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How Food Startups Can Leverage Local Ingredients for Global Appeal?


Ranging from jackfruit used as vegan meat, turmeric as a colouring agent, millet as a healthy alternative, and moringa used in supplements.

Over the past decade, worldwide consumers have redirected their attention towards healthier, authentic, and environmentally sustainable foods. This has enabled food companies from culturally rich nations such as India to emerge prominently, not by emulating Western trends, but by providing native ingredients with profound heritage, functional advantages, and sustainable sourcing.


Global Trends That Create This Opportunity: 

Health & Functional Foods Are Booming

The global functional food market is expected to reach approximately US$268 billion by 2027, up from around US$186 billion in 2023.

Clean Labels and Transparency

Today's consumers want traceability and transparency. Locally obtained ingredients from traditional farming systems are more appealing when the narrative behind them is communicated truthfully.

 Plant-based Revolution

The popularity of plant-based diets is driving innovation. Local plants such as jackfruit, millet, and amaranth provide different textures and flavors, answering the requirement for variety in plant-based diets.



Ingredient

Use Case

Why It Works

Jackfruit

Vegan meat substitute

Meaty texture, high in fiber, climate-resilient crop

Turmeric

Natural colorant & supplement

Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant-rich

Millets (e.g., Ragi, Bajra)

Gluten-free flours, cereals

Nutrient-dense, sustainable, diabetic-friendly

Moringa

Powders, energy bars, supplements

High protein, vitamins A & C, iron

Tamarind

Sauces, candies, and beverages

Tangy flavor, digestive benefits

Case Studies: Startups Doing It Right

  • Karana (Singapore) – Uses jackfruit grown in South Asia to craft whole-food meat alternatives with zero synthetic additives.

  • Slurrp Farm (India)—Reintroducing millets to millennial parents via cookies, cereals, and baking mixes with clean labels.


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