India’s plant-based protein ingredients market is expected to double from around ₹4,500 crore to ₹9,000 crore over the next five years, driven by growing demand for protein-rich and targeted nutrition, according to the Plant Based Foods Industry Association (PBFIA).
Speaking at Fi India and ProPak India 2026, PBFIA Executive Director Praveer Srivastava said consumers are shifting from calorie-consciousness towards nutritional consciousness, with protein becoming an increasingly important factor in food choices.
India’s broader plant-based food sector is growing at around 18% annually, compared with an estimated global growth rate of 7–8%. However, nearly 90% of plant-protein ingredients used in the country are currently imported.
PBFIA sees this dependence as a major opportunity for domestic manufacturing. India’s large agricultural base could support local ingredient processing, although significant investment will be required. According to Srivastava, setting up an ingredient-extraction facility with a capacity of 10–15 tonnes per day could require an investment of at least ₹200–250 crore.
With adequate policy support, processing infrastructure and innovation, India could not only reduce imports but also emerge as an exporter of plant-based ingredients.
Prabodh Halde, Head-Technical Regulatory Affairs at Marico and West Zone Chairman of the All India Food Processors’ Association, said India’s overall food ingredients and additives market is valued at around ₹85,000 crore. Natural ingredients, including nutraceuticals, account for an estimated 30–35% and are growing at a double-digit pace.
Kaushik Desai, Secretary General of the Health Foods and Dietary Supplements Association, said India’s agricultural resources and growing demand for healthier products could create greater value for farmers and boost exports. He also highlighted the opportunity to combine Ayurveda with modern food science to position India as a global hub for health ingredients.
As protein demand accelerates, the next opportunity for India lies in moving up the value chain—from being a major consumer of plant-based ingredients to becoming a competitive producer and exporter.