Report by ASSOCHAM-PwC, highlights that despite global food processing market being valued at USD 10 trillion (2025), food scarcity persists due to high post-harvest losses, limited processing infrastructure, etc.
Key Challenges with Food Processing Sector
- Food wastage and food-borne illnesses: It costs around $936 billion and $110 billion USD respectively annually.
- Supply Chain Inefficiencies: India loses ~INR 1.53 trillion worth of agricultural produce annually due to post-harvest losses.
- Higher Operational and Environmental Costs: Food processing demands substantial amounts of energy and water.
Benefits of Next Generation Technologies in Food Processing
- Role of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning: Non-invasive food inspection, automation of repetitive tasks like packaging, labelling, etc.
- Consumer Market trends: Smart foods developed using innovative processing techniques with enhanced shelf life and nutritional value are in demand.
- Supply Chain Transparency: Using Blockchain that allows participants to verify transactions in real-time, ensuring data accuracy.
- Cater to Rising Population Demands: World population is to reach 9.8 billion by 2050 (UN).
Despite the benefits, operational and regulatory challenges associated with the technological adoption can be overcome by compliance and legislative frameworks like Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 (DPDP Act), skilled manpower, etc.
Food Processing Sector in India
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