India Business & Trade (IBT) sat down with Mr. Gurinder Singh, Founder & CEO of RANCE FPS LLP and the exclusive India representative for some of the world’s leading food processing machinery manufacturers. With over a decade of experience bridging global technology with India’s fast-evolving food sector, Mr. Singh shares his insights on automation, quality control, sustainability, and the untapped opportunities in post-harvest processing. In this exclusive conversation, he discusses how precision tools, AI, and smart sorting systems are transforming the Indian food processing industry—and what it takes for businesses to stay competitive in a cost-sensitive, quality-conscious market.
IBT: How has the Indian food processing industry evolved over the past decade, particularly in terms of automation and quality control?
Mr. Gurinder: The Indian food processing industry has come a long way in the last decade, especially when it comes to automation and quality assurance. What was once largely manual and inconsistent is now becoming increasingly digitized, streamlined, and reliable.
From peeling to packaging, automation is no longer just for the big players—even mid-sized companies are adopting smart machines to reduce human error and improve throughput.
On the quality front, the shift from manual inspection to real-time monitoring, data logging, and vision-based systems has been transformative. These technologies help maintain hygiene, ensure consistency, and comply with both domestic and international food safety standards.
IBT: What are the most critical inefficiencies in traditional food processing lines, and how do advanced technologies like optical sorting help address them?
Mr. Gurinder: One of the biggest inefficiencies in traditional processing lines is the dependence on manual sorting and quality checks. It’s time-consuming, inconsistent, and difficult to scale.
That’s where optical sorting technologies make a huge difference. Companies like Raytec Vision, Key, Tomra, Optimum, et. are using high-resolution cameras, sensors, and AI algorithms to detect defects, eliminate foreign matter, and grade produce based on size, shape, and color.
These machines operate continuously with high accuracy, eliminating human fatigue and error. The result? Reduced wastage, consistent quality, and higher efficiency—enabling processors to meet stringent safety standards with confidence.
IBT: In a cost-sensitive sector like F&B, how do you justify investing in high-end technologies while staying price competitive?
Mr. Gurinder: In a price-sensitive market like food and beverages, advanced technology should be seen as a strategic investment—not just a capital cost.
Yes, the initial outlay might be higher, but the returns are tangible: less product waste, lower labor costs, faster processing, and improved product quality. One of our clients who installed a Bigtem steam peeler saw immediate improvements in yield and reduced dependency on manual labor. Another who adopted a Raytec optical sorter significantly reduced customer complaints and improved export acceptance rates.
When technology leads to higher efficiency and reliability, it quickly offsets its own cost and helps maintain competitive pricing in the long run.
IBT: What lessons have you learned working with large-scale operations versus building your own venture? How does the decision-making differ?
Mr. Gurinder: Large-scale operations teach you the value of structure, data, and long-term planning. Decisions are often slower but deeply thought-out, with clear alignment across departments.
Running your own venture is a different game. It’s fast-paced, intuitive, and you need to be hands-on. You have fewer resources but more freedom to act quickly.
The key difference? In large organizations, it’s about coordination and patience. In your own business, it’s about agility, adaptability, and the courage to take risks—even with limited information.
IBT: With food safety and traceability under the spotlight, how are precision tools like AI and smart sorting systems shaping compliance and consumer trust?
Mr. Gurinder: Precision technologies are redefining food safety and traceability. AI-powered sorters and real-time monitoring systems identify contaminants and defects with incredible accuracy—far beyond what manual checks can do.
In terms of traceability, modern machines can now log data at every stage of production. If a quality issue arises, you can pinpoint its origin instantly, which is critical for audits and recalls.
This kind of transparency and reliability builds consumer trust and ensures regulatory compliance. It’s a proactive, tech-driven approach to quality control—and it’s becoming the new standard.
IBT: What are the key gaps or opportunities you see in India’s food tech ecosystem, especially in post-harvest and processing stages?
Mr. Gurinder: Despite growth, India still faces major gaps—especially post-harvest. Supply chains are fragmented, cold storage remains inadequate, and massive amounts of produce are wasted before reaching processors.
That presents real opportunities. Modular processing units, shared infrastructure models, decentralized cold chains, and AI-based grading tools can all bring significant value. There’s also room for innovation in by-product utilization—turning waste into alternative snacks, nutraceuticals, or even compostable packaging.
Startups that can deliver scalable, affordable, tech-driven solutions in this space will have a major impact. The demand is huge, and the need is urgent.
IBT: How can mid-sized food processors adopt sustainability without it becoming a financial burden?
Mr. Gurinder: Sustainability doesn’t need to be expensive or overwhelming. Mid-sized processors can take small, practical steps that still yield big results.
Investing in energy-efficient equipment or water-saving systems—while slightly costlier upfront—leads to long-term savings. Reusing process water, optimizing heat recovery, and reducing material wastage all improve margins while being environmentally responsible.
It’s about embracing traditional values—using resources wisely, minimizing waste—and applying them through modern tools and smart planning.
IBT: What are some overlooked elements in setting up an efficient, modern processing line?
Mr. Gurinder: People often focus on headline machines but overlook smaller, equally critical aspects.
Smart layout planning, seamless integration between equipment, and built-in provisions for future expansion can dramatically improve operational efficiency. Easy waste management systems, proper drainage, and clean-in-place (CIP) setups also enhance hygiene and uptime.
Don’t underestimate the importance of operator training, local spare parts availability, and routine maintenance. Even basic digital dashboards for performance tracking can flag issues early and improve line efficiency.
Ultimately, thoughtful design and planning are what differentiate a good plant from a great one.
IBT: Is the Indian food industry receptive to global tech and best practices? What challenges remain in terms of mind-sets or adoption?
Mr. Gurinder: Absolutely. The Indian food industry is increasingly open to global innovations—especially when there’s a clear ROI or operational benefit.
That said, the adoption mind-set is pragmatic. New technologies must prove their value in terms of yield, labor savings, or improved quality. We don’t jump on fads; we adopt what fits our needs.
Initial hesitation is common, but once results are visible—like reduced rejections or lower operating costs—the shift is quick and often enthusiastic. It’s not resistance—it’s cautious, sensible evaluation based on value and fit for the Indian context.
IBT: What advice would you offer to young engineers or entrepreneurs entering the food processing space today?
Mr. Gurinder: Start with the fundamentals—understand your raw materials, hygiene protocols, process flow, and final product expectations. Technology matters, but it’s useless without a solid grip on the basics.
Stay curious. Explore automation, AI, and emerging tech, but always ask—does it solve a real problem?
Stay close to the ground. The best insights come from walking the factory floor, talking to your team, and understanding your customer’s needs. Build relationships. This is an industry where trust, collaboration, and long-term thinking matter more than short-term wins.
Above all, be patient, be practical, keep learning, and keep solving real problems. That’s how you grow—and how you stay ahead.
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