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3.81 The National Centre for HACCP Certification in association with K-BIP has initiated the process Industry and Labour
of auditing and certification of 43 food processing and allied units from the State and outside the
State. Out of this, NCHC has successfully audited and certified 27 food processing units and the
remaining is under progress.NCHC imparted 5 days training on Food Safety (HACCP) system to 22
Government officials nominated from various departments.

Box. 3.11
Food Processing – Growth Drivers

• Liberalization and the growth of organized retail had made the Indian market more
attractive for global players. With a large agricultural sector, abundant livestock and cost
competitiveness, India is fast emerging as a sourcing hub of processed food.

• A population of 1.2 Billion people, with the world’s highest youth population – India has 572
Million people under the age of 24.

• Rising income levels and a growing middle class.
• Increasing desire for branded food as well as increased spending power.
• Consumption in India is driven towards packaged and ready-to-eat foods.
• Favourable economic and cultural transformation and a shift in attitudes and lifestyles

have consumers experimenting with different cuisine, tastes and new brands. There is
an awareness and concern for wellness and health, for high protein, low-fat, wholegrain,
organic food.
• Processed food exports and related products have been rising steadily, the main destinations
being the Middle East and Southeast Asia.
• Fast urbanization in Kerala and India.
• High level of literacy and increasing proportion of working women
• Kerala is a major processor of spices, marine products, cashew, coconuts, coffee & tea,
cocoa and fruits like banana & pineapple.
• Kerala has well spread infrastructure (airports & seaports) for exports.

3.82 Food Processing is one of the 25 sectors included in the Make in India campaign launched by
Central Government in 2014, to transform India to a manufacturing hub. Also in Kerala Perspective
Plan 2030, Food Processing is marked as one of the selected industries in Kerala which has revealed
comparative advantage among Indian States.

Section 5
Traditional Industries

Handicrafts

3.83 Handicraft industry is one of the traditional industries of Kerala, providing employment to
Artisans. Eighty percent of these artisans are from socially and economically backward classes.
Kerala has the tradition of making beautiful handicrafts with ivory, bamboo, palm leaves, seashells,
wood, coconut shells, clay, cloth, coir, metals, stone, lacquer ware and so on. Many old handicraft
classics can be seen in Palaces, old heritage homes and museums in the State.

Economic Review 2014