Event Scale and Global Participation
WFI 2025 is expected to be the largest edition yet, with participation from over 90 countries and more than 2,000 exhibitors. New Zealand and Saudi Arabia will participate as Partner Countries, while Japan, UAE, Vietnam, and Russia will be Focus Countries. The event will host high-level knowledge sessions, sectoral exhibitions, B2B/B2G meetings, and culinary showcases, connecting the entire food value chain from farm to fork.
India’s Food Processing Growth and Government Initiatives
India is the world’s largest producer of milk, onions, and pulses, and the second-largest producer of rice, wheat, sugarcane, tea, fruits, vegetables, and eggs. Agricultural and processed food exports reached USD 49.4 billion in 2024–25, with processed food contributing over 20% of this value. Employment in the sector includes 2.23 million in registered units and 4.68 million in unregistered units.
The government has introduced several initiatives, including Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana (PMKSY), PM Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises Scheme (PMFME), and Production Linked Incentive Schemes (PLISFPI & PLISMBP). Infrastructure development includes 24 mega food parks, 22 agro-processing clusters, 289 cold chain projects, and 305 processing units, strengthening the sector’s capacity and global competitiveness.
Key Objectives of WFI 2025
WFI 2025 aims to showcase India’s innovation, scale, and investment potential in food processing. The event focuses on sustainability, infrastructure, entrepreneurship, global leadership, and innovation. It also emphasizes climate-smart technologies, nutrition-focused products, advanced food-tech, and global market integration. Key participants include producers, food processors, equipment manufacturers, technology providers, logistics players, and start-ups from around the world.
Special Features and Events
- High-level CEO Round Table meetings to discuss policy frameworks, trade, and regulatory challenges.
- Exhibitions featuring state pavilions, product-specific zones, and specialized segments like HoReCa and post-harvest machinery.
- Startup Grand Challenge offering innovation showcases, mentorship, and funding connections.
- Culinary experiences including Great Indian Food Street, live cooking demos, and fusion food innovation.
- Concurrent events: 3rd Global Food Regulators Summit (FSSAI) and 24th India International Seafood Show (SEAI).
Global Collaboration and Strategic Partnerships
The participation of Partner and Focus Countries will strengthen bilateral trade, knowledge exchange, and investment in India’s food sector. The event fosters strategic alliances between Indian and international companies, promoting technology transfer, innovation, and sustainable food production practices.
Conclusion
World Food India 2025 is a platform to co-create the future of food with India. With its status as a global producer, pro-business policies, and robust infrastructure, India emerges as a reliable partner in addressing food security, sustainability, and innovation challenges. WFI 2025 offers a unique opportunity for global stakeholders to invest, collaborate, and contribute to India’s journey toward a resilient and sustainable food ecosystem.
