continental Greenbird, Patanjali Foods - Ruchi Soya, Nutricircle
Limited, Veganta, DBS Bank, Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO), Right to
Protein, Hello Tempayy, and ACME Group.
The
show served as a visionary platform for industry leaders and entrepreneurs
across the world, over 40 startups globally and presentations from more than 35
distinguished speakers including Mr. Abhishek Dev, Chairman of Agricultural and
Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA); Ms. Inoshi
Sharma, Executive Director of FSSAI; Dr. Sudhanshu, Secretary of APEDA; Mr.
Satyam Shivam Sundaram – Partner, Ernst and Young, Ms. Valeria Kryntskaya, Head
Plant-Based venture, THRYVE, Dubai; Mr. Victor Sonovas, Commercial Attache,
Embassy of Spain and many more.
Sanjay
Sethi, the Executive Director of the PBFIA, emphasised the imperative of
seizing the challenges confronting the industry by transforming them into
opportunities. Among these challenges lies a notable market gap: the demand for
high-quality ingredients to combat the locally produced raw material shortage.
Addressing this gap, with initiatives such as India’s First Plant Protein
Cluster at Bhiwadi, not only facilitates the production of superior products
but also plays a pivotal role in enhancing consumer perceptions across various
product categories. Moreover, it provides a platform for refining the
positioning of plant-based alternatives, ensuring they resonate with evolving
consumer preferences for sustainability, health, and taste. By prioritising the
sourcing and utilisation of premium ingredients, the industry can fortify its
offerings, elevate standards, and cultivate trust and loyalty among discerning
consumers.
Mr.
Abhishek Dev, Chairman, Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export
Development Authority (APEDA) highlighted the growth of the plant-based foods
industry stating the capability of the current global market of US$11.3 billion
to reach 36 US$ billion by 2033. The Chairman also expounded on the potential
of Indian market having a CAGR of 15% and industry estimate of $5 billion
dollars by 2033. Asserting APEDA’s support, Mr. Abhishek, “With a target of
increasing exports by 100 billion by 2033, we aim to incorporate plant-based
foods as a focus product in our export strategy and offer subsidised rates for
startups to be part of upcoming conventions, helping them to emerge in the
market.”
FSSAI’s
Executive Director, Ms. Inoshi Sharma stated, “Our perception of the
plant-based foods has been a huge challenge, which is mostly due to their
presentation in the society. The regulations on the startup industry,
especially the classification of soy milk as a beverage is a matter of
contention and needs to be addressed.”
In
partnership with EY, PBFIA also launched its breakthrough report, ‘Food
Tomorrow: Elevating India’s Role in the Plant-Based Revolution’ exploring the
potential for plant-based nutrition in India, with a particular emphasis on
plant-protein clusters. Satyam Shivam Sundaram, Partner, Ernst and Young
affirmed their support for plant-based choices and stated “We need to collaborate
and lead the way of sustainability and healthy choices. Together, we can
achieve more at a lesser cost. As a part of this common goal, we need to
facilitate research and developments, offer space for innovation and create
holistic ecosystems. Through proper education and awareness, we can have a
major shift in the perspective, making plant-based food mainstream instead of
it being an alternative.”
Kalpana
Das, a renowned human right activist and the wife of Honorable Chief Justice of
India, pointed her perspective of consuming milk to be cruelty and advised to
adopt soy-based and other plant-based options aiding in the reduction of carbon
footprint.
