New Delhi, Apr 17: The PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI), in partnership with CATCH, held the “Bharat Spices Conclave 2026” at PHD House. This event aimed to pave the way for doubling India’s spice economy.
The conclave brought together key figures from government and industry. They discussed policies, trade, and innovations needed to boost India’s spice sector and enhance its global influence. Chief Guest Chirag Paswan, the Minister for Food Processing Industries, highlighted the historical significance of spices in Indian trade. He pointed out that there’s great potential in the spice sector, not just for cooking, but also beyond.
Paswan called for a shift from a volume-driven to a value-driven approach. By focusing on food processing and innovation, India can better integrate into global markets. He urged industry stakeholders to contribute suggestions for growth. The government has made significant changes, like allowing 100% foreign direct investment (FDI) in food processing. Programs like PMFME aim to strengthen the entire value chain and encourage entrepreneurship.
Quality matters. Consistency in quality helps build trust and prevents export rejections. Emerging areas like nutraceuticals and wellness products offer new investment opportunities. The government envisions India as a “global food basket,” emphasizing the spice sector’s vital role in this goal.
Anil Rajput, Chair of PHDCCI’s Food Processing Committee, noted that India produces over 60 of the 109 spices recognized globally and exports to more than 200 countries. He stressed the need to view spices not just as commodities but as valuable assets that can enhance farmer incomes and promote the ‘Brand India’ globally. He underscored priorities like integrating farmers into value chains, encouraging R&D and maintaining sustainability through organic production.
J.D. Desai, Co-Chair of the same committee, elaborated on the conclave’s purpose. He stated, “The Bharat Spices Conclave is crucial in merging our rich heritage with a forward-thinking food industry. By focusing on innovation and sustainability, we aim to make Indian spices recognized for their excellence worldwide.”
Dr. Ranjeet Mehta, CEO of PHDCCI, pointed out that while India has a strong production base, the focus should be on building global brands and improving quality systems. This conclave serves as a platform to align various sectors toward making India a leader in the spice economy.
Dr. Jatinder Singh, Deputy Secretary General of PHDCCI, moderated the session. He highlighted the importance of creating avenues for communication between government and industry. The discussions laid a framework for future strategies in India’s spice sector.
The event covered themes like enhancing the spice value chain, exploring export opportunities, promoting innovation, and establishing a clear roadmap for growth. It attracted numerous industry representatives and policymakers eager to discuss how to advance the spice sector.
The conclave received support from the Ministry of Food Processing Industries and the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India. Partner organizations included the All India Food Processors’ Association and the Biological Agri Solutions Association of India.
As spice consumption rises globally, there’s an increasing demand for ethically sourced, high-quality spices. According to a recent report, the global spice market is projected to reach $20.82 billion by 2026, highlighting the immense opportunity for Indian producers. By focusing on innovation, sustainability, and quality, India can harness this trend to drive economic growth.
