Building on the success of the 1st Annual National Beverage Conclave in July 2023, the Indian Beverage Association (IBA), in collaboration with Consocia Advisory, hosted the 2nd National Beverage Conclave on December 4, 2024, under the theme “Making India a Global Beverage Processing Hub.” The event brought together key stakeholders from industry, government, startups, and academia to chart a strategic roadmap for positioning India as a major player in the global non-alcoholic beverage market.

The National Beverage Conclave 2.0 served as a dynamic platform for stakeholders to shape the future of India’s non-alcoholic beverage industry. With immense growth potential, the sector must adopt a collaborative, innovation-driven, and sustainability-focused approach to ensure long-term competitiveness and inclusive growth.

Key priorities include strengthening supply chains, empowering farmers, simplifying regulations, and fostering innovation through partnerships with startups, academia, and government initiatives like Startup India and NIFTEM. Investment in cold storage, logistics, and rural distribution will enhance access to raw materials and improve competitiveness.

To meet changing consumer preferences, the industry must pivot toward healthier, sustainable, and value-added products. Regulatory and fiscal reforms—such as GST rationalization and a sugar-based gradated tax—are essential to support innovation and ease of doing business.

Sustainability remains central. Water conservation, eco-friendly packaging, and circular economy models are crucial for reducing environmental impact. Rural markets also present vast opportunities through affordable products and digital engagement.

Aligned with Vision 2047, the conclave laid the foundation for India to emerge as a global hub for non-alcoholic beverage processing, driving exports, job creation, and economic growth.