SME Digital World

Category: SME

CreditEnable Partners with WEP to Empower Women Entrepreneurs

CreditEnable Partners with WEP to Empower Women Entrepreneurs

CreditEnable has partnered with the Women Entrepreneurship Platform (WEP) incubated by Niti Aayog to launch its flagship digital financial wellness program, Shine, aimed at women entrepreneurs across India.
Introducing Shine: A Path to Financial Wellness
Shine, developed by CreditEnable and powered by Experian, offers SME owners a comprehensive analysis of their financial health alongside digital coaching to help them manage their finances better. This initiative aims to enhance their creditworthiness and secure financing on favorable terms from formal financial institutions.
Key Features of Shine:
– 360° Financial Analysis: Shine provides entrepreneurs with an in-depth overview of their financial health, including credit scores, banking, and GST data, to reveal loan eligibility and improve approval chances.
– Actionable Tips: The program offers clear, actionable steps to improve financial profiles and address lender concerns.
– Better Loan Prospects: By following the expert advice provided, entrepreneurs can improve their access to finance at affordable rates.
Shine for Women Entrepreneurs:
The Shine program offers exclusive benefits for women entrepreneurs, including:
– Discounted Access: 1,000 women entrepreneurs will receive discounted access to the digital financial wellness program.
– Regular Curated Insights: The program delivers frequent insights to help maintain and improve financial health.
– Actionable Recommendations: Detailed analysis of financial data to provide practical steps for improvement.
– Live Webinars: Free webinars on improving credit and financial profiles for 500 women entrepreneurs.
– 1-1 Financial Coaching: Personalized coaching and discounted remediation program for 500 women entrepreneurs.
– Loan Application Assistance: Support for 1,000 women entrepreneurs in navigating the loan application process.
Empowering Women Entrepreneurs:
Currently, only 10% of SME loan applications are successful, with women entrepreneurs facing even greater challenges in accessing formal finance. Shine addresses these unique challenges by offering tailored financial advice and actionable insights to help women entrepreneurs achieve financial independence. CreditEnable’s collaboration with WEP incubated by Niti Aayog underscores their commitment to fostering growth and financial inclusion for women-led businesses.
“We are delighted to partner with WEP incubated by Niti Aayog to distribute Shine to women entrepreneurs across India,” says Nadia Sood, CEO & Founder of CreditEnable. “By providing them with the tools and resources they need to understand and improve their credit health, and directly facilitating access to finance for them, we are opening doors to new opportunities for their businesses to thrive.”
“WEP incubated by Niti Aayog is proud to partner with CreditEnable on this innovative program,” says Anna Roy, Principal Economic Advisor at NITI Aayog. “Shine will equip women entrepreneurs with the financial knowledge and creditworthiness they need to become stronger, more competitive business leaders.”

July 8, 2024
SEBI In Action: Market Watchdog Caps Opening Price of IPO for NSE Emerging Segment

SEBI In Action: Market Watchdog Caps Opening Price of IPO for NSE Emerging Segment

To ensure uniformity in the opening price discovery and equilibrium price for SME platform IPOs across exchanges, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has decided to impose a cap of up to 90 percent over the issue price for SME IPOs.
The National Stock Exchange (NSE) announced in a circular on Thursday, July 4, that the opening price of shares listed under the small and midsize enterprise (SME) category will be capped. According to the circular, effective immediately, shares listed under the SME segment may only be priced “up to 90 percent over the issue price.”

Price Control Cap on SME Segment

This 90 percent price control cap will exclusively apply to the SME segment and not to mainboard IPOs, as clarified by the NSE. The circular took effect on July 4, 2024.
The NSE has set an upper limit on the opening price of shares on its NSE Emerge platform, used for SME listings, to address concerns.
The announcement coincides with the listing of two SME IPOs at significant premiums this week. On July 1, Shivalic Power Control’s shares were listed at Rs 311 apiece, a 211 percent premium. On July 2, Divine Power Energy’s shares debuted at Rs 155, a premium of more than 287 percent.

SEBI’s Previous Observations

SEBI has observed patterns of price manipulation. SEBI Chairperson Madhabi Puri Buch stated, “The market has advised us on how to identify and address such cases.”
SEBI is collaborating with advisors to comprehend and analyze the data. “Manipulation is simple both during the IPO and in subsequent years. Additional disclosure regarding risk factors is required,” Buch noted.

