Food processing push: Global, domestic firms may invest Rs 1.02 lakh crore; job creation in focus
The Ministry of Food Processing Industries said 26 companies, including Reliance Consumer Products, Coca-Cola System in India, Amul, Nestle India, Tata Consumer Products Ltd, and Carlsberg India Pvt Ltd, signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with commitments spanning dairy, meat and poultry, packaged foods, beverages, spices and condiments, confectionery, edible oils, fruits and vegetables, and ready-to-eat products.The ministry said the MoUs are expected to generate direct employment for over 64,000 people and create indirect opportunities for more than 10 lakh individuals, PTI reported.
Investments will be spread across states including Gujarat, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Bihar, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Rajasthan, West Bengal, Assam, Chhattisgarh, Uttarakhand, Jammu & Kashmir, and the north-eastern region.Reliance Consumer Products Ltd signed a Rs 40,000-crore agreement with the ministry to set up integrated food manufacturing facilities nationwide.
Three Coca-Cola bottlers in India committed Rs 25,760 crore (USD 2.96 billion) for greenfield and brownfield projects to expand food processing infrastructure.The ministry added that Invest India assisted in facilitating these MoUs and that the summit reaffirmed India’s position as a global destination for food processing investments.
“The event has laid a strong foundation for sustainable growth, innovation, and international collaboration, further consolidating India’s leadership in shaping the future of global food systems,” the statement said.The ministry said it would continue to work closely with industry stakeholders to ensure effective implementation of these investments.
