A two-day regional workshop focused on addressing issues related to the horticulture sector is underway in Kochi, attended by representatives from Southern states, Union Territories, and central agencies.

 

In his inaugural address, Priya Ranjan, Joint Secretary (Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture), Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, outlined the objectives of the workshop and the need to step up the adoption of various schemes under the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH).

 

He stressed on the need for innovation and modern technologies for the sustained development of the horticulture sector, besides addressing issues related to climate change, availability of quality planting material, and ensuring remunerative returns for farmers.

 

He invited project proposals from states for enhancing the scalability of various schemes with the participation of progressive farmers.

 

Prabhat Kumar, Horticulture Commissioner and CEO CDB, stressed on the need for integrating food security with nutritional security in the efforts to achieve sustainable development. Horticultural crops have immense potential for carbon sequestration and are more adaptable to climate change, he said. The potential for the utilisation of products and by-products of horticultural crops and the scope for natural farming must be explored, he added.

 

The discussions and deliberations at the workshop are expected to help devise strategies for the sustained development of the horticulture sector.

A seminar and exhibition on agricultural product export development for farmers of three districts were held on Thursday.

 

The one-day events were held at a marriage hall at Neikarapatti, in which more than 250 farmers from Salem, Namakkal, and Erode districts participated.

 

Speaking at the seminar, Salem MP S.R. Parthiban said that it was conducted to explain the opportunities for farmers to export their produce. The agriculture products produced in these districts are getting a good response across the world.

 

Experts explained various topics like getting food licence, rules for export, issues to face in export, and insurance. Farmers were told to utilise their advice, Mr. Parthiban added.

 

Salem North MLA R. Rajendran said that Chief Minister M.K. Stalin is taking steps to improve the economic development of farmers and to explain the opportunities available for farmers from local level to global markets. Farmers may use modern technologies and earn more profit by exporting their produce.

 

From the three districts, turmeric, eggs, tapioca, chicken, and rice are exported. Turmeric from Erode is exported to Malaysia, America, Bangladesh, Germany, and Japan. Likewise, eggs from Namakkal are exported to Gulf countries; tapioca from Salem and Namakkal is exported to Australia, America, Saudi Arabia, Netherlands, and Brazil; and mangoes are exported to Germany, Netherlands, and Europe. Similarly, corn is exported to Sri Lanka, Nepal, Malaysia, Bangladesh, and Vietnam, Mr. Rajendran added.

 

Urging the farmers to utilise the export opportunities, Mr. Rajendran said that the Agri Business Department provides assistance to farmers to start a firm, bank accounts, pan cards, get export and import code numbers, select markets, send samples, and fix the price of the produce.

After India reduced the minimum export price (MEP) of basmati rice to $950 from $1200 per tonne last week, many large buyers from Turkey have landed in India to buy basmati rice resulting in prices surging to $975-$1000 per tonne in the export markets.

 

Farmers from Haryana, Punjab, and western UP are now getting Rs 3900 per quintal for their basmati paddy crop (1509 variety), a Rs 700 per quintal rise within a week's time fuelled by heavy demand from the global markets for basmati rice.

 

'The old contracts that were kept in abeyance because of sub-$1200 price per tonne are being shipped now. New orders are pouring in with large buyers from Turkey visiting India to pick up good volumes of basmati rice,' said Vijay Setia, a basmati exporter and past president of All India Rice Exporters Association (AIREA).

 

On August 25, the government prohibited the export of basmati rice below $1,200 per tonne to prevent potential instances of 'illicit' shipment of regular white non-basmati rice disguised as high-quality basmati rice. It also kept the sub-$1,200 per tonne rice contracts in abeyance and asked the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) to set up a committee to evaluate the contracts.

 

After several representations by the AIREA to reduce the MEP, the Union commerce and industry minister Piyush Goyal agreed to bring down the MEP to $950 per tonne last week.

Union Minister of Food Processing Industries Pashupati Kumar Paras on Wednesday said that people from about 88 countries from all over the world will participate in the second edition of the global mega food event, World Food India 2023, that will be held from November 3-5.

