The Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI) is organizing the fourth edition of its flagship international event, World Food India (WFI) 2025, from September 25 to 28, 2025, at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. The event will be inaugurated by the Prime Minister on September 25, 2025, and is set to be the largest edition yet, aiming to showcase India’s vast food culture and agricultural strength to the world.
This year’s edition reflects India’s growing international standing, with participation expected 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 featured as Focus Countries, contributing to enhanced knowledge exchange and new opportunities for trade and investment.
India’s Dominance in Global Agriculture
WFI 2025 provides a platform to highlight India’s immense strength in the food sector. India holds the position of the world’s largest producer of milk, onions, and pulses. It is also the second largest producer globally of rice, wheat, sugarcane, tea, fruits and vegetables, and eggs.
The food processing industry has demonstrated remarkable growth, becoming vital to the nation’s economy. Agricultural and processed food exports reached USD 49.4 billion in 2024–25, with processed food accounting for a 20.4% share, a substantial increase from 13.7% in 2014-15. The sector has attracted a total FDI equity inflow of USD 7.33 billion over the last decade. Furthermore, the number of registered food business operators has expanded significantly, from 25 lakh to 64 lakh, reflecting growing formalization and a steady increase in employment, supporting approximately 6.91 million workers across registered and unregistered units.
Government Initiatives Fueling Sectoral Growth
The Government of India has actively promoted the sector through various schemes and reforms under the Make in India campaign, recognizing its potential as a global leader in value-added agriculture:
- Production Linked Incentive Schemes: MoFPI is implementing the Production Linked Incentive Scheme for Food Processing Industry (PLISFPI) with an outlay of ₹10,900 crore (2021–22 to 2026–27) to create global champions. A specific Production Linked Incentive Scheme for Millet-based Products (PLISMBP) has also been launched to encourage the development of Ready-to-Eat (RTE) and Ready-to-Cook (RTC) millet products.
- Infrastructure: Significant infrastructure has been developed, including 24 mega food parks, 22 agro-processing clusters, 289 cold chain projects, and 305 processing and preservation units.
- Ease of Business: Reforms include permitting 100% FDI in food processing, establishing a ₹2,000 crore NABARD fund for affordable credit in Food Parks, and managing schemes online.
- Flagship Schemes: Schemes like Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana (PMKSY) are focused on creating modern infrastructure, and the PM Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises Scheme (PMFME) supports micro-units with technical and financial assistance.
These initiatives are designed to create additional capacity, reduce wastage, generate employment, and position India as a global food processing hub, with WFI 2025 serving as a crucial milestone towards the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.
WFI 2025: Objectives and Key Features
The primary objective of World Food India 2025 is to showcase India as the ‘Global Food Hub’ for both food processing and food supply. The event is expected to be a major congregation of senior government dignitaries, global investors, and business leaders.
The exhibition will be structured around five strategic pillars: sustainability, infrastructure, entrepreneurship, global leadership, and innovation. Key features include:
- Networking and Knowledge: High-level knowledge sessions, panel discussions, and B2B/B2G networking opportunities aimed at forging strategic alliances.
- Exhibitions: Sectoral exhibitions spotlighting innovations in food processing, packaging, machinery, cold chain, and specialized zones for categories like pet food and HoReCa (Hotels, Restaurants, and Cafés/Catering).
- Innovation: A Startup Grand Challenge will feature an innovation showcase, mentorship opportunities, and funding connections.
- Culinary Showcase: The Great Indian Food Street will offer a regional culinary showcase and live cooking experiences, promoting fusion food innovation.
Concurrent International Events
WFI 2025 will also host two prestigious international events concurrently:
- 3rd Global Food Regulators Summit: Organized by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), this summit will focus on harmonizing food safety standards and strengthening international regulatory cooperation.
- 24th India International Seafood Show (IISS): Hosted by the Seafood Exporters Association of India (SEAI), this event will focus on India’s growing seafood export potential and global market linkages.
Conclusion
World Food India (WFI) 2025 is envisioned as more than a platform for showcasing India’s food sector; it is an open invitation to the world to co-create the future of food. India offers a unique combination of scale, innovation, affordability, and sustainability, positioning itself as a reliable partner in addressing global challenges related to food security, supply chain disruptions, and climate change. With its unmatched diversity across ingredients—from ancient grains like millets to emerging categories such as plant-based proteins—WFI 2025 seeks to forge lasting partnerships that accelerate investments and drive inclusive, sustainable growth for the world.