Last updated:December 28, 2024, 01:33 IST
The food industry for 2024 is defined by innovation, sustainability and personalization, setting a stage of transformational trends in 2025 prioritizing technology, health and environmental awareness.
As 2024 approaches the end, the food industry stands at the intersection of innovation, sustainability and personalization.
The food industry is undergoing dramatic transformations in shaping how food production, consumption and perception is produced, consumed and perceived worldwide. This evolution affects economic patterns, conservation activities, and cultural diets, and calls for attention from brands, investors and consumers. Looking back at 2024, ahead of 2025, explore the power to drive this change and trends that redefine the future.
A crucial moment in food innovation
Ayush Gupta, head India business at KRBL, highlights the key period the food industry has reached. “As we approach 2025, health, dul and innovation are reshaping the ways we grow, produce and consume food,” he explains. Health and safety are our number one priority, and there is a growing demand for packaged foods that maintain nutrition and improve quality of life.
Gupta also emphasizes the role of technology, saying, “Advances like AI and precision agriculture will revolutionize agriculture and improve efficiency and customization.” Transparency, clean labels, and functional foods are becoming unavailable, but superpersonalization unlocks new opportunities for tailored nutrition and dining experiences.
Conscious consumption and memorable meals
Looking back at the hospitality industry, Navneet Jain, CEO of Delhi NCR’s Kaushambi and Radisson Blu, observes 2024 is moving away from the general dining experience. “Today’s guests are eager to have a personalized culinary journey that resonates with their unique tastes and values,” Jain shares. Plant-based sustainable options are surged in popularity, reflecting a broader shift towards conscious consumption.
“The key to success in 2025 is focusing on the human element,” adds Jain. Exceptional service, engaging atmosphere and memorable dining experiences are essential to fostering relationships with enduring guests in the hospitality sector and fostering growth.
Brewing creativity and community
Rajat Agrawal, CEO of Barista Coffee, celebrates his year of growth and connection in 2024. “This year was one of the creativity and connections. The barista featured a variety of innovative drinks, including bubble tea, iced tiramisu latte, Belgian chocolate frappe and sugar-free iced tea.
Beyond the Beverage, Agrawal highlights the barista community-building efforts, from live coffee sessions to art workshops and collaborations. Despite challenges like price inflation and increased competition, barista’s resilience and customer trust pave the way for continued success. Turning to 2025, Agrawal envisions more flavors, experiences and connections to “brew happiness” in more than 450 locations in barista.
Celebrate your resilience with FMCG
Salloni Ghodawat, director and COO of Ghodawat Consumer Limited, highlights the ingenuity and resilience demonstrated by India’s FMCG sector in 2024. Integrating a seamless hybrid shopping experience.
Ghodawat provides a more detailed explanation of the growth of the rural market as an important driving force for the industry. “Deeper penetration has led modern retail and high-quality FMCG products to reach areas with inadequate services illustrated by the Star LocalMart initiative. This focus on inclusion and accessibility has not only boosted the local economy, but also changed consumer engagement through tailored and enhanced services.
Technology-enabled transparency and sustainability
Nidha Patel, founder and CEO of Morningwall, describes 2024 as a year of rapid revolution in the food business. “The demand for sustainability, personalized nutrition and reliability is currently driving consumer preferences,” she explains. Innovations such as blockchain and AI are transforming the industry by introducing unprecedented transparency and customization.
Patel predicts a future dominated by climate-sensitive agriculture and circular economy. “Natural and organic products will become mainstream, reflecting social perceptions of environmental and health issues,” she says. These changes lay the foundation for a future in which food preserves both humanity and planets.
Transparency and technology innovating FMCG
Janardhan Swahar, Managing Director and CEO of Y-Cook India Pvt. Ltd. emphasizes the adaptability of the sector. “The sustainability of the FMCG industry was clear in 2024, facing changing consumer demand. By leveraging advanced technologies such as AI and blockchain, we are increasing transparency and efficiency across the value chain.
Swahar also highlights the possibility that innovation can redefine the future. “Y-Cook has seen ways to create value while meeting consumer expectations by integrating transparency through blockchain and focusing on sustainability. By 2025, the FMCG sector envisions a future where consumer-centric products and marketing strategies are driven by relentless innovation and adaptability that will change the everyday experience.”
Celebrating the creativity of baking
For Himanshu Chawla, co-founder of Baingo in 2024, there has never been a dynamic year for the bakery industry. “Customers are no longer just looking for dul. They want an experience that will highlight the celebration,” explains Chawla. Baingo marked a major milestone by opening its 100th kitchen, increasing demand for theme cakes by 123%, reflecting the trend towards personalized celebrations.
Chawla also notes the rise of micro-occupying, where customers will find pleasure in celebrating small milestones. Initiatives like cake decoration workshops allow customers to personalize their work, making each opportunity truly special. Going forward, Chawla foreshadows immersive dessert experiences and storytelling through products as key trends for 2025.
Health and planetary health
Mythali Head Dr. Meghana Pasi highlights the industry’s change to sustainability and health. “In 2024, functional foods rich in probiotics, prebiotics and immunity-boosting nutrients gained traction,” she points out. Plant-based proteins and laboratory-grown alternatives have also progressed, addressing environmental concerns and dietary needs.
Looking at 2025, Pasi focuses on innovations such as climate-friendly food, environmentally friendly packaging, and AI-driven food waste tracking. “Experienced meals and AR-enhanced culinary experiences also gain popularity,” she adds. As consumers prioritize quality, health and freshness, the industry is poised for significant growth and innovation.
A revolution rooted in transformation
As 2024 approaches the end, the food industry stands at the intersection of innovation, sustainability and personalization. Leaders across the sector agree that success in 2025 will depend on technology adoption, community development and prioritization of human elements. With overly personalized products, immersive dining experiences, and climate-friendly practices, food ecosystems are evolving to meet the rapidly changing demands of the world.
A veteran media and journalism enthusiast with over a decade of expertise, Swati Chaturvedi is more than just a storyteller. She is a weaver of digital landscape wit and wisdom. As an important figure in News18 Engl…read more
A veteran media and journalism enthusiast with over a decade of expertise, Swati Chaturvedi is more than just a storyteller. She is a weaver of digital landscape wit and wisdom. As an important figure in News18 Engl… read more
