Advisory Board convenes first meeting to shape India’s premier dairy technology event

India’s dairy industry is entering a transformative phase, and the inaugural edition of Anuga FoodTec India Dairy, scheduled for 22–24 April 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, will serve as a curated platform for innovation, collaboration and growth. The event’s newly-formed Advisory Board – composed of the “who’s-who” of the dairy sector – met for the first time on 29 October 2025 to chart out the strategic direction for the show.

The State of the Industry – Driving Context

• India produced 239.30 million tonnes of milk in 2023-24, up from 146.30 million tonnes in 2014-15 — a growth of 63.6 %. 

• The Indian dairy industry contributes around 5 % of the national economy and directly supports more than 80 million farmers. 

• The India dairy market was valued at US $135.30 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow towards US $274 billion by 2032 (CAGR ~9.3 %). 

These statistics illustrate both the scale and the growing complexity of the dairy processing, packaging, and technology ecosystem — making a dedicated event for dairy technology, equipment, and services timely and necessary.

Advisory Board: Industry-Led Curation

The Advisory Board, comprising key representatives from leading dairy enterprises, cooperatives, associations, and research bodies, has been formed to ensure that the event is guided by authentic industry insights, enabling it to emerge as a curated, business-driven platform dedicated exclusively to dairy technology and innovation.

Opening the session, Mr. Milind Dixit, Managing Director – Koelnmesse Pvt. Ltd., emphasized the importance of a collective industry approach:

“The Advisory Board represents the true thought leadership of India’s dairy sector. Together, we aim to create an event that resonates with the real needs of the industry — one that fosters innovation, collaboration, and meaningful business exchange. Anuga FoodTec India Dairy is being built as a platform where technology, knowledge, and opportunity converge to deliver pure business.”

Reflecting on India’s dairy ecosystem, Prof. Dr. G. S. Rajorhia, Ph.D., A.R.S., Past President – Indian Dairy Association, said “The Indian dairy sector is vast and rapidly evolving. To sustain this growth, we must bridge innovation and knowledge across the value chain. This event will serve as a strong platform to promote dialogue, showcase technology, and strengthen India’s position in the global dairy map.”

Dr. Tarun Shridhar, Director General – Indian Chamber of Food and Agriculture, added“India’s dairy industry has always been people-powered, built by millions of farmers. The next leap will come from technology — from smarter processing, better quality control, and sustainable practices. Anuga FoodTec India Dairy brings together the right stakeholders to accelerate that transformation.”

Sharing his perspective on the role of innovation, Mr. Amit Aggarwal, Director – Creamy Foods Ltd., stated“The dairy business is entering a phase where efficiency and product diversification are key. This platform provides the right ecosystem to connect technology providers with processors, enabling practical innovations that can scale across the sector.”

Representing one of India’s most trusted dairy brands, Mr. Nikhil Chitale, Managing Partner – Chitale Group, highlighted the importance of collaboration“Anuga FoodTec India Dairy is not just another exhibition — it’s a coming together of the industry. Collaboration between cooperatives, private players, and technology providers will be crucial to drive competitiveness and long-term sustainability. This forum will help build that bridge.”

Strategic Discussion & Next Steps

At the first Advisory Board meeting held on 29 October, the following strategic themes were discussed and agreed upon:

• Focus on key thematic areas: automation in processing, energy-efficient equipment, sustainability of supply chain, value-added dairy product innovation.

• Development of a Dairy Trend Report to be published at the event, benchmarking technological adoption, market growth and export potential.

• Planning of CEO Roundtables, technology demo zones, start-up segments and academic-industry linkages to elevate the show beyond an exhibition into a collaborative knowledge platform.

• Engagement with industry associations, cooperative federations, private dairy companies and equipment manufacturers to ensure the curated event meets real-life business needs and creates actionable outcomes.

Join the Family – Secure Your Spot

Anuga FoodTec India Dairy 2026 will bring together processor decision-makers, equipment suppliers, technology innovators, packaging specialists and industry service providers under one roof. With a strong advisory-board-led approach, the event promises pure business, authentic insights, and strategic connections.

Registration is now open – join us at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi • 22-24 April 2026 and be part of shaping the future of India’s dairy industry.