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
North India's horti expo debuts with full value-chain focus.
This week's launch of Horti Agri India Expo 2026, taking place between 12-14th March at Yashobhoomi in New Delhi, establishes a dedicated B2B hub for North India's booming horticulture sector, says Shubham Gupta of SV Global Expo, the show's organizer. 'We're zeroing in on horticulture-specific solutions to drive business deals, technology transfer and real sector talk, unlike general agriculture fairs.'
Source: hortidaily.com
APEDA to showcase top Indian Spirits from South Seas Distilleries, USL and other at ProWein Düsseldorf.
India’s premium spirits industry will take center stage at ProWein Düsseldorf, the world’s leading trade fair for wines and spirits, as the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) showcases a curated selection of Indian spirits and wines at the India Pavilion from March 15 to 17, 2026. The India Pavilion, organized by APEDA under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India, will feature a range of premium Indian single malt whiskies and spirits from leading exporters. The showcase will include portfolios from South Seas Distilleries, USL, and other Indian companies, reflecting the growing international recognition of Indian single malt whisky and premium spirits.
Source: foodtechbiz.com
'Containers are often discharged in Jeddah and transported overland'.
Although the numbers seem low, the current Ukrainian apple season is actually an average one if you compare it to the seasons after the war started, says Volodymyr Gurzhiy of Ukrainian apple exporter USPA Fruit: 'In the 2024/2025 season, Ukraine exported 16,800 tons of apples worth approximately $10 million. While this is a relatively modest figure and a significant share of production remains for domestic consumption, these volumes currently represent the scale of Ukraine's apple exports.
Source: freshplaza.com
'Mumbai’s trade hub to host pavilions from 20+ countries at Fresh India Show'.
Fresh India Show 2026 is lining up an array of international pavilions from over 20 countries, reflecting the growing global interest in India's fresh produce market and trade, says M B Naqvi, CEO and Chief Coordinator. 'Abrafrutas steps up as our diamond partner with a South American avocado pavilion, alongside Garden of Europe, also a diamond partner, displaying premium apples from Poland and Greece. Vietnam's Comex Farms joins as co-partner, while Mexico's FD Berries, Washington Apple, Tanzania Hass growers, and other international exhibitors complete the global roster.'
Source: freshplaza.com