Organic powerhouse India: In the spotlight as Country of the Year

India has become one of the most important players in the global organic market. With more than 4 million organic producers and millions of hectares of agricultural land, the country is shaping the sustainable food market worldwide. In 2026, India will be celebrated as the ‘Country of the Year’ at BIOFACH in Nuremberg – an opportunity to showcase the country's latest developments and innovations.

Around 100 exhibitors will be presenting the latest trends in the Indian organic market at BIOFACH 2026 – from clean label products and subscription boxes to wellness and functional foods. Climate activist and content creator Aakash Ranison shares why his home country deserves to be in the spotlight.

From traditional to forward-looking – India covers everything

Over the past years, India has established itself as a major player in the global organic market. Indian climate activist and content creator Aakash Ranison says: “India matters on the global organic stage. With over 4 million organic producers, India is home to the largest number of organic farmers in the world. India has millions of hectares under organic certification, spanning diverse agroecological regions, from rain-fed smallholder farms to export-oriented value chains. This scale, combined with traditional farming knowledge and climate resilient practices, positions India as a key player of sustainable food systems.”

Functional foods and clean label products on the rise
Global market trends indicate that this country will continue to play a key role in the future. Demand for natural and healthy traditional foods is growing, with India considered a hotspot for innovative organic products.

The most important trends in the Indian organic market

• Organic Pulses and Cereals: 
  While organic grains, pulses and cereals have always been the preferred choice, millets (ragi, bajra, jowar) are gradually becoming popular owing to their low glycaemic index.
   
• Clean-Label & Traceable Products: 
  Consumers are demanding clean-label transparency with certifications as well as food quality and safety standard criteria adhered to and mentioned on the packaging.
   
• Digital & Subscription-Based Organic Grocery: 
  E-commerce platforms and quick commerce chains are expanding ease of access across India by offering home delivery options.
   
• Wellness & Functional Foods: 
  Organic superfoods such as quinoa, chia, moringa and spirulina are becoming mainstream due to their nutritional profiles. This development can be compared to the ‘Functional Finesse’ trend, which was in focus at BIOFACH 2025.
   
• Organic snacks:  
  Crackers, trail mixes, millets and dried fruits are popular amongst the younger generation of consumers seeking convenient, healthier alternatives to the conventional, unhealthy snacks such as potato chips and packaged food.
   
• Organic Dairy & Animal Products: 
  Milk, ghee, cottage cheese and yoghurt sourced from animals raised without hormones and antibiotics are gaining trust among health-focused buyers.
   
• Natural Condiments & Artisanal Foods: 
  Organic pickles, jams, sauces and traditional condiments made without synthetic preservatives are increasingly found in health stores and organic markets. Many of these products are produced by rural self-help groups and small manufacturers tapping into the organic artisan movement while promoting the ‘Vocal for Local’ movement in India.
   
• Quality Certification & Standards Growth: 
  The emphasis on official organic certifications (India Organic/NPOP) is rising as consumers seek authentic products.

Stage set for India at BIOFACH 2026

India will be celebrated as the ‘Country of the Year’ at BIOFACH in Nuremberg in 2026 and will use this prestigious position to present its progress and innovations in the organic sector to a global audience. The ongoing development of the market and the variety of products that focus on tradition and sustainability make India an interesting destination for businesses and consumers alike. 

The congress programme also features various panels and presentations on the Indian market and Indian products, such as: 

• Country of the year ‘opener’: Regulation – market  –  strategies 
  Tuesday, 10 February, 4:45 p.m. – NCC Ost | Level 2 | Room Kyjiw
• Tradition to Transformation: India’s Youth taking Forward the Organic Heritage - Thursday, 12 February, 1:15 p.m. – NCC Ost | Level 3 | Room Shanghai

With around 100 Indian exhibitors, the Country of the Year 2026 is also widely represented in Hall 1 and further in Halls 2, 4, 5, 7 and 7A.