PBFIA Updates March 2026

4th Plant Based Foods Summit

Highlights

The Summit, organized by the Plant Based Foods Industry Association, was held under the theme “Rooted in Tradition, Engineered for Tomorrow.”

Supported by leading institutions including the Ministry of Food Processing Industries, Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, Food Safety and Standards Authority of India, Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority, India Trade Promotion Organisation, and the Food and Agriculture Organization, the Summit brought together key national and international stakeholders.
The event featured panel discussions, industry presentations, culinary masterclasses, and product showcases focused on dairy and meat alternatives, as well as functional ingredients.
Discussions during the Summit reinforced the importance of policy support, technology adoption, and global partnerships in building resilient and sustainable food systems.

Inaugural

Inaugural Session By Ministry and Government Officials and Foreign Representatives in India

Report Launch Gen Z and the Plant-Powered Plate: Trends & Insights Collaborated by PBFIA with Ipsos

Report Launch: India as a Global Manufacturing Hub for Smart Protein Processing Equipment by GFIA India with NIFTEM-Thanjavur

Expert Panel Session

Panel: Sustainable & Regenerative Agriculture for a Future-Ready India: Strengthening Cultivation of Protein-Rich Crops, Plant Protein Clusters, and Doubling Farmer Incomes through Plant-Based Innovation

The discussion emphasized the importance of strengthening the cultivation of protein-rich crops through sustainable agricultural practices and integrated value chains. The panel highlighted how plant-based innovation can support higher farmer incomes while contributing to the development of a resilient and future-ready agricultural ecosystem.

Panel: Gen Z and the Plant-Based Revolution: Unpacking Health & Nutrition, Myths and Market Trends, Taste Expectations and Innovations

The discussion highlighted the evolving preferences of Gen Z consumers, while addressing common nutrition myths associated with plant-based foods. Panelists also emphasised the growing importance of taste, innovation, and transparency in driving wider adoption of plant-based products and shaping future market trends.

Panel: Smart Solutions and Digital Advances in India’s Plant-Based Food Sector

The discussion focused on the role of digital technologies, smart manufacturing, and data-driven solutions in strengthening India’s plant-based food sector. Panelists highlighted how innovation and technology can enhance operational efficiency, improve scalability, and increase transparency across the value chain.

Panel: Women in Entrepreneurship Driving the Plant-Based Foods Movement in India

The discussion highlighted the significant role of women entrepreneurs in driving innovation and shaping the growth of India’s plant-based food sector. Panelists emphasised how women-led, purpose-driven businesses are contributing to market expansion, consumer awareness, and the advancement of sustainable food solutions.

Panel: From Plate to Planet: How Plant-Based Corporate Catering Aligns with ESG Commitments

The discussion explored how plant-based corporate catering can contribute to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) goals by reducing environmental impact and encouraging sustainable consumption practices. Panelists also highlighted the growing alignment between plant-based food initiatives, corporate sustainability strategies, and broader climate and public health priorities.

Panel: Niche to Normal – Integrating Plant-Based Food Innovations in HoReCa

The discussion focused on the transition of plant-based food innovations from niche offerings to mainstream adoption within the HoReCa sector. Panelists highlighted the importance of enhancing consumer acceptance, integrating plant-based options into menus, and improving operational feasibility to support wider industry adoption.