Topic
food
Technology Private Chef Films Three-Course Meal to Train Robots for Household Cooking
Shift, a division of German startup Microagi, sent a private chef to cook a free three-course meal in the author's apartment while recording every hand movement with a hat cam. The egocentric video data is intended to train future humanoid robots in culinary skills. CEO Bercan Kilic sees this as part of a broader marketplace for AI training data and a step toward an age of abundance.
Commodities Wheat Production Likely Affected by Climate This Year, Experts Warn at Conclave
At the Wheat Products Promotion Society CEO Conclave in Varanasi, experts warned that El Nino could impact wheat production this year, with delayed kharif harvest and potential drought. Despite geopolitical tensions, global wheat markets remain well supplied, anchored by Black Sea region stocks, limiting price rises.
Technology Cropin and Google Cloud Launch OrbitAI, an Agentic AI Platform for Global Food Systems
Cropin, in partnership with Google Cloud, has launched OrbitAI, an agentic AI platform that brings autonomous decision-making to global food systems. Built on Google's AI infrastructure, OrbitAI uses specialized AI agents to provide region-specific, actionable recommendations across the food value chain, from supply chain risk assessment to crop health monitoring.
Commodities Wheat Products Promotion Body to Host 2-Day Conclave on Value Chains in Varanasi
The Wheat Products Promotion Society (WPPS), along with the Uttar Pradesh Roller Flour Millers Association (UPRFMA), is organising a two-day conclave titled 'Redefining Wheat Value Chains for a New India' in Varanasi from July 9. The event will bring together 350 participants from 81 cities, featuring over 50 speakers from India and overseas, to discuss global wheat markets, policy, weather and price risk, procurement, trade, storage, milling technology, and nutrition. Key experts include Manoj Kumar Singh and Ramesh Chand. The conclave aims to build a stronger, technology-driven wheat value chain for India.
Commodities Centre hikes onion procurement price by 13% to ₹2,125/quintal, 5th revision this season
The Indian government has raised the onion procurement price for buffer stock by 13% to ₹2,125 per quintal, effective July 4, 2026. This is the fifth upward revision this season, driven by slow procurement of only about 2,000 tonnes since June 1. Supply remains adequate with robust mandi arrivals, though delayed monsoon and speculative buying are affecting prices.
Commodities Global Consumers Reshape Basmati Rice Market with Demands for Traceability, Health, and Convenience
The global basmati rice market, valued at over $13 billion in 2024, is being transformed by a new breed of consumers who prioritize traceability, health attributes like low glycemic index, aged varieties, and convenient packaging. India's Geographical Indication tag has become a marketing asset, and exporters are seeing growing demand for verified provenance. The report highlights key trends including the rise of aged basmati (23% of domestic sales), the health-conscious consumer shift, and the move toward smaller pack sizes and ready-to-cook formats.
Technology Manu Chandra's Sauce VC Serves Up 8-10x Return with L'Oréal's Innovist Acquisition
Manu Chandra's Sauce VC is poised to generate an estimated 8-10x return from L'Oréal's ~Rs 4,100 crore acquisition of Innovist, validating the firm's concentrated, follow-on investment strategy. Founded in 2019 with a modest Rs 60 crore fund, Sauce VC has grown to a Rs 750 crore opportunities fund, mirroring the discipline of Union Square Ventures.
Manufacturing Varanasi to Host 2-Day Wheat Products Promotion Society CEO's Conclave from July 9
The Wheat Products Promotion Society (WPPS) will hold a two-day CEO's conclave in Varanasi from July 9, 2026, themed 'Redefining Wheat Value Chains for a New India'. Over 300 senior industry leaders, flour millers, and food manufacturers are expected to attend. The event will feature the WPPS Awards 2026 recognizing outstanding contributions to the wheat sector.
Manufacturing Protein Products Flood Indian Market, Reshape Diet as Manufacturers Rush New Launches
Protein products are flooding the Indian market as companies infuse protein into everyday foods. The protein powder market is Rs 8,000 crore, with 80% consumption by premium households but middle-class spending rising. Brands like Marico, PepsiCo, Eggoz, Parag Milk Foods, and ITC are launching new products, while spending on protein orders has tripled on Swiggy Instamart. The wider nutrition market is set to become 1.3x in two years.
Commodities Caribbean Hot Sauce Prices Surge Amid Scotch Bonnet Shortage
Caribbean hot sauce producers face shortages and rising costs due to a Scotch Bonnet pepper shortage. Extreme weather and pest issues in Jamaica have impacted supply.
Commodities Poultry Production Slashed by 25% Amid Rising Soybean Meal Costs
The poultry industry in India is cutting production by 25% due to a 40% rise in soybean meal prices. This move aims to mitigate increased feed costs impacting poultry producers.
Manufacturing Women-Led Agro-Processing Centre Boosts Yadgir's Economy
A new women-led agro-processing centre in Yadgir, Karnataka, inaugurated by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, aims to process 480 tonnes of groundnuts annually. This initiative is expected to enhance local agricultural value chains and empower women farmers.
Trade Queensland Eyes India for Agri-Biz Partnership
Queensland, Australia's second-largest province, is exploring new food and agribusiness partnerships with India. The collaboration aims to leverage premium products like macadamias and avocados, supported by the Australia–India Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement.