India’s agro and food sector is undergoing a gradual transformation, driven by evolving consumer expectations, expanding organised retail and increasing emphasis on food quality, safety and supply-chain efficiency. In a standalone interview, Praveen Kewlani, Director, Kewlani Group, highlighted the importance of operational resilience, consumer trust and responsible business practices in shaping the industry’s future. Commenting on the impact of festive demand, Kewlani noted that festivals remain important growth drivers for essential food categories, including staples, flour, edible oils and spices. However, he emphasised that consumers increasingly expect consistent quality, safety and value alongside product availability and competitive pricing. Businesses, he said, must strengthen procurement, demand forecasting, inventory management and distribution networks to manage seasonal demand without compromising quality. Building consumer confidence beyond the festive season will remain a key differentiator for brands in an increasingly competitive market.
On Kewlani Group’s approach to market differentiation, he underscored the importance of dependable sourcing, product consistency, customer relationships and responsiveness to changing consumption patterns. According to him, sustainable competitiveness extends beyond the product itself to the entire value chain, encompassing sourcing, quality assurance, distribution and customer engagement. As retail channels evolve and expectations around food safety rise, businesses must combine operational discipline with a clear understanding of consumer needs.
Looking ahead, Kewlani sees significant opportunities for India’s agro and food sector over the next five years, particularly in supply-chain modernisation, improved storage and logistics, traceability, technology-led quality control and value-added food products. He noted that technology will play an increasingly important role in demand forecasting, inventory management and operational transparency. Strengthening infrastructure and quality standards, alongside efficient execution, will be essential to improving India’s competitiveness in global food markets.
Addressing food adulteration, Kewlani stressed that food safety must be treated as a core business priority rather than merely a regulatory requirement. He highlighted the need for responsible supplier selection, raw-material verification, appropriate laboratory testing, supply-chain traceability and compliance with applicable Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) requirements. He also encouraged consumers to purchase from reliable sellers, check packaging integrity and review ingredient declarations and relevant licensing details. Emphasising shared responsibility, he noted that effective prevention, monitoring, industry accountability and consumer awareness are essential to building a safer food ecosystem.
Beyond business operations, Kewlani highlighted the importance of community engagement, particularly through initiatives that address local needs and reflect cultural traditions. During Ganpati celebrations in Maharashtra, Kewlani Group contributed 4,060 kg of atta across 51 outreach entries, including 47 Ganpati Utsav Mandals and four smaller celebrations. He noted that food is closely associated with nourishment, hospitality and bringing people together, making such initiatives a meaningful way for the company to engage with the communities it serves.
Reflecting on the relationship between commercial growth and social responsibility, Kewlani emphasised that the two should reinforce each other. Businesses can create lasting value through consistent product quality, responsible sourcing, efficient supply chains and community initiatives that address genuine local requirements. He added that meaningful social impact is determined not merely by the scale of a contribution, but by the needs it addresses and the relationships it strengthens.
Kewlani concluded that the future of India’s agro and food industry will depend on businesses combining growth with accountability, operational resilience and consumer trust. For Kewlani Group, the focus remains on strengthening market relationships, responding to evolving consumer expectations and contributing to the communities in which it operates.