Speaking to ANI, Pashupati Paras also said that ministers from six countries are also coming to the event.

 

He further said that the event will be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on November 3, and President Droupadi Murmu will present the valedictory address on November 5.

'People from about 88 countries from all over the world will come to World Food India 2023. Ministers of 6 countries are also coming to it. It will be held from November 3-5. Before this, it was organized in 2017. At that time also its date was fixed from 3rd to 5th November. The event will be inaugurated by PM Modi on 3rd at 10 AM. It will conclude with the President's speech,' he said.

He further said that this is a very important event on a global level.

The event will be held from November 3-5 at Pragati Maidan in the national capital.

 

World Food India is an effort towards projecting the potential of the sector before global stakeholders. The event is a unique example of the whole of Government collaborative approach, as 11 central Ministries/ Departments & their associated autonomous bodies are participating in it, the Ministry of Food Processing Industries said in a release.

Earlier, Union Minister Prahlad Patel apprised of the wide international representation in the event and about 10 overseas Ministerial and official delegations from many countries are participating in the event.

 

'A Reverse Buyer Seller Meet is also being organized in association with the Department of Commerce and its associated commodity boards as part of the event and it is likely to have the participation of about 1000 overseas buyers from more than 75 countries. In all the event is likely to witness participation of more than 900 exhibitors,' he said.

The Netherlands will be the Partner Country in this edition of World Food India, while Japan and Vietnam are the Focus Countries.

The event is expected to attract over 900 exhibitors and 75,000 visitors over the three days. It will feature a wide range of activities, including exhibitions, B2B, B2G, and G2G meetings, and cultural programs.

One of the highlights of the event will be an attempt at setting a Guinness Record for the longest dosa in the world. 60 to 80 chefs will be working together to create a millet dosa over 100 feet long.

 

The event will also celebrate the International Year of Millets 2023 with a monumental installation of 50,000 tetra-pack containers of millet beverages, which will be distributed to underprivileged children.

Brazil can be a great partner for India by supplying proteins to supplement the population's dietary needs, whether in the form of vegetable or animal protein.

 

On an official mission to India, Minister of Agriculture and Livestock, Carlos Fávaro, seeks to strengthen diplomatic relations and enhance ties of friendship between the countries through commercial and cooperation opportunities in the agricultural sector.

 

With the new government of President of the Republic, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, Brazil has regained credibility in the international agribusiness market.

 

In 10 months, the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (Mapa), under the leadership of Minister Carlos Fávaro, obtained access to 55 new markets for the export of Brazilian agribusiness products.

 

These new open markets include products such as beef, pork and poultry, bivalve molluscs and crustaceans, fertile eggs and day-old birds, cattle and buffalo embryos, poultry, pork and fish meal, chewable pet food, cotton, açaí juice, among others.

 

The new market accesses, include a diversified portfolio of countries such as China, India, Mexico, Chile, Dominican Republic, Canada, Russia, Indonesia, Egypt, Singapore, Angola, Argentina, Uruguay, Ecuador, Colombia, Panama, Malaysia, Armenia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan , Algeria, South Africa, Belarus, French Polynesia, New Caledonia, Vanuatu, Israel and Saudi Arabia.

 

'The good diplomatic relations between countries have reinforced international confidence in the quality and health of the Brazilian product. We are strengthening ties based on the quality of our production and this has been demonstrated in the diversification of Brazilian agricultural exports to the world', noted Fávaro.

 

In regards to sustainable practices, Fávaro has presented the largest sustainable food production program in the world, which foresees the recovery and conversion of 40 million hectares of low-productivity pastures into arable areas in ten years in order to double the area for food production in Brazil without deforestation.

 

'Brazil can grow and increase 40 million hectares with agriculture, livestock and forestry in a sustainable way, being an example for the world', according to Fávaro.

 

Regarding trade, the two countries seek to intensify sanitary and phytosanitary negotiations with a focus on expanding trade by increasing market access from Brazilian products to India and Indian products to Brazil.

