Food Processing Industry Must Align with Nutrition Security Goals.
Union Minister of Food Processing Industries, Shri Chirag Paswan, today emphasized the need for a clear and long-term roadmap for India’s food processing and nutraceutical sectors, stating that the industry must align itself with the national vision of becoming a developed nation by 2047. Addressing ASSOCHAM’s 'NutriBharat 2026: National Conference on the Role of Nutraceuticals and Functional Foods in Strengthening Nutrition Security,' the minister called on stakeholders to set clear milestones for the next one year, five years, and ten years, while working collaboratively with policymakers and regulators to unlock the sector’s full potential.
Source: pib.gov.in
FSSAI notifies 2026 Amendment Regulations changing how food businesses operate.
Following a review by a NITI Aayog High-Level Committee, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has officially notified the 2026 Amendment Regulations, fundamentally changing how food businesses operate across the country. The new rules aim to reduce the compliance burden on small-scale entrepreneurs while maintaining rigorous safety standards through a risk-based oversight model, wherein the ‘Registration’ category, previously reserved for very small operations, has been expanded to include businesses with an annual turnover of up to Rs 1.5 crore.
Source: fnbnews.com
UK-India trade deal set to ease imports of fresh Indian produce.
Hallans, an Indian and Asian grocery store operating online in the UK, said customers may see changes in the availability of Indian produce following the UK-India Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA). The agreement, signed in 2025 and currently under ratification, including discussions in the UK House of Commons in February 2026, is expected to affect the supply of Indian perishable goods in the United Kingdom.
Source: freshplaza.com
Support measures for exporters on anvil to deal with West Asia crisis.
The commerce ministry is expected to announce certain support measures to help exporters deal with the West Asia crisis, Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal said on Monday. 'Hopefully within this week...we will send you the detailed briefing on what are the steps we are taking in the Department of Commerce to support the exports during this troubled time, especially in the Middle East,' he told reporters.
Source: economictimes.indiatimes.com
India inks terms of reference with Philippines, Maldives for trade pact talks.
India has inked terms of reference with the Philippines and the Maldives to start negotiations for free trade agreements (FTAs), the Commerce Ministry said on Monday. The terms of reference (ToR) outline the scope and modalities of a proposed trade pact.
Source: economictimes.indiatimes.com
Kashmir plans 1.5 million high-density apple trees in 2026.
Qul Fruits has launched a plantation program to plant about 1.5 million high-density apple trees in Kashmir, India, in 2026. According to officials associated with the initiative, planting will take place in phases across the region and is expected to be completed by the end of April 2026. The project is part of efforts to expand high-density apple farming, a system promoted as an alternative to traditional orchards.
Source: freshplaza.com
India's $200 bn trade under threat, situation 'serious' as West Asia conflict continues.
The ongoing conflict in West Asia, that started late February this year, has sent shockwaves through the Indian economy, threatening annual trade valued at nearly US$200 billion with the Gulf countries. External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar briefed Parliament, terming the situation as ‘serious’ for national interest, citing severe supply chain disruptions and maritime instability.
Source: fnbnews.com
Global savory snack market to reach $403.5 billion by 2034, growing at 5.7% CAGR.
The global savory snack products market is set for steady expansion over the next decade, driven by rising demand for convenient, ready-to-eat food options and increasing consumer preference for diverse flavors and healthier snack alternatives. According to a recent market study, the global savory snack products market was valued at $231.66 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach $403.52 billion by 2034, registering a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.7 per cent during the forecast period.
Source: fnbnews.com
India can become global hub for smart protein processing equipment: GFI India–NIFTEM study.
India has the potential to emerge as a global manufacturing hub for smart protein processing equipment, according to a landmark study released by The Good Food Institute India (GFI India) in collaboration with the National Institute of Food Technology, Entrepreneurship and Management, Thanjavur (NIFTEM-T). The report, titled 'India as a Global Manufacturing Hub for Smart Protein Processing Equipment,' was unveiled during the 4th Plant Based Foods Summit held alongside Aahar 2026 in New Delhi. It provides a comprehensive assessment of India’s current capabilities in manufacturing key equipment required for the plant-based protein industry and outlines strategies to strengthen domestic production while reducing reliance on imports.
Source: fnbnews.com
India Plans $6.2 Billion Fund, Export Relief Amid Iran War.
India is setting aside $6.2 billion to help the economy weather any adverse impacts from global crisis, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said on Friday, while separately weighing measures to safeguard exporters amid high energy prices due to the war in the Middle East. The Economic Stabilization Fund will give India fiscal headroom to respond to global challenges, she added, as oil prices crossed $100 a barrel, raising the risk of massive supply-chain disruption. The country imports nearly 90% of its annual crude requirements.
Source: bloomberg.com