Industry leaders at the International Kolkata Foodtech 2025 emphasized the significant growth opportunities in eastern India’s food sector, despite ongoing challenges in infrastructure and market development.
Speaking at the event’s inaugural session, experts noted that while the region has a strong foothold in bakery and traditional snacks, it remains underdeveloped in categories like ice cream.
Dream Bake CEO Nemisha Ghia urged stakeholders to adopt sustainable packaging and leverage the region’s strengths to position eastern India as a rising player in the national food industry.
Ashish Agarwal, Director of Bhikharam Chandmal, pointed out that although eastern India is a major consumer of sweets and namkeen, it has yet to establish itself as a manufacturing hub. “There is strong demand, but the supply ecosystem still needs strengthening,” he added.
Highlighting the potential in frozen desserts, Indian Ice Cream Manufacturers Association Vice President Anuvrat Pabrai noted that the east accounts for only 15% of India’s total ice cream consumption—significantly lower than the west (35%), and the north and south (25% each). “This presents an enormous opportunity for growth on a low base,” he said.
The ongoing B2B exhibition, being held at the Biswa Bangla Milan Mela Complex in Kolkata, will continue till August 4. The event has drawn manufacturers, innovators, and suppliers from across the country to discuss emerging trends and market opportunities in the food processing and packaging industries.