July 5, 2024
MSME Day 2024: Significance, History, and Its Difference from Small Industry Day

MSME Day 2024: Significance, History, and Its Difference from Small Industry Day

Overview
MSME Day, observed annually on June 27, is designated by the United Nations General Assembly to recognize the vital role that Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) play in fostering inclusive and sustainable economic development globally. This day celebrates the immense contributions of MSMEs to economic growth, employment generation, and poverty reduction.
Importance of MSMEs
MSMEs form the backbone of many economies, especially in developing countries. They operate across various sectors, including manufacturing, services, agriculture, and trade, driving innovation, entrepreneurship, and local development. According to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, MSMEs, both formal and informal, constitute over 90% of all companies worldwide, employ an average of 70% of the total workforce, and contribute 50% to global GDP.
Challenges Faced by MSMEs
Despite their significance, MSMEs face numerous challenges, particularly in accessing finance. The International Finance Corporation (IFC) reports that around 65 million firms, or 40% of formal MSMEs in developing countries, have an unmet financing need of $5.2 trillion annually. This gap is equivalent to 1.4 times the current level of global MSME lending. Regional disparities also exist, with East Asia and the Pacific accounting for the largest share of the finance gap, followed by Latin America and the Caribbean, and Europe and Central Asia.
MSMEs in India
India is home to approximately 63 million MSMEs, second only to China’s roughly 140 million micro and small enterprises. Indian MSMEs contribute about 30% to the GDP, over 40% to exports, and have created 110 million jobs. According to the government Udyam registration portal, 46 million MSMEs are registered, reporting 200 million jobs.
World MSME Day vs. National Small Industry Day
In addition to World MSME Day, India observes National Small Industry Day annually on August 30. This day celebrates the contributions of small-scale industries to the country’s growth. The Indian government launched an extensive policy package for small industry on August 30, 2000, and since then, National Small Industry Day has been observed to recognize the efforts and achievements of small industries in India.
Conclusion
MSME Day serves as a platform to highlight the significant contributions of MSMEs to the global economy and raise awareness about the challenges they face. With continued support and initiatives, MSMEs can further drive economic growth and prosperity, both in India and worldwide.

June 27, 2024
How MSMEs Can Boost India’s Real Estate Market

How MSMEs Can Boost India’s Real Estate Market

With streamlined regulations and increased credit access, MSMEs have the potential to significantly enhance India’s real estate sector. MSMEs play a pivotal role in innovation, employment, and economic growth, contributing over 30% to India’s GDP. This sector is poised to transform India’s economic landscape further.
A report indicates that over 140 million people are currently employed in the MSME sector. Experts predict that the sector’s worth will reach one trillion dollars by 2028, representing a vast market with numerous possibilities. Given these positive statistics, attention is now focused on how MSMEs will reshape the real estate market and their substantial potential.
Role of MSMEs in the Real Estate Sector
Construction firms, contractors, consultants, and suppliers are integral parts of MSMEs. The construction sector contributes about 8% of India’s GDP and is projected to become the third-largest in the coming years. Many firms in this sector are unorganized, presenting an opportunity for official MSME registration. Despite global economic challenges and inflation, the real estate sector has shown resilience, and MSMEs have played a significant role in this growth.
Trends in the MSME Sector in India
Real estate MSMEs benefit from low-interest rates, exemptions on electricity consumption, and zero-collateral loans. Maintaining a track record of timely project execution, effective cash flow management, and formal documentation is crucial for these firms. While established developers secure finances from commercial banks and private equity, small developers often face challenges in obtaining project funding. Upgrading MSME infrastructure and digitalizing operations will be critical for the sector’s development.
The construction sector can also benefit from MSME registration, allowing firms to supply goods and services to large-scale companies involved in construction. The 2023-2024 Union Budget increased the infrastructure budget by 33%, recognizing infrastructure as a key factor for sustainable growth. MSMEs can support large construction firms and access suppliers of essential building materials.
Registering as MSMEs: For Real Estate
MSME registration allows developers to access credit from financial institutions and banks without pledging assets as security. Registered developers can benefit from reduced interest rates and free ISO certification, providing financial aid for obtaining certification. Registered MSMEs can also protect their innovations with a 50% subsidy on registration costs.
Significance of MSMEs
MSMEs are agile and cater to the needs of India’s middle class. Their flexibility and adaptability are commendable, as they often work based on client preferences, fostering personal connections. MSMEs are one of the largest employers outside the rural domain, employing over 40% of workers with low technology and capital requirements. They support capacity building and resource mobilization, allowing small business owners to develop innovative products. Multinational companies depend on these firms for auxiliary and semi-finished products, making MSMEs crucial to creating a suitable and inclusive society.
Future Outlook: MSMEs and Real Estate
Lending to MSMEs in real estate is expected to increase, with more private firms expanding their exposure to this sector. Financial companies using AI-powered credit scoring and predictive analysis will modernize the lending landscape, benefiting construction companies by scaling up their projects. Upgrading MSME infrastructure, including project-specific incentives like power consumption rebates and land cost discounts, will provide strong incentives for developers.
The proposal for a 75,000 crore investment in transport infrastructure projects in India will benefit MSMEs in the manufacturing space. Incentives for setting up skill development centers and business mentoring services for compliance with RERA in the real estate sector will promote professionalism among small developers. Real estate MSMEs will also benefit from various policy incentives announced by the State and Central Governments of India.
With streamlined regulations and increased credit access, MSMEs can drive economic growth and prosperity in India. Government support for MSMEs and focused initiatives will be crucial in realizing these outcomes. The real estate sector is set for a revolution powered by MSMEs.