 

The Brazilian side is interested in exporting to India fresh avocado and citrus fruits; Brazil nuts and macadamia nuts; yerba mate powder; among other products. The Indian side shows interest in exporting to Brazil sorghum and millet; Coconut Water; milk and dairy products; meat and meat products; and others.

 

Brazilian agribusiness exports to India totaled US$2.95 billion in 2022, according to the Brazilian Agribusiness Foreign Trade Statistics System (AgroStat). The main exported products were soybean oil and sugar.

 

In the same year, imports of Indian agribusiness products totaled US$ 177.55 million, with purchases mainly of cotton textile products; cotton threads, threads and fabrics; onions; essential oils; chocolate; and cumin seeds.

 

In May 2023, India opened the market for the import of Brazilian açaí juice, a non-fermented drink, obtained by diluting açaí, clarified açaí or dehydrated açaí in drinking water, with or without added sugar.

India’s Union Minister of State for Food Processing Industries, Prahlad Singh Patel, unveiled the details of the much-anticipated World Food India 2023 event. The Netherlands is the 'Partner Country,' while Japan and Vietnam are the 'Focus Countries' for this edition, the minister informed.

 

Scheduled from November 3 to 5, 2023, at Pragati Maidan in New Delhi, the second edition of World Food India is poised to be a spectacular event, drawing participants from 81 countries. The event aims to bring together key stakeholders in the food processing industry, including industry leaders, policymakers, investors, entrepreneurs, and academia.

 

Key highlights include plenary sessions, a 50,000 sq m exhibition space, a Reverse Buyer Seller Meet (RBSM), themed pavilions, and 20+ foreign business delegations. The Food Street, curated by Celebrity Chef Ranveer Brar, promises a sensory delight, featuring regional cuisines, street food, and an ambitious attempt at the world's longest dosa.

 

The inauguration on November 3 will be graced by Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, at the iconic Bharat Mandapam in Pragati Maidan. The event will witness the presence of Pashupati Kumar Paras, Minister of Food Processing Industries, Government of India, and other dignitaries.

 

Prime Minister Modi is set to unveil commemorative stamps and coins, marking the significance of the occasion. Over 1,000 buyers and 950 exhibitors from 81 countries are expected to participate, making World Food India 2023 a global platform for showcasing Indian food culture and investment opportunities in the food processing industry.

 

The event will feature 23 state governments, 18 central ministries, and allied departments as partners, highlighting its widespread support. Prahlad Singh Patel emphasized the importance of the International Year of the Millets and announced a Guinness World Record attempt for the longest dosa, reflecting the commitment to showcasing millets.

 

Minhaj Alam, Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Food Processing Industries, provided insights into the event's preparations. As part of the celebration of the International Year of Millets 2023, a monumental installation of 50,000 tetra-pack containers of millet beverages will be distributed to underprivileged children.

 

The event is anticipated to attract 75,000 visitors over three days, offering cultural programs, classical and folk dances, and musical performances. World Food India 2023 aims to establish itself as a premier global food event, showcasing India's world-class infrastructure, diverse culinary traditions, and innovative food industry, solidifying the country's position as a leader in the global food sector.

There are various food business ideas which can be started anywhere in the world. If you are a food lover, starting a food business might always excite you. We have filtered some of the best business ideas in food products that can generate good profits. These businesses can be started by anyone who has a passion towards starting a business and aiming for good profits.

 

Demand for food in the GCC has remained relatively conservative, growing at a slower pace amid economic and geo-political concerns in recent years. While demand has been supported by growing population and evolving consumer preferences among the locals and expatriates alike, the fall in per capita income since the slowdown in oil prices in mid-2014 has affected the sector. Nevertheless, the GCC food sector has become more self-reliant, supported by the various efforts by the governments to increase domestic production, especially through investments in technology. The onset of the Covid-19 pandemic and the consequent restrictions on food exports, barriers on cross-border transport upended food supply chains worldwide and stoked fears of food shortages in the GCC. To mitigate the risks of food shortages, the GCC nations were prompt to diversify their import sources, streamline their logistics and distribution, and build adequate food reserves. Moreover, collaboration between the public and private sector has helped the GCC nations build a strong food ecosystem, which will continue to help the region withstand the pandemic.

