AIFPA

Even after 3.5 years of its creation, the Group of Ministers (GoM) on Rate Rationalisation set up by the GST Council, is yet to submit its final report. Read More

The ongoing global tariff conflict, initiated by the United States, is reshaping the global dairy trade — and India stands to gain big. According to Jayen Mehta, Managing Director of Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation (GCMMF), which owns iconic dairy brand Amul, India could capture up to half of the US dairy export market, thanks to growing disruptions and retaliatory tariffs. Nearly 50% of US dairy exports are directed to regions surrounding India, including West Asia, North Africa, Southeast Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, China, Japan, and South Korea — many of which are now reconsidering their trade strategies due to heightened import duties from the US. “We believe many of these nations would turn to an alternative dairy supplier,” Mehta said. “As the world’s largest milk producer, India is well-positioned to capitalise on this situation.” This geopolitical shift follows a wave of retaliatory measures against the US. For instance, China has already imposed a 34% tariff on US imports. Several other countries have also expressed dissatisfaction and may follow suit with similar tariff hikes. While India may not compete in South American and European markets due to logistical constraints, Mehta believes the opportunity to penetrate Asian and African markets is significant. “India was already on the path to become the dairy of the world. The tariff war will only accelerate the process,” he noted. Industry experts echo this optimism, pointing to the potential for India to diversify its export destinations and strengthen its position as a global dairy supplier amid shifting trade dynamics. The evolving scenario could mark a new chapter for India’s dairy sector on the global stage — not just as the largest milk producer but as a rising dairy exporter with expanding global influence.

In a move aimed at strengthening regulatory oversight and consumer trust in plant-based products, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has proposed new guidelines for the import of vegan food items. Under the draft amendments, all vegan food imports must now be accompanied by an official certificate issued by a recognized authority in the exporting country, verifying compliance with India’s vegan food regulations. Read More

Karnataka Food Safety and Drug Administration (FDA) has identified 97 out of 220 local ice cream, ice candy, and cool drink manufacturing units for selling substandard products under unhygienic conditions. These include use of detergent powder and phosphoric acid. The crackdown has led to multiple fines and warnings issued to manufacturers violating food safety regulations. Read More

A new tariff line regime for rice-based on process (parboiled, others) and on variety (rice recognised by the Geographical Indication Registry, Basmati, others) will be implemented by the Centre from May 1 for the cereal’s export, Minister of State for Commerce Jitin Prasada told Parliament. Read More

Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) is calling for comments on a review of egg safety standards that came about after a large Salmonella outbreak. Read More

The Trump administration’s sweeping new tariffs—described by some as “everything, everywhere, all at once”—are poised to significantly impact the U.S. food and beverage industry. With a baseline 10% tariff taking effect on April 5 and additional reciprocal tariffs of up to 50% kicking in on April 9, the costs of importing both ingredients and equipment are set to rise sharply. Meanwhile, American exports could face retaliatory tariffs that threaten global competitiveness. Read More

Agriculture marketing is a State subject. Domestic prices of perishable agricultural produce are mainly influenced by factors such as demand and supply, trade policies, effective taxes and duties. The Central Government takes necessary measures as and when required to balance the demand and supply scenario of agriculture and horticulture produces in the domestic market and ensure remunerative prices to the farmers through appropriate policy measures and market intervention scheme. Read More

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has notified the order for use of recycled PET for the purpose of packaging. However, since the standards for recycled PET are yet to be made, the notification added that recycled PET can be used as and when the standards & guidelines are notified. Read More

Nestlé India has announced the launch of new CEREGROW with no refined sugar, reinforcing its commitment to offering nutritious choices to its consumers through meaningful innovations. Designed for toddlers aged 2 to 6 years, CEREGROW multigrain cereal with the goodness of wheat, rice, oats, milk, and fruits. Read More