By Puneet Davar
The food industry in India is going through a phase of immense transformation, largely driven by rapidly evolving technology and consumer preferences. In fact, those of us who have been a part of this industry for a while now have seen some rather monumental shifts that have taken place over the last few years. The exciting part is, as we move forward, there are a lot more interesting innovations and some key trends that are poised to further reshape the food landscape, especially when it comes to the B2B food industry.
Embracing Alternative Proteins
There’s a huge movement across the globe towards more health conscious and environmentally sustainable diets. Whether it be plant-based foods or lab-grown meats, projections indicate that the global market for alternative foods like these is likely to touch $77.8 bn by the end of this year. This shift reflects the change in preferences by the consumers who are today hyper-focused on leading healthier lifestyles. And food companies are responding by ramping up their efforts to introduce new innovations which include everything from mycoproteins to even insect-based proteins to meet this rising demand.
Integration of Advanced Food Technologies
Technology is reshaping every aspect of our lives. Why should food be any different? AI, blockchain technology and many more are completely revolutionising how food is produced, processed, stored, sold and consumed. Technologies like 3D printing have had a huge impact on the food business – especially where production of cakes and desserts is concerned where the technology is being used for everything from creating moulds to creation of personalised designs. In fact, there’s a 3D printing lab that has even figured out how to automate the assembly and cooking of a seven-ingredient cheesecake. Such advancements are not just making processes more efficient but are also ensuring increased transparency and safety in the supply chain leading to better addressal of both industry and consumer concerns.
The Rise of Fermentation-Based Food Innovation
In 2025, one major buzzword one is likely to come across in the food business is fermentation. We’ve already seen companies capitalising on this trend with drinks and prepacked batters and curd, but honestly, we’ve just been scratching the surface so far. I believe, fermentation is a gamechanger where food production is concerned. Going forward, we will see more and more food innovators experimenting with precision fermentation, biomass fermentation, and traditional fermentation techniques to create high-protein, nutrient-dense, and sustainable food ingredients. We’ve of course been using fermentation to develop dairy alternatives, flavour enhancers, and even bioengineered ingredients that improve food shelf life and taste without artificial additives. But going forward, I feel, this trend is also going to revolutionise how B2B food suppliers approach ingredient sourcing and product development.
Focus on Sustainable Practices and Packaging
Sustainability and environment are no longer buzzwords. They’re a critical must have and clearly they’ve become a priority for the industry. We can see B2B food companies increasingly adopting eco-friendly practices, including the use of compostable materials, reusable containers, and the development of carbon-neutral supply chains. Yes, regulatory pressures and a growing consumer demand for environmentally responsible products has driven this trend until now. However, regulations and demand aside, companies are also being more proactive in their approach towards sustainability and have begun ensuring they build sustainability checks and balances in all their processes. Which is why you have brands like Tetra Pak, that has become the first company in India’s food and beverage packaging industry to integrate certified recycled polymers into their packaging.
Digital Transformation and E-Commerce Expansion
There’s hardly an industry in this world that isn’t touched by digital transformation and e-commerce expansion. The immense rise of B2B e-commerce platforms over the last few years in a testament to how traditional food sourcing and procurement has undergone a paradigm shift. These digital marketplaces are enabling businesses to connect more efficiently, streamline transactions, and expand their reach. And with quick-commerce platforms getting into private labelling and food delivery through different apps aided by the rise in cloud kitchens has changed the landscape further. This digital shift is particularly significant in emerging markets, where access to broader networks can drive growth and innovation.
Personalisation and Functional Foods
If you’ve looked around recently, you would notice the sudden increase in the number of start-ups focusing on personalised nutrition and functional foods. It’s a new dawn and consumers are waking up to foods that offer health benefits that go beyond basic nutrition. B2B companies are investing in research and development to create products tailored to specific dietary needs and health goals, leveraging data and AI to anticipate and meet these personalized demands. This trend is only going to get stronger and stronger.
Strengthening Food Safety and Supply Chain Resilience
If the pandemic taught us anything – it was to check our food supply chains! It highlighted all those vulnerabilities which would have otherwise slipped through the cracks. Today, companies are activity working on making these supply chains more secure and resilient. There are robust food safety protocols, deployment of technologies like predictive analytics and blockchain for real time tracking. These measures have not only prepared us to mitigate risks better and prevent food wastage and fraud, but they’ve also ensured better compliance with food safety regulations!
Clean Label and Transparency Movement
Consumers and businesses alike are demanding greater transparency in food production. The clean label movement, which emphasizes natural ingredients and minimal processing, is influencing B2B product formulations. Companies that prioritise ingredient traceability, ethical sourcing, and clear labelling are likely to have a competitive edge in this evolving marketplace.
I truly believe the future of the B2B food industry isn’t just about keeping up with trends but about leading the way. Platforms like AAHAR play a crucial role in bringing the industry together, fostering collaboration, and sharing insights that drive meaningful change. At Tropilite, we see these shifts not as challenges, but as opportunities to reimagine food, build smarter supply chains, and create products that meet the evolving needs of both businesses and consumers. The next decade belongs to those who are bold enough to innovate and agile enough to adapt.
The author is MD and CEO of Tropilite Foods.
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