 

Demand for food in the GCC is expected to grow at a CAGR of 2.3% to reach 52.4 million MT in 2025 from 46.8 million MT in 2020. This growth is likely due to an increase in population, post pandemic recoveries in tourism, higher per capita income and overall economic growth. The re-opening of economies facilitated by extensive vaccination programs coupled with the rise in consumer confidence will aid the food industry to return to normalcy.

 

Over the past few years, the love and craze for food have been increased to a significant extent at the global front. The Food and Beverage Market has seen tremendous growth over the past few years and is also expected to grow to a great extent. At a global front, the retail sales for clothes, white goods, footwear has been declining and is getting replaced by the Food and Beverage industry. When it comes to business incorporation, the United Arab Emirates grabs the first place in the minds of the investors and business owners. This guide is for the passionate individuals who hold the mindset of dreaming big and is looking forward to investing or start a business in UAE, in the F&B industry.

 

Owning your own business is a thrilling enterprise. You are your own boss and can join many others taking pride in the goods they market. Business Development: Successfully growing a food product from an idea to a sellable item and then into a brand involves making informed choices about goals and parameters for the business itself.  Such choices require thought and planning. Business Plan - Writing a business plan-a document detailing the human, financial, and ideological organization of the entity- can seem to be a large undertaking but clear goals guide you in the right direction, and will help define your business in the eyes of a regulatory agency. What is the business goal? – Is this a business you are hoping to build and sell once it gets big or something you plan to invest in until your retirement? Some of these decisions will influence how you will invest for your product development.

 

Understand the business:  There are several business considerations that should be accounted for before, during and after the product development. Often times, the product development will need to be adjusted based on business shifts. Examples include: formula costs, product claim deliverables, shelf-life expectations.

 

The food service industry includes way more than simple restaurants. There are tons of unique niches and business models that can help entrepreneurs turn a profit. The food industry has changed dramatically since the Covid-19 pandemic began. With many traditional restaurants struggling, consumers are increasingly interested in delivery, carryout, and specialty food services.

 

The business that is associated with preparation, processing, manufacturing or packaging food in any way is called food business.  It may be a private or public undertaking working for profit or not. The food industry has become very competitive as a lot of people have started doing this business. But if you maintain the quality, taste and hygiene, you can make good sums of money from this business field.

 

Top Food Business Ideas with Small Capital

Here are some of the small food business ideas list with low capital and can fetch you high profits. One has to choose one of these food startup ideas.

 

Opening restaurant

With meticulous planning and moderate investment, one can plan to open a restaurant. It is a highly profitable business, if planned and managed properly. One should review location, taste and habits of the people in that location before opening the restaurant. E.g. If you are planning to open a restaurant in Hyderabad (India), then a flavor of non-vegetarian Biryani would be the best option as Hyderabadis like that. This is one of the best restaurant business ideas to start in busy streets.

 

Open a Bakery

If you are good at making cakes and biscuits, you can opt for opening a bakery too. All you need is good recipes, baking tandoor and various moulds. These days, many corporate companies are ordering with bakeries for each and small get together or meetings been arranged by them. If you can be part of such corporate events, you can make decent returns in such food business.

 

Chocolate making

People are fond of good home-made chocolates. If you know the art of making chocolates, you can opt it as your business that can be operated from home too. This is one of the best food business ideas with small capital.

 

Ice-cream parlour

Gone are the days where one used to have ice cream only in summer. Now one would prefer it anytime across the year. You can either make your own ice-creams or take a franchise of some famous company.

 

Mobile food-vans

These days, caravan vans of food are gaining popularity for the reason they have the flexibility to go anywhere. They generally serve fast-food or combo-food that can be eaten on the go or take away. While the cost to be offered low here, you can make good margins with high volume. It is one of the unique food business ideas.