June 26, 2024
FM Urged to Support MSME Workforce Up-Skilling and Introduce Employment-Linked Incentives

FM Urged to Support MSME Workforce Up-Skilling and Introduce Employment-Linked Incentives

The interim Budget for FY25 has allocated Rs 22,138 crore to the MSME sector, maintaining the same level as the previous financial year.
During a pre-budget meeting on Tuesday, industry executives urged Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to increase funding in the Union Budget to “facilitate skilling and upskilling” for the MSME workforce. They also called for the introduction of an employment-linked incentive scheme for labor-intensive sectors to boost job creation.
The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) recommended that the finance ministry allocate funds to establish Hi-Tech training labs in micro, small, and medium enterprise (MSME) clusters under a public-private partnership model. Additionally, they proposed providing “skill vouchers” for re-skilling and up-skilling employees of MSMEs in new and emerging technologies.
A significant portion of the Rs 22,138 crore allocation for FY25 will be dedicated to creating more clusters and new technology centers.
In her Budget speech, Sitharaman emphasized, “It is an important policy priority for our Government to ensure timely and adequate finances, relevant technologies, and appropriate training for the MSMEs to grow and also compete globally.”
Industry leaders also urged the government to launch an employment-linked incentive scheme for “labor-intensive and high-growth potential” sectors—such as toys, textiles, furniture, and tourism—to generate jobs. They suggested offering higher incentives for the incremental hiring of women.
For instance, Wipro reported a sharp decline in its female workforce, decreasing to 68,231 employees in FY2024 from 90,721 the previous year—a drop of 22,490 employees, according to the company’s annual report.
Flexi staffing companies requested the FM to reduce the GST rate on employment services from 18% to 5%.
Flexi employees are hired for specific periods and receive benefits such as social security, standard wages, legal compliances, and registration under the EPFO. They differ from gig workers, who may not receive such benefits. Flexi employees are considered formal contractual employees under a legally bound tripartite agreement between the principal employer, the staffing company, and the worker. The principal employer contracts with a staffing company to hire flexi workers suitable for particular roles as required.
The Indian Staffing Federation (ISF), representing the staffing industry, accounts for about 30-35% of the total flexi workforce in India, estimated to be around 1.6 million.
A reduced GST rate would allow principal employers to redirect the additional cash flow towards reimbursing salaries and paying statutory contributions to employees, according to the ISF.

