The changing consumer preferences and innovative ways of marketing and distribution have been instrumental in bringing about rapid expansion in the food and beverages industry in India. The industry comprises several sub-sectors such as milk and milk products, meat and poultry products, packaged foods, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, cereals and food grains. The fact that India is primarily an agriculture-driven economy having abundant livestock and access to mechanised farming processes, has worked in favour of the food and beverages industry. Another sub-sector that is gaining a lot of importance recently is that of health food products, given the growing wave of health consciousness among the population. Other consumer product categories that have attained recent popularity, especially among the urban crowd, include chocolates, confectionery, cocoa products, and mineral water, among others. The industry has witnessed the entry of a large number of multinational companies as well as numerous regional players. Branding, advertising, marketing and packaging have become crucial areas for improvement for the entire industry. A number of food and beverage products are exported as well, thus contributing to the economic development of the country. Hide this