Introduction
The food and beverage packaging industry in India is experiencing a transformative phase, fueled by urbanization, changing consumer lifestyles, and increasing demand for convenience. With the market projected to grow significantly over the next decade, this sector is becoming a cornerstone of the country’s economy. Innovations in sustainable packaging, advancements in technology, and shifts in consumer preferences are creating both opportunities and challenges, shaping the industry’s future trajectory. This article explores the key trends, growth drivers, challenges, and emerging opportunities in India’s food and beverage packaging landscape.
The India Food & Beverage Packaging Market size is estimated at USD 38.27 billion in 2025, and is expected to reach USD 52.49 billion by 2030, at a CAGR of 6.52% during the forecast period (2025-2030).The food packaging industry in India is poised for substantial growth in the coming years. This is largely attributed to the country’s increasing consumption of packaged food, a heightened awareness of quality products, and a parallel demand for sustainable packaging.
The food and beverage industry is pivotal in driving the expansion of packaging. With a focus on reducing agricultural waste, the growing investments in the food processing segment are creating new avenues for innovative packaging solutions. These investments are not only helping minimize waste but also enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of packaging processes, thereby supporting the food packaging industry’s growth.
Factors such as the expansion of organized retail, a rising middle-income group, and an uptick in exports are bolstering the industry. There is a heightened emphasis on uniform packaging to enhance shelf life, streamline production, and ensure product quality. The increasing purchasing power of the middle-income group is leading to higher demand for packaged food products, driving the need for advanced packaging solutions that meet evolving consumer preferences and regulatory standards.
India’s improving standards of living, increasing wealth, and fast-paced urban lifestyles are fueling the trend of online food delivery and the consumption of packaged foods. Key players in this space, including Zomato, Swiggy, and Dunzo, are witnessing a surge in their online food delivery services, backed by a wave of packaging innovations. These companies are continuously exploring new ways to enhance the consumer experience by adopting innovative packaging solutions that ensure the safety, quality, and convenience of delivered food items.
However, supply chain disruptions owing to the COVID-19 pandemic created hindrances to the industry’s growth. Fluctuations in the prices of raw materials and stringent regulations imposed by the government on the application of plastic may further dampen the growth rate. The rising environmental concerns and the availability of environmentally friendly alternatives are also anticipated to hamper growth.
The industry faces significant challenges, especially with the evolving regulations. Heightened environmental concerns, particularly around plastic packaging waste, have prompted governments to implement stricter regulations to curb environmental damage and enhance waste management practices. These regulatory changes are compelling companies to adopt more sustainable packaging materials and practices, which can be both a challenge and an opportunity for the industry. The industry’s ability to adapt to these changes will play a crucial role in determining its future growth trajectory.
India Food & Beverage Packaging Market Trends
Rising Demand for Innovative and Sustainable Food Packaging is Expected to Drive the Industry’s Growth
In India, packaged foods are gaining high traction owing to busy work schedules, the rising number of working women, and the shift toward on-the-go consumption. This is expected to increase the utilization of innovative and sustainable packaging in the food industry, fueling the industry’s growth over the forecast period.
Nanofabrication technologies are emerging as ground-breaking solutions to create active materials for use in the design of packages, coatings, and packaging technologies. These solutions can help maintain and improve sensory and nutritional characteristics, increase food safety, and increase shelf life.
With growing awareness, the requirement for eco-friendly and sustainable packaging is steadily rising. The country is focusing more on sustainable solutions, which is increasingly becoming imperative for business. Food outlets, restaurants, hotels, hospitals, industries, caterers, and all other users can get eco-friendly food packaging goods from companies like Evirocor in India. The increased use of eco-friendly packaging is anticipated to fuel the industry’s expansion.
As per IBEF, India’s food processing industry is poised for significant growth, driven by evolving lifestyles and dietary preferences due to increasing disposable incomes and urbanization. The industry has seen robust expansion, maintaining an average annual growth rate of approximately 7.3% between 2015 and 2022. Projections suggest that exports of processed fruits and vegetables will surge from USD 1,534 million in FY 2021 to an estimated USD 2,489 million by FY 2024.
India is experiencing a shift in governmental policies, emphasizing environmental conservation. Consequently, market vendors are rolling out eco-conscious packaging solutions. Many are unveiling packaging lines crafted from sustainably sourced wood fibers, ensuring recyclability. These initiatives underscore the industry’s commitment to curbing waste and promoting a product range that is entirely reusable, recyclable, and compostable.
Growing Usage of Pouches and Bags is Expected to Boost the Industry’s Growth
Pouches and bags under flexible packaging are witnessing significant expansion. In the food packaging industry, they are the most used type of flexible packaging. As one of the most effective and affordable packaging options, players operating in this industry are choosing pouch packaging.
The expansion of plastic pouches is fueled by their capacity to permit co-polymerization and by adding plasticizers, blowing agents, antibacterial chemicals, and color-changing additives. Pouches are adaptable, portable, and light. Improvements in pouch features (such as resealable closures, spouts, and tear notches) and pouch manufacturing technologies (such as equipment with improved line speeds) continue to reduce production costs, making pouches more affordable. Producers are emphasizing integrating features in items that make life easier for consumers, like zippered closure systems and lightweight options. For instance, Nichrome packages snacks, dry fruits, cereals, and pulses, among others, using India’s first vertical pouch packaging equipment.
Plastic bags are one of the nation’s most popular types of plastic packaging. The rise in plastic bags in the nation is mainly due to expanding supermarket chains and Kirana outlets. Plastic carry bags are widely utilized nationwide for bakery, candy, supermarket, and butcher products. Furthermore, numerous retail outlets rely on packaging materials to preserve food freshness and retain its nutritional value. The demand for supermarket goods, particularly frozen and chilled meals, is projected to surge in the coming years, thereby propelling the growth of the industry. As per IBEF, the production volume of paper and plastic packaging in India is anticipated to climb from 435.2 million tons in 2021 to 690.0 million tons by 2028. These figures underscore the escalating adoption of diverse packaging materials, underpinning market expansion.
Conclusion
India’s food and beverage packaging market is at a pivotal juncture, blending challenges with opportunities. As consumer preferences shift towards convenience and sustainability, the industry is compelled to innovate and adapt. By embracing eco-friendly practices, leveraging advancements in technology, and addressing regulatory challenges, the sector is well-positioned for sustained growth. The future of food and beverage packaging in India lies in its ability to balance economic growth with environmental responsibility, ensuring long-term benefits for businesses, consumers, and the planet.
Source: https://www.mordorintelligence.com/industry-reports/india-food-and-beverage-packaging-market
