IFTECH Pakistan

Pakistan’s food and beverage processing industry, the second-largest in the country after textiles and clothing. Despite the increasing share of manufacturing and other sectors in the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) in last two decades, Pakistan can still be considered as an agrarian economy. Nevertheless, owing to a large market in terms of population, the food and beverage processing industry is accounting for 27% of the value-added production and 16% of the employment in the manufacturing sector. The agrifood processing subsector alone contributes more than 24% to Pakistan’s GDP and includes the primary processing of fruits, vegetables, sugar, flour, pulses and grains.

Pakistan’s food industry can be largely categorized into four major groups:

• Frozen food, including canned food
• Value addition to major food crops, fruits, vegetables, edible oil and fats manufacturing units
• Beverages
• Bakery and confectionery

As a key player in South Asia’s agribusiness, Pakistan boasts a thriving agricultural base, providing a steady supply of raw materials for food processing. Companies are increasingly investing in advanced technologies to meet consumer demands for higher quality, convenience, and safety standards. This has led to significant advancements in food safety, automation, and packaging solutions.

Furthermore, the rise of e-commerce and online food delivery platforms has created new growth opportunities in the sector. The government’s focus on modernizing food regulations and boosting exports further strengthens the industry’s outlook, making it an attractive market for global players.