Hello and welcome once again to Cooling India.
India is the second largest producer of the fruits and vegetables in the world after China. However, the country still suffers from approximately 70% food grain loss due to the gaps in the early stages of harvest and distribution. According to the government estimates, India is currently processing only 10% of its food, resulting in enormous food waste. Lack of storage facilities and absence of robust cold chain supply system are the primary reasons for such debacles. Also, with the increasing demand for frozen food items and ready-to-eat foods, the food and beverage (F&B) industry is set for higher growth trajectory. That’s where an efficient refrigeration and cold chain industry comes into picture. With an aim to reduce agricultural waste and cope with changing eating habits, the refrigeration and cold chain industry will continue to play a significant role. Also, for a F&B production facility, it is equally important to constant monitor and control temperature to ensure food safety during the entire process. This time, we take a closer look at how HVAC&R industry is all set to transform the F&B sector.
Today, food processing sector in India constitutes around 8% and 10% of Gross Value Added (GVA) in manufacturing and agriculture sector in 2015-16. In 2016-17, the value of processed food export has increased to USD 13.9 billion which constitutes 11.2% of India’s total export. Thus, if the country can somehow reduce the food loss, it will be an ideal win-win situation for all. Further, the government’s move on setting up of a total 42 Mega Food Parks across the country will strengthen food processing infrastructure.
F&B production remains a major energy user in the food chain and HVAC&R systems are among the key energy consumers within the F&B production ecosystem. Thus, significant energy savings can be achieved by brining in energy efficiency in the HVAC&R systems. Here we have analysed the varied aspects of attaining energy efficiency. The benefits of use of renewable solar energy in cold storages are also discussed herein.
Hope you enjoy reading this issue as always. Do send in your comments to me at pravita@charypublications.in.
Pravita Iyer
Publisher & Director