June 26, 2024
Government Considering New Bank to Bridge Credit Gap for MSMEs

Government Considering New Bank to Bridge Credit Gap for MSMEs

The government is contemplating the establishment of a dedicated bank to provide direct lending to micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). This initiative aims to enhance credit flow to the under-served sector, thereby boosting economic activity and job creation.
Current Scenario and Challenges
Presently, the Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) primarily provides refinancing to banks that lend to MSMEs, which helps reduce financing costs for these units. Additionally, state financial corporations and state industrial development corporations lend directly to MSMEs.
Despite these efforts, MSME credit penetration in India remains at 14%, significantly lower than 50% in the US and 37% in China, according to an EY report. The Indian MSME sector faces a credit gap of Rs 25 trillion, indicating a vast untapped market.
Proposal Details
“There is a need to set up a separate bank for the MSME sector to address direct credit shortages,” an official said, noting that the proposal is under consideration. The government is expected to decide on this proposal at an appropriate time. The bank’s ownership structure might include a hybrid public-private partnership model.
Financial Context
Adequate, timely, and low-cost finance is crucial for MSMEs’ growth into larger enterprises. As of December 2023, outstanding credit to MSMEs by scheduled commercial banks had grown by 20.9% annually, reaching Rs 26 trillion.
Significance of MSMEs
MSMEs, numbering 64 million, are vital to the Indian economy. They provide over 110 million jobs, accounting for 23% of the labor force, making them the second-largest employer after agriculture. MSMEs contribute 27% to India’s GDP, 38.4% to the total manufacturing output, and 45% to the country’s total exports.
Industry Insights
“A separate bank that understands the needs and workings of MSMEs is required,” said Sandip Kishore Jain, President of the Federation of Indian Micro and Small & Medium Enterprises. He emphasized that large banks often do not grasp the unique requirements of MSMEs. In some European countries, MSMEs are grouped with home loan customers due to their small borrower status.
Vijay G Kalantri, President of the All India Association of Industries, suggested converting SIDBI into a full-fledged bank for direct MSME lending if establishing a new bank is not feasible. He also advocated for MSMEs to receive loans at housing interest rates, i.e., 6% for exports and 8% for domestic production, compared to the current rates of 11-13% for MSMEs and 8-9% for exports.
SIDBI Overview
Established under an Act of Parliament in 1990, SIDBI’s majority shareholders include the Government of India (20.85%), State Bank of India (15.65%), Life Insurance Corporation of India (13.33%), and the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (9.36%).
SIDBI benefits from low-cost funds available from banks against their shortfalls in meeting priority sector lending (PSL) targets. For FY24, the MSE Refinance allocation was Rs 84,000 crore. However, SIDBI’s growth prospects are tied to the PSL target coverage achieved by scheduled commercial banks. As these banks progressively meet higher PSL targets, the overall allocation under MSE funds could decrease, affecting SIDBI’s long-term growth prospects, according to an ICRA report.

June 24, 2024
India-EU Trade Council Hosts EV Battery Recycling Startup Event

India-EU Trade Council Hosts EV Battery Recycling Startup Event

The India-European Union Trade and Technology Council (TTC) Working Group 2 organized a startup matchmaking event on June 20, 2024, featuring twelve high-impact solution providers in EV Battery Recycling Technologies. This event offered startups and SMEs an exclusive platform to pitch their innovative technologies, spanning the entire battery recycling value chain, from collection to valuable mineral extraction.
Participating Startups
The event featured twelve startups selected through a rigorous process based on scientific merit, market readiness, and cooperation prospects. The selected Indian startups included Lohum, LW3 Pvt Ltd., BatX Energies, Evergreen Lithium Recycling Pvt Ltd., Metastable Materials Pvt Ltd., and CENALL Waste Management LLP. The EU startups were Alterity, Ecomet Refining, Eneris, Primobius, RockTech, and Tozero.
Opening Remarks and Key Interventions
The matchmaking event began with opening remarks from H.E. Mr. Saurabh Kumar, Ambassador of India to Belgium, Luxembourg, and the EU, and H.E. Mr. Herve Delphin, Ambassador, Delegation of the European Union to India. They emphasized the importance of fostering innovation and cooperation in green technologies, particularly in the rapidly growing EV sector.
Key interventions were provided by Professor Ajay Kumar Sood, Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India, and Mr. Marc Lemaitre, Director-General for Research and Innovation at the European Commission.
Professor Ajay Kumar Sood highlighted the benefits of the exchange trip for selected startups, stating, “This matchmaking event today brings together the best talents and technologies in the battery recycling space on both sides, giving them an exclusive platform for exchange, networking, and prospective investments.”
Mr. Marc Lemaitre emphasized the significance of innovation in the EU-India partnership, noting, “Every step towards advanced battery recycling is a significant carbon win for our environment. This matchmaking event is such a step by bringing together innovative startups from both regions that want to scale up green solutions under the umbrella of the EU-India Trade and Technology Council.”
Additional Attendees
The event was also attended by Dr. Parvinder Maini, Scientific Secretary, Office of PSA, Mr. Sukumar Mishra, Director, IIT (ISM) Dhanbad, and Mr. Karthick Athmanathan, Honorary PSA Fellow.
Next Steps
As a follow-up, three startups from India and three from the EU will be awarded a week-long market immersion experience in the respective regions. During this visit, the selected companies will engage with interested stakeholders, explore potential collaborations, and gain insights into the local market landscape. This initiative presents opportunities for establishing pilot projects, commercial ventures, and co-development initiatives, fostering a robust innovation ecosystem in EV battery recycling.

