India has officially opened its food and beverage (F&B) sector to 100% foreign investment, granting full ownership and management rights to foreign enterprises, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal announced. This move aims to attract global players and significantly boost India’s export-driven economy.
Goyal assured potential investors of streamlined work permits and simplified processes to establish F&B businesses in India. The decision represents a major policy shift, reflecting the government’s commitment to fostering foreign capital inflow into the sector.
The minister also unveiled an ambitious goal: achieving $100 billion in combined exports from the F&B, agriculture, and marine industries over the next five years. “We are committed to making farming more sustainable, promoting organic farming, and pushing organic food products globally,” Goyal stated.
India’s exports in these sectors reached $50 billion in 2024, driven by the efforts of the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) and the Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA). The government’s new policy is expected to double this figure by 2030.
Sustainability is a key focus of the initiative. Goyal highlighted plans to simplify certification processes for organic food products while ensuring authenticity and traceability. These efforts are aimed at strengthening India’s position as a global hub for high-quality and eco-friendly food exports.
With the F&B sector now fully open to foreign investment, industry experts anticipate a surge in new ventures, bolstered innovation, and significant contributions to India’s economic growth.