India

India is poised for a bigger presence in the global meat market, a senior executive of the Allana Group, the largest producer of halal bovine meat in the world, told delegates of the World Meat Congress in Bejiing.

India is now the world’s biggest milk producer, having overtaken the European Union over the past 12 months, according to the latest edition of the government’s annual economic survey.

Fashion retailer Mango has extended its presence online on Myntra.com, an online shopping portal in India.

Warnings about the effect of the El Nino factor on the world’s food crops have grown. The latest is a prediction by the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (Assocham) that India’s import bill for edible oils will grow by almost US$5 billion due to the El Nino effect.

A rise in health awareness, increase in tourism and availability of bottled water have boosted the growth of the packaged bottled water industry in India.

Seeking to capitalise on growth opportunities in the lingerie and beauty markets, Marks & Spencer has unveiled its first standalone lingerie and beauty store in India.

Consumers’ needs for convenience, increased appetite, an insatiable hunger for international food and exposure to global media and cuisine, have caused fast-food spending to double in India.