June 21, 2024
Karnataka Aiming for 15-16% Industrial Growth: Chief Minister Siddaramaiah

Karnataka Aiming for 15-16% Industrial Growth: Chief Minister Siddaramaiah

BENGALURU: Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced on Wednesday that Karnataka is targeting an industrial growth rate of 15-16% annually. He highlighted the state’s proactive approach to policymaking and its industrial policy, which offers best-in-class incentives to attract global investors.
Key Points from the Global Investors Meet 2025 Curtain Raiser
– Global Investment Destination: Karnataka has positioned itself as a premier destination for global investments, being the second-highest recipient of FDI inflows in India, with 22% of the nation’s total FDI over the last five years.
– Growth Targets: The CM stated that the state has experienced a 9.3% growth rate in industries over the past decade and aims to achieve a $1-trillion GDP by 2032.
– Global Investors Meet 2025: Scheduled for February 12-14 at Bangalore Palace, this event will see over 5,000 senior delegates and 100+ speakers. The theme, ‘Reimagining Growth,’ will include 30+ technical and cultural sessions on topics such as AI, Industry 5.0, Web 3.0 & Blockchain, Smart Computing, and Cybersecurity.
Initiatives and Highlights
– SME Connect ’25: Launched by Large and Medium Industries Minister MB Patil, this platform aims to expand business opportunities for SMEs. Gunjan Krishna, Commissioner for Industrial Development, emphasized the importance of SMEs, which provide 41% of employment.
– VentuRISE – Global Startup Challenge: This second edition aims to recognize and support startups in sectors like Electronic System Design and Manufacturing (ESDM), Clean Mobility, and Aerospace & Defence.
R&D and Innovation Leadership
– Global R&D Contribution: IT-BT Minister Priyank Kharge noted that Karnataka contributes 22% to global R&D and leads in exports, FDI, and technology services.
– Educational and Innovation Hub: With over 250 colleges, 44 universities, and 25,000 startups, Karnataka is a capital of R&D and innovation. The state’s commitment to industry-friendly policies and continuous investment in science, technology, and education drives sustainable growth and better standards of living.
Industry Insights
– Collaboration and Innovation: Ramesh Ramadurai, Past Chairman of CII Karnataka & MD of 3M India, emphasized the importance of augmenting resources, understanding customer needs, and developing valuable solutions. Building infrastructure and fostering partnerships are key to transitioning to groundbreaking new products.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s announcements and the initiatives discussed at the Global Investors Meet 2025 highlight Karnataka’s ambitious plans for significant industrial growth and its strategy to attract global investments and foster innovation.

June 20, 2024
Bolstering the Aerospace Sector: The Vital Role of MSMEs and the Need for Government Support

Bolstering the Aerospace Sector: The Vital Role of MSMEs and the Need for Government Support

The Indian aerospace and defense market is projected to soar to USD 54.4 billion by 2033, a significant leap from its valuation of USD 27.1 billion in 2024, growing at a CAGR of 6.99% during the forecast period. This rapid growth, highlighted by Custom Market Insights, underscores the sector’s dynamic expansion fueled by increasing manufacturing demands from both domestic and international aircraft carriers. This surge necessitates advancements in innovation and technology for the design, development, and production of critical components and systems, including aircraft engines.
To meet this burgeoning demand, top industry players like Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL), and L&T Aerospace must collaborate with smaller, technologically adept players. Here, Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) become indispensable. Known as the backbone of the Indian economy, MSMEs foster innovation, generate employment, and promote equitable development. Their agility and expertise in producing a wide range of aerospace components make them vital to the supply chain, ensuring timely delivery to manufacturers and distributors, unlike larger organizations burdened by bureaucratic processes.
Recognizing the importance of a robust supply chain, the Indian government is pushing for “Make in India,” particularly in the Aerospace and Defense (A&D) sector. Samir V. Kamat, Secretary of the Department of Defence R&D and Chairman of DRDO, emphasized the government’s aim to increase indigenous content in the defense and aerospace sector to over 70% in the next 3-4 years, highlighting the critical role of MSMEs in this endeavor. This push was echoed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the 2015 Aero India Air Show, reinforcing the theme of ‘Make in India’.
Government initiatives like the Defence Offset Policy encourage the development of synergistic sectors such as civil aerospace and internal security, providing special incentives for MSMEs. Regular interactions with vendors and stakeholders help address concerns, fostering a collaborative environment.
While reduced imports and record-high defense exports in A&D are promising, further improvements are needed for India to compete globally. Service or product-linked incentives could foster collaboration between large companies and MSMEs. Simplifying regulations for cross-border transactions with global supply chains and striving for self-reliance in the aerospace industry are crucial steps. Additionally, a clear Aerospace Policy, an independent nodal agency for collaboration, and increased government spending focused on small startups, MSMEs, and academia are necessary to fuel research and development for sustainable growth.
The future of the Indian aerospace sector hinges on the symbiotic relationship between big companies, MSMEs, and the government. By introducing industry-friendly schemes, addressing regulatory challenges, incentivizing partnerships, and promoting large-scale manufacturing, India can emerge as a global aerospace hub, competing with world leaders.