 

Catering services

If you are a good planner, and have management skills, you can offer catering services on a small or large scale. People frequently plan parties and you can provide catering to them. Since the food is delivered in a short span and money collection also happens immediately, it could be one of the small food business ideas with small capital.

The California walnut harvest is now in full swing, and fresh, premium-quality golden walnuts have started arriving in India, just in time for the festive season. California walnuts are more than just a nutritious nut; they are a rich part of history, an icon of innovation, a pillar of health, and a dynamic force in the culinary world.

Situated in California's Central Valley, a region almost entirely enclosed by majestic mountains, these walnuts are an integral part of an agricultural tapestry that includes over 250 other crops. When it comes to English walnuts, California proudly reigns supreme, producing a staggering 99% of all U.S. walnut production. With over 4,000 walnut growers, most of which are family-owned farms with multi-generational legacies, California's walnut industry is a testament to dedication and tradition. These families maintain the highest standards of cultivation and processing, adhering to stringent Federal and State food safety regulations.

 

Commenting on the occasion, Pamela Graviet, Sr. Director of Global Programs California Walnut Commission & Board, said, 'The Indian market has a love for high-quality foods and rich flavors. Nutrient-dense walnuts should be a top choice, and it remains our constant effort to raise awareness about California-grown walnuts and our multi-generational family farms dedicated to delivering this wholesome and delectable product. For over a century, California's walnut growers and processors, known as handlers, have cultivated this industry with a focus on land stewardship, public health, and community welfare. Their unwavering commitment to producing this nutritious food source is matched by their active pursuit of innovative technologies and sustainable practices to reduce their environmental impact.'

 

She further added, 'Innovation is synonymous with California's walnut industry, both in the orchard and in the preparation and packaging of walnuts for global consumption. Remarkably, California has maintained an exceptional food safety record for over a century, a testament to its uncompromising commitment to quality. The growing conditions this season are ideal, delivering fresh, delicious and beautiful walnuts ranging from light to that California distinctive lightly golden hue.'

Recently, influencers, chefs, dietitians, and journalists from six countries, including India, were invited to experience the California walnut harvest which spans from early September through the first part of November. The harvest offered participants a unique opportunity to witness the journey of California walnuts from tree to table. Guests were greeted with a delightful array of walnut-infused culinary creations, followed by an up-close look at the process of growing, harvesting, and processing walnuts. They interacted with one of the many multi-generational families that make up the California walnut industry. Excitement filled the air as the mechanical harvesters, first developed in California, began shaking trees, causing walnuts to rain down, ready to be whisked away for cleaning and drying before reaching tables worldwide. As guests picked up the freshly harvested walnuts, they tasted the quality that growers know represents their hard work. Guests gained insight into the passion, commitment, and dedication required to grow these delicious and nutritious nuts and learned about the modern and meticulous process walnuts undergo to be available at local stores.

 

California walnuts are renowned for their mild, earthy, nutty, buttery flavor and unparalleled texture, setting them apart as a delicious snack or as a prized ingredient for both sweet and savory culinary creations. They are available at all grocery stores and e-commerce sites. When buying walnuts, look for the California Walnuts logo mark, 'California' or 'Californian' on the package or produce of the USA to ensure that you are buying genuine high-quality California walnuts.

More than 99% of the walnuts grown in the United States are from California, produced by multi-generational farmers encompassing 4,000 family orchards. California walnuts, known for their excellent nutritional value and quality, are shipped around the world all year long. With the focus on plant- forward eating, walnuts are enjoyed in a variety of innovative and delicious ways, such as a plant-based meat alternative, walnut milk and walnut butter. They are recognized as a versatile and nutritious snack, a topper for yogurt and oatmeal, and the perfect nut to pair with salads and vegetables. 

Global rice prices are not expected to cool down significantly before 2025 due to export curbs from major producing nations and a continuing threat of El Niño, the latest World Bank Global Commodity Outlook said.

