The Indian food processing industry plays a crucial role in connecting Indian farmers with domestic and foreign customers. The Ministry of Food Industry (MoFPI) is working to encourage investment along the value chain. In terms of jobs created in all registered manufacturing sectors, the food industry accounts for 12.38% (in the 3-digit NIC category) or over 1.93 million people. According to data from the 73rd round of the NSSO, 5.1 million people are employed in the unregistered food industry. India is one of the leading developers of Agro-food processing industry in India.

Cereals, sugar, edible oils, beverages and dairy products are the main industries of the Indian food industry. Vegetable & fruit, poultry & meat processing, fisheries, food retailing, dairy industry and other sub-sectors constitute India’s food processing business.

• The total horticultural production estimated for 2021-2022 is 341.63 tons.
• India is the world’s largest producer of milk, contributing 23% of the total quantity produced globally, which is expected to reach 209.96 tonnes in 2020-2021 at a CAGR of nearly 6.2%.
• India produces 7.56% of the world’s fish, making it the second largest fish producer. Total fish production for FY20-21 is estimated at 14.73 MMT.
• In India, online grocery shopping has a CAGR of over 50% and is expected to reach $10-12 billion by 2025.
• The three main international markets for Indian maritime exports are the United States, China and Japan. 63% of exports went to these three countries.

Here is a List of top 10 food processing companies in India … all players are highly-reputed as industry leaders

Britannia Industries Ltd.

Britannia Industries Ltd, one of India’s top 10 food processing companies, was founded in 1892 and is headquartered in Kolkata, Bengaluru. The company’s main activity is the production and sale of bread, rusks, cakes and dairy products. The company sells Britannia and Tiger branded biscuits, bread and dairy products across India and in over 60 countries across the world. All food processing companies in India leads the world.

Hindustan Unilever Ltd

Hindustan Unilever Ltd was founded in 1933 and is headquartered in Mumbai, India. It is a subsidiary of the British company Unilever. Products include food, beverages, cleaning, personal care, water purifiers, and other fast-moving consumer goods.

The company currently has 35 product brands in 20 categories. It is one of the top 10 food processing companies in India. Click here to find out more.

Kohinoor Foods Ltd (Satnam Overseas Ltd)

Kohinoor Foods Ltd was established in the year of 1976. The company is engaged in the manufacturing, trading and marketing of food products making it the Best food processing business in India. The company is engaged in the supply of rice and food products. The company’s range of food products includes basmati rice, wheat flour, ready-to-eat dishes and curries, hot sauces, cooking pastes, spices, herbs and frozen foods.

The company offers its products under the Kohinoor brand. It is one of the top 10 food processing companies in India.

LT Foods Ltd (Dawat)

LT Foods is one of the top 10 food processing companies in India. It is one of the leading rice brands in India. It has been named behind many popular products including Dawaat, Royal, Ecolife, Devaaya, Heritage. The company was founded in 1990 by Mr. Vijay Kumar Arora.

He had started his business in Amritsar village. It is one of the leading processors of rice and other specialty foods in India. LT Foods brands and products are sold in Asia, Europe, Australia, the Americas and Africa.

McCain Foods India Pvt Ltd

McCain Foods is a Canadian multinational frozen food company founded in the year 1957. It is the world’s largest producer of frozen potato products. McCain Foods India was founded in 1996. The company has 47 manufacturing facilities on six continents.

It offers a range of products and services – specialty fries and potatoes, frozen fries, potato products, appetizers, desserts, juices and concentrates. It is one of the Best food processing industry in India.

Mondelez India Foods Pvt Ltd (Cadbury)

The company offers chocolates under the Cadbury Dairy Milk Celebrations, Bournville, 5 Stars, Perk, Gems, Toblerone and Chocolairs brands. The company is well known in India for its chocolates. It is one of the top 10 food processing companies in India.

MTR Foods Pvt Ltd (Orkla)

MTR Foods Pvt Ltd was established in 1924. The company is headquartered in Bengaluru, Karnataka. The Company manufactures a line of packaged foods, including breakfast mixes, ready meals, condiments, snacks and beverages. The Company markets and exports its products to the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, United Arab Emirates and Oman.

Nestle India Ltd

Nestle India Ltd was founded in 1866 and is headquartered in Switzerland. It is one of the top 10 food processing companies in India. The company manufactures various products, including coffee, water, dairy, and snacks. The company has four offices in India. Henri Nestlé founded the company.

Parle Agro Pvt Ltd

Parle Agro Pvt Ltd is one of India’s leading food processing companies. Parle Agro operates in three main business lines:

Beverages – fruit drinks, nectars, juices, carbonated drinks

Water – packaged drinking water

Food – confectionery, snacks

The company is among the top 10 food processing companies in India.

Venkys India Ltd

Venkys India Ltd was founded in 1976 and is part of the VH group. The Company is engaged in the production of day-old chicks and broilers for the poultry markets of North India. The company offers a range of products including day-old chicks, adult broilers, refined oil and de-oiled meal for poultry feed.

Its segments include Poultry and Poultry Products, Animal Health Products and Oilseeds. The Poultry and Poultry Products segment includes producing and selling day-old chicks and laying hens, specific pathogen-free eggs, processed chicken products and poultry feed. The Animal Health Products segment manufactures and sells medicines and other bird health products.

Conclusion

The “Future of Food” study, which was released today at the CII Agritech conference, highlighted a number of significant themes that may influence the Indian food business, including nutrition, wellness, and sourcing.

Anand Ramanathan, a partner at Deloitte India, commented on the findings, saying: “From a consumer aspect, the pandemic has resulted in a heightened focus on health, convenience, and sustainability. Increased emphasis on proteins, fresh vegetables, and processed meals has resulted from changing the food pyramid, which rising income levels have also influenced.

Prices for food have increased due to factors like COVID-19 and unfavourable weather. According to the paper, pressure on the food system will soon come from both climate change and expanding population along with their ever-changing dietary needs.

According to Ramanathan, “These consumption-related changes are influencing changes in the value chain with an increased focus on elements like traceability, mechanization, intensification, and regenerative agriculture promoted by investments in the Ag-tech space which is attracting venture and investment capital like never before.”