June 18, 2024
New Challenges and Opportunities for the Dairy Industry Amid Changing Customer Behavior

New Challenges and Opportunities for the Dairy Industry Amid Changing Customer Behavior

The dairy industry is currently navigating a landscape rich with opportunities and challenges. New sources such as plant-based dairy alternatives and a focus on sustainability, including precision farming and automation, are reshaping the sector. Additionally, the industry is expanding into new markets.
Ravin Saluja, Director of Sterling Agro Industries (Nova Dairy), highlights that the growing emphasis on health and wellness offers significant potential for dairy FMCG companies. “Consumers are increasingly seeking functional dairy products enriched with probiotics, vitamins, and minerals, catering to diverse dietary needs and preferences. By leveraging scientific research and innovation, dairy brands can capitalize on this trend to offer products that promote overall well-being and address specific health concerns,” Saluja explains.
The increasing popularity of plant-based diets and rising lactose intolerance have fueled the demand for dairy alternatives. “FMCG companies have the opportunity to diversify their product portfolios by introducing plant-based dairy alternatives made from almonds, soy, oats, and other plant sources. Embracing this trend enables dairy brands to tap into new consumer segments while contributing to sustainability goals and reducing environmental impact,” Saluja adds.
Aman J Jain, CEO and Co-Founder of Doodhvale emphasizes the importance of adapting to new trends. “Dairy brands should consider developing digital marketing approaches, interacting with customers on social networks, and offering personalized experiences. Steps toward long-term sustainability, transparency in production processes, and the use of sustainable materials can appeal to specific customers. Functional dairy products, plant-based and fortified creations can address various dietary choices and health needs,” Jain states.
Challenges for the Dairy Industry
The dairy industry faces mounting pressure to address sustainability and environmental challenges, such as greenhouse gas emissions, water usage, and animal welfare concerns. “FMCG companies must adopt sustainable practices throughout the value chain, from sourcing raw materials to packaging and distribution, to mitigate environmental impact and meet consumer expectations for ethical and eco-friendly products,” says Saluja.
Compliance with stringent regulatory requirements and quality standards also presents a challenge, particularly in a globalized marketplace with diverse regulatory frameworks. “Ensuring product safety, traceability, and adherence to labeling regulations is essential to maintain consumer trust in dairy products. FMCG companies must invest in robust quality assurance systems and compliance measures to navigate regulatory complexities and uphold industry standards,” Saluja notes.
Economic uncertainty, geopolitical tensions, and market volatility are significant challenges, affecting supply chain stability, pricing dynamics, and consumer spending patterns. Fluctuations in commodity prices, currency exchange rates, and geopolitical developments can disrupt operations and profitability, necessitating agile and adaptive strategies to manage risks and seize opportunities in dynamic market environments.
“The main problems that dairy industries face are fluctuating raw material prices, increasing regulatory measures, issues around emission reduction and water usage, ethical concerns for animal welfare, the shift in consumer behavior towards non-animal-based products, and the increasing prevalence of lactose intolerance and dairy product allergies,” Jain elaborates.
Furthermore, supply chain disruptions, workforce shortages, and the pressure to maintain sustainable operations add to the industry’s challenges.
Despite these challenges, stakeholders agree that the dairy sector has a promising future, provided it adapts effectively to changing consumer preferences.

June 17, 2024