World Food India 2025: India’s Grand Stage for MSMEs, Startups, and Food-Tech Innovation

As the aroma of innovation and opportunity fills the air, India is gearing up for a food revolution. On September 25, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the fourth edition of World Food India (WFI) 2025 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. More than just an exhibition, WFI has emerged as a global platform where MSMEs, startups, and food-tech innovators converge to redefine the future of food—its production, processing, and global distribution.

Organized by the Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI), this four-day extravaganza (September 25–28) is designed to showcase India’s leadership in food innovation, technology, and sustainable food systems. The event has grown in scale and ambition, attracting attention from around the world and positioning India as a hub for modern food-tech and sustainable agriculture solutions.

₹770 Crore Credit Boost for Micro Food Entrepreneurs

One of the most transformative announcements at WFI 2025 is the launch of credit-linked support worth ₹770 crore under the PM Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFME) Scheme. This initiative is set to benefit nearly 26,000 micro-entrepreneurs, supporting projects worth over ₹2,510 crore.

The aim is clear: accelerate technology adoption, scale operations, and strengthen grassroots-level food innovation. Small players, who often face barriers to formal credit and modern tools, will now have access to funding, modern processing equipment, and technical guidance—paving the way for a new era of micro food enterprises across India.

A Global Showcase for Indian Startups and MSMEs

WFI 2025 promises to be a truly global stage. With over 1,700 exhibitors, 500 international buyers, and delegates from more than 100 countries, Indian entrepreneurs will get unprecedented visibility for their innovations in food processing, packaging, supply chain technologies, and nutrition-focused products.

This year, New Zealand and Saudi Arabia join as Partner Countries, while Japan, Russia, UAE, and Vietnam are Focus Countries, opening doors to collaborations in food-tech, sustainable agriculture, and packaging innovations. For Indian MSMEs and startups, this is more than an exhibition—it’s a chance to network, partner, and scale globally.

Technology and Innovation at the Heart of WFI

Innovation is the heartbeat of WFI 2025. The event is structured around five key pillars of food innovation:

1. Sustainability & Net Zero Processing – highlighting eco-friendly, carbon-neutral technologies.

2. India as a Global Food Processing Hub – showcasing investment and R&D opportunities.

3. Frontiers in Products & Packaging – featuring smart, eco-conscious packaging solutions.

4. Food for Nutrition & Wellness – spotlighting fortified, functional, and plant-based foods.

5. Livestock & Marine Products for Rural Growth – promoting tech-driven fisheries and dairy solutions.

Startups and innovators can explore opportunities in AI-driven food safety systems, IoT-enabled farm-to-fork traceability, nutraceuticals, pet food, and specialty foods, reflecting evolving global consumer demands.

Networking, Knowledge, and Market Access

WFI 2025 isn’t just about showcasing products; it’s about creating connections that matter. Over 45 thematic sessions, CEO roundtables, and high-level B2B, B2G, and G2G interactions are planned.

Parallel events such as the Global Food Regulators Summit (FSSAI), India International Seafood Show (SEAI), and APEDA’s Reverse Buyer-Seller Meet will bring Indian MSMEs face-to-face with over 1,000 international buyers, providing direct access to global markets.

A Launchpad for India’s Food-Tech Future

The event will feature 14 theme-based pavilions dedicated to startups, sustainable technologies, and international exhibitors. With over 100,000 visitors expected, WFI 2025 is poised to be a launchpad for innovation-driven collaborations. Countries like France, Germany, USA, South Korea, Italy, and Australia will join Indian enterprises to showcase cutting-edge advancements in food technology and processing.

Shaping India’s Global Food Leadership

World Food India 2025 is more than a trade fair—it is a reflection of India’s ambition to lead the global food economy. For MSMEs and startups, it offers a platform to gain visibility, forge strategic partnerships, and scale globally through technology, sustainability, and value-added products.

As the country opens its doors to innovators, investors, and global collaborators, WFI 2025 signals a bold message: India is not just feeding the world—it is leading the way in how the world eats.