The report, which was released recently, also said that global rice prices that averaged 28 per cent higher in 2023 than in 2022 are expected to increase by another 6 per cent in 2024. This is partly due to the threat of El Niño, policy response from significant exporters and importers, and the geographical and market concentration of rice production and exports.

This should ring some alarm bells in India, which is staring at a drop in domestic kharif rice production in 2023, due to low monsoon in August.

 

The Centre has already clamped down on export of rice from India thus wiping off almost 40 per cent supplies from the world markets.

Overall, the report said, agricultural prices are forecast to fall by 7 per cent in 2023 and a further 2 per cent in 2024 and 2025 owing to ample supplies.

The report also mentioned that maize prices are expected to end the current year at 22 per cent below their levels in 2022, and decline further by 8 and 4 per cent in 2024 and 2025.

On wheat, the World Bank said that global wheat prices are trending on an average 20 per cent lower in 2023 than the 2022 levels, and should decrease further by about 3 and 5 per cent in 2024 and 2025 respectively.

 

The World Bank said sugar and cocoa prices are expected to decline from their 2023-highs, though fruit prices should remain high in 2024 on weather-affected supply shortfalls.

On fertilisers, the outlook said prices are expected to decrease as more supplies become available online, but they are likely to stay above historical averages due to some supply constraints and China’s ongoing export restrictions.

Cotton: Domestic cotton production in 2023-24 season, that started in October, is expected to drop to around 29.51 million bales (1 bale=170 kilograms) from 31.8 million bales in the 2022-23 season (a fall of 7.23 per cent), due to low yield because of drought in some major growing states and impact of pest attack, the Cotton Association of India (CAI) said in its first official estimate released today.

 

However, trade sources said if domestic demand remains at around 31.1 million bales, then India might be able to export around 1.4 million bales as opening stocks are at around 2.9 million bales. But if textile mills operate to their full capacity, domestic cotton production might fall short of demand.

Sugar: The Indian Sugar Mills Association (ISMA), in its first estimate for the 2023-24 sugar season that started from October today, said gross production without accounting for diversion of ethanol is expected to be around 33.7 million tonnes, which is less than 36.6 million tonnes last year.

Consumption this year is expected to be around 27.8 million tonnes. On the diversion towards ethanol, ISMA said that it will declare only after feedstock-wise ethanol procurement price for ethanol supply year 2023-24. 

Some time back, the Singapore-operated Bengal Tiger Line added Saudi Arabia’s Dammam Port, also known as the King Abdulaziz Port, to the India- Saudi-Iraq service route. According to latest reports, it will now be part of the India Gulf Express Freight Service. It will be well connected with India’s Nhava Sheva, Mundra, and Mangalore ports and will boost trade in the region. T

 

The Dammam Port handles a bulk of oil trade, making it especially critical and the extension to Dammam Port will yield substantial benefits to Bangladesh and Sri Lanka as well. This move complements the establishment of the Bangladesh-India-Sri Lanka-Gulf corridor through the new Bangladesh India Gulf Express (BIGEX) service earlier this year.

 

Additionally, the port’s integration into the Mediterranean Shipping Company’s (MSC) shipping service will foster closer ties between Saudi and India, with stops also planned at Jeddah Islamic Port. Significant ports like Jabel Ali, Mundra, Nhava Sheva, and Djibouti will also be included in this route, and so will be many ports in Italy, Spain and Malta.

 

The inaugural voyage is scheduled for December, heralding a new era of enhanced trade connectivity in the region. This development is in line with the evolving dynamics of India’s relations with the Gulf region, exemplified by the recent state visit of Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman to India.

 

Plans for a track 1.5 dialogue between India, Saudi Arabia, and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries are underway, reflecting the growing importance of these strategic partnerships. The GCC region, home to 9 million Indians, holds immense potential for economic collaboration. Efforts to negotiate a free trade agreement between India and the GCC are also underway

 

This integration of ports and the emphasis on leveraging the blue economy are aligned with India’s port-led development model, signaling a positive trajectory for regional cooperation and economic growth.