The Indian mithai and namkeen industry created history at the World Mithai Namkeen Convention & EXPO (WMNC 2025), held from 19th to 21st December 2025 at the prestigious Yashobhoomi Convention & Exhibition Centre, Dwarka, Delhi. The three-day mega convention concluded on a triumphant note, emerging as one of the largest, most impactful, and most influential global platforms ever witnessed by the sector.
WMNC 2025 marked a defining milestone for an industry that has now proudly crossed the ₹1.5 lakh crore mark, underscoring an era of unprecedented growth and transformation. Beyond numbers, the event stood as a grand celebration of India’s rich culinary heritage, traditional craftsmanship, and evolving innovation—earning admiration from stakeholders and visitors across the globe.
The expo witnessed an overwhelming response, with 500+ exhibitors, 60,000+ visitors, and participation from over 35 countries, firmly establishing WMNC as a truly international event. The presence of esteemed Guests of Honour further elevated the stature of the convention, including:
- Her Excellency Karen F. Richards, Senior Agricultural Attaché for India, U.S. Department of Agriculture
- Mr. Sudhakar Desai, President, IVPA & CEO, Emami Agrotech Ltd.
- Chef Harsh Kedia
- Mr. Giresh Vasudev Kulkarni, Managing Director, Temple Connect
Addressing the gathering, Mr. Firoz H. Naqvi, Director General, Federation of Sweets & Namkeen Manufacturers (FSNM), highlighted the industry’s remarkable festive-season performance. He attributed sustained growth during Diwali and beyond to improved hygiene standards, premiumisation, and strong collaboration between government bodies and industry stakeholders. Emphasising the emotional and cultural value of Indian sweets, he noted that mithai is not merely a product, but a symbol of tradition, celebration, and trust—gaining increasing acceptance in both domestic and international markets.
Mr. Virendra Jain, President, FSNM, expressed immense satisfaction over the overwhelming success of WMNC 2025. He stated that the convention successfully united manufacturers, artisans, innovators, chefs, and global industry leaders on one common platform. According to him, WMNC 2025 reflected the strength, creativity, and future-ready mindset of India’s mithai and namkeen sector, while fostering collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and international engagement that will propel the industry into its next growth phase.
Echoing these sentiments, Mr. Vinay Nagpal, General Secretary, FSNM, highlighted that with the industry growing at an annual rate of 12–15%, WMNC 2025 proved to be the ideal platform for innovation and strategic dialogue. The convention hosted in-depth discussions on advanced packaging, regulatory compliance, artificial intelligence in manufacturing, the booming gifting culture, and featured exciting competitions in sweet-making and gift-wrapper design that saw enthusiastic participation.
A major highlight of WMNC 2025 was its international showcase, where global companies presented the latest technologies, ingredients, and market trends. Several overseas participants, including many with Indian roots, described the expo as a powerful platform to reconnect with India’s vibrant market and artisanal excellence. The event further reinforced India’s growing influence on the global food map, with exports of raw materials, spices, edible oils, and gram flour playing a crucial role in strengthening the international footprint of the sweets and snacks industry.
Celebrating Women Leadership
One of the most powerful and inspiring aspects of WMNC 2025 was its strong focus on empowered women leaders who are redefining the traditionally male-dominated mithai and namkeen industry. The convention celebrated women entrepreneurs who are not only carrying forward family legacies but also carving their own identities through vision, resilience, and innovation.
To honour their transformative contributions, WMNC instituted a special “Champion of Change” Award, recognising women professionals who are breaking barriers and setting new benchmarks. Each awardee received a standing ovation during a dedicated felicitation ceremony.
In another prestigious moment, the “Mithai–Namkeen Ratan” Awards were conferred upon five distinguished women for their exceptional leadership and lasting impact.
Knowledge, Innovation & Thought Leadership
WMNC 2025 stood out for its robust knowledge programme, featuring six high-impact seminars, panel discussions, hands-on workshops, and engaging competitions that captivated audiences throughout the event. The seminar series was further energised by a Gift Hamper Competition, curated by Ms. Shalini Beriwal, and a Mithai Competition, organised by Fabbri 1905–KAP Group, showcasing creativity in presentation and excellence in taste.
Key sessions included:
- “Taste, Tax & Tech: The Changing Landscape of the Food Industry”, chaired by Sanjay Singhania, SVP – Commercial, Haldiram Snacks Food Pvt. Ltd.
- “Evolving from Family Businesses to Institutional Brands”, led by Siddharth Bafna and Paras Shah of Lodha Capital Markets
- From Tradition to Innovation: Women at the Forefront of the Sweets and Snacks Revolution.
- Gifting Beyond Boundaries.
- Spice Up Your Business.
- The Palm Oil Debate.
- Exploring the Potential of Indian Sweets in the Big Fat Indian Wedding Industry.
- Strategies for Managing Multiple Sweets Outlets & Centralised Production.
Complementing these were interactive workshops on ghee, fusion mithai, and healthy dessert innovations, conducted by leading industry experts and chefs.
Celebrating Excellence
Among the most electrifying moments of WMNC 2025 were the Gift Hamper Competition and Mithai Competition.
A Grand Tribute to India’s Sweet Legacy
WMNC 2025 emerged not merely as an exhibition, but as a grand celebration of success, innovation, and heritage. Made possible by the tireless efforts of the organising committee, FSNM, partners, sponsors, exhibitors, and visitors, the convention stood as a proud tribute to India’s mithai and namkeen legacy and a powerful statement of the nation’s culinary excellence on the world stage.