The
4th Mega Convention by PBFIA focused on evincing the limitless possibilities of
plant-based foods through an exhibition, followed by demonstrations and panel
discussions, highlighting the positive impacts of plant-based foods on the
environment and health. Among the
highlights of the event was the Startup Pitch Session, where aspiring
entrepreneurs presented their ideas to a panel of industry experts and
investors. There were stimulating discussions about ways to enhance the
customer experience through B2B, B2C and D2C modes involving an insightful
panel of Mr Amarjit Singh Ahuja of Purchasing Professional Forums India, Mr
Ashu Phakey of ITC and Mr Dhiren Kawar of Keva Flavours. The session also focused on understanding the
need for grooming talent pool for plant-based food industries through a panel
discussion led by Chef K. Thiru, Principal of Welcomegroup School of Hotel
Management, Manipal University. Following the need for innovation, an erudite
panel discussed various ways of replacing conventional dairy and animal
products with plant-based alternatives. Closing the forum, Mr. Sethi hosted
conversations with the founders of various companies, concentrating on the
ability of plant-based foods to deliver sustained nutrition.
Mr.
Tejendra Nehete, Business Development Manager from Pall Corporation highlighted
the untapped potential of pea protein market, especially the capability of
India to lead pea protein market as it is the highest supplier and consumer of
pea. He asked to shift the trends, reduce imports and become 'Vocal for Local'.
Aditya
Bagri, Director of Baggry, a young entrepreneurial spirit highlighted the
scientific presence of allergens as an undiagnosed characteristic of the food
industry. There needs to be a shift from the animal and dairy-based diet to
plant based options which are rich in protein and helps to have a healthy
lifestyle and longevity, a move necessary for sustainability.
The
focal point of the convention was a panel discussion, moderated by Mr Sanjay
Sethi was led on the indispensable need to establish Plant Protein Clusters
across India, accentuating PBFIA’s initiative of setting up the first plant
protein cluster at Bhiwadi. Recognising the potential, the Protein Cluster
plans to capitalise on the abundant agricultural resources and establish the
nation as the world's "Global Ingredient Hub.” The association is spearheading
the transformation of plant-based food production landscape by building 12
Plant Protein Clusters around the country with an expected investment of USD
500 million and emphasize the natural capabilities in agriculture and industry
to prepare for the future.
Around
400 delegates reaped the benefits of plant-based food tastings by renowned
brands such as THRYVE, Baggry, Nourish You, Vegan First, Shaka Harry, Bliss by
Anju, Plant Wise, Vegan First, IML,
Plantaway, Naturally Yours, Nutricircle, B.Tech Paani Puri Wali,
Continental Coffee, Greenbird, and many others. The food tastings session was a
treat to the attendees to taste and experience wide range of culinary delights
from creative meat substitutes and dairy-free cheeses to ice-creams and
ethically produced snacks. There were thought provoking panel discussions on
plant-based nutrition and sustainability, and surfeit opportunities for
networking. DBS Bank delivered a comprehensive presentation on the innovative
financing solutions for SMEs. Focusing on the latest advancements, Mr. Tejendra
Nehete from Pall Corporation led a session focusing on the intricacies of
Membrane Technology and its role in revolutionizing protein extraction
processes. The fruitful discussions will recommence at the 3rd Plant Based
Foods Summit scheduled on 21st May, 2024, at Hotel Le Meridian in
New Delhi.
The
India Plant-Based Foods Show 2024 spearheaded the revolution of the plant to
plate, acting as a forum for encouraging a more environmentally friendly and
thoughtful approach to consumption. It sprouted the seeds of change among
individuals to make healthier, more sustainable choices for themselves and the
planet. The event was a celebration of the vibrant world of plant-based
cuisine, bringing together ardent individuals, investors, industry experts,
influencers, partners, and businesses for a day filled with passion,
innovation, and delicious discoveries.
For
inquiries, please contact Mr. Sanjay Sethi at sanjay.sethi@pbfia.org or +91
90047 77119.
About
Plant Based Foods Industry Association (PBFIA):
The
Plant-Based Foods Industry Association is a CEO-led organization dedicated to
expediting the advancement of the plant-based sector in India, fostering a
healthy and sustainable future for consumers, farmers, industry personnel,
investors, and civil society. With over 150 plant-based food companies as
members, PBFIA operates across four key workstreams: Policy Advocacy,
Innovation, Investment, and Supply Chain. It is also a founding member of The
International Plant-Based Foods Working Group (IPBFWG).