New Delhi, Mar 10: The 4th Plant Based Foods Summit, organized by the Plant Based Foods Industry Association (PBFIA), was successfully held at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, bringing together policymakers, international organizations, industry leaders, academia, and innovators to deliberate on the future of sustainable and plant–based food systems in India.
The summit served as a key platform to discuss policy frameworks, technological innovation, nutrition security, sustainable agriculture, and the rapidly growing plant–based foods ecosystem.
The event witnessed the presence of several eminent dignitaries including Rajit Punhani, CEO of the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), who emphasized the importance of food safety, regulatory clarity, and innovation in emerging food sectors such as plant–based products.
Dr R.K. Srivastava, Director General of Health Services at the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, highlighted the role of diverse and sustainable diets in strengthening public health outcomes. Dr D.C. Jain, Special Director General Health Services, further underlined the importance of nutrition-focused innovation and the role plant–based foods can play in addressing lifestyle diseases and improving dietary diversity.
From the MSME ecosystem, Dr Ashutosh A. Murkute, Director General of the National Institute for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (ni-msme), spoke about the opportunities for startups and small enterprises in the fast-growing plant–based foods sector and the need for capacity building and entrepreneurship development.
The summit also saw strong international participation. Takayuki Hagiwara, Representative of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in India, highlighted the global importance of sustainable food systems and the role of plant–based innovation in achieving climate and food security goals.
Representing international collaboration, Volker Klima, Head of Agriculture and Food Division at the Embassy of Germany in India, discussed Germany’s growing engagement with sustainable food technologies and opportunities for Indo-German partnerships in the plant–based sector.
Scott Matthies, Managing Director – Trade & Investment, Government of Saskatchewan, shared insights on Canada’s leadership in plant protein production and opportunities for India-Canada collaboration in supply chains, technology, and investment.
From academia and skill development institutions, Prof. V. Palanimuthu, Director of National Institute of Food Technology, Entrepreneurship and Management, Thanjavur, spoke about research, innovation, and the need to integrate plant–based food technologies into academic and R&D ecosystems.
Kamal Kant Pant, Principal & Secretary of Institute of Hotel Management, Pusa, emphasized the role of chefs, culinary institutes, and hospitality professionals in popularizing plant–based cuisine and bringing innovative dishes to mainstream consumers.
The summit featured panel discussions, industry presentations, culinary masterclasses, and product showcases highlighting advancements in plant–based dairy, meat alternatives, protein innovations, and sustainable food products.
Speaking on the occasion, Praveer Srivastava, Executive Director of the Plant Based Foods Industry Association, noted that India has immense potential to become a global hub for plant–based foods, given its strong agricultural base, entrepreneurial ecosystem, and growing consumer awareness around health and sustainability.
The 4th Plant Based Foods Summit reaffirmed the need for collaborative action between government, industry, academia, and international partners to accelerate innovation, build supportive policy frameworks, and position India as a leader in the global plant–based foods movement.
The event concluded with a renewed commitment from stakeholders to advance sustainable food systems and support the growth of India’s emerging plant–based foods sector.
