Globalisation refers to the process of increased interconnectedness among countries. It involves the exchange of goods, services, information, and culture. This phenomenon has implications for food systems worldwide.
Impact on Diets
Globalisation has led to dietary shifts. Traditional diets high in fibre and cereals are declining. They are being replaced by diets rich in sugar, refined carbohydrates, fats, and animal products. These changes often increase the consumption of processed foods and meals eaten outside the home.
Malnutrition and Obesity
Globalisation can address malnutrition. It can help combat under-nutrition by improving food availability. However, it may also contribute to obesity. The rise of processed foods and high-calorie diets is a growing concern globally.
Food Supply Changes
Food supplies are evolving, even in remote areas. New foods are introduced to regions that previously relied on local produce. This integration is complex and varies by location.
Consumer Behaviour
Consumers do not passively accept new foods. They interpret and modify foreign products based on local norms and history. This results in a unique blend of global and local food practices.
Globalisation vs. Localisation
Globalisation and localisation are interconnected. The introduction of global foodstuffs often prompts a celebration of local cuisine. People may emphasise their traditional foods as a counter to perceived uniformity in global diets.
India’s Experience with Globalisation
India’s food landscape changed post-1991. Trade liberalisation opened the market to global food products. Urban centres saw increased food availability and diverse preferences.
Local Customs and Norms
Despite global influences, local customs remain strong in India. Traditional practices continue to shape daily life. This makes India a unique case for studying the convergence of global and local food systems.
Fusion of Global and Local Cuisines
Multinational food chains in India adapt to local tastes. For example, pizzas may include paneer and tikka sauce. Burgers often feature spicy chicken or potato patties.
Processed Food Consumption
Processed and packaged foods are becoming popular in urban areas. They offer convenience but are often more expensive than fresh market items. In remote areas, consumption remains low but is gradually increasing.
Food Outlets Expansion
Food outlets are proliferating, even in rural regions. Roadside eateries and hotel restaurants are becoming more common. Non-local fast foods are widely available through small shops and street vendors.
Adolescents and Global Foods
Research indicates that adolescents in urban Southern India are increasingly aware of global foods. Their food choices reflect changing dietary preferences influenced by globalisation.
About Food Choices
Food choices are influenced by various factors. External cues include dietary recommendations, marketing strategies, and product placement. Internal cues involve personal preferences for taste, particularly for sugar and fat.
Food Imports in India
Food imports have surged since the onset of globalisation. Cereals, nuts, and edible oils are among the most imported items. The liberalisation policy has made it easier to import these goods.
Statistics on Food Imports
Food-related imports rose from 1990 to 2000. Imports of cereals increased from 308,000 to 1,620,000 tonnes. Edible oil imports rose from 526,000 to 4,190,000 tonnes during the same period.
Economic Impact of Food Imports
Food imports represent about 4.5% of India’s total imports. This equates to approximately US$3 billion. Essential items like edible oils and pulses dominate these imports, while processed foods account for a smaller share.
Urban Consumption Trends
Imports can influence urban consumption patterns. Processed food imports, especially dairy and fruits, have increased. However, their overall impact on national consumption remains limited.
Transnational Corporations
The entry of transnational corporations has transformed the food industry in India. The food products sector has shown growth. It accounted for 11.5% of the index of industrial production in recent years.
Growth of the Food Industry
The food products industry recorded growth rates of 4.20% and 10.12% in the late 1990s. However, a downturn occurred between 2000 and 2002 due to an economic slowdown.
Market Value of Food Products
India’s food market turnover is approximately Rs250,000 crores (US$69.4 billion). Value-added food products represent a substantial portion of this market, valued at Rs80,000 crores (US$22.2 billion).
Investment in Food Processing
Liberalisation has attracted foreign investment in food processing. It is expected to continue growing during the Tenth Five-Year Plan period (2002-2007). The future depends on increasing purchasing power among the population.
Labour Market Effects
Globalisation has improved efficiency and competitiveness in India. However, it has not increased labour absorption. Urbanisation has been slow, and unemployment has become a pressing issue.
Impact on Different Income Groups
The effects of globalisation on food consumption vary by income group. Lower-income groups may face negative impacts. Higher-income groups are likely to shift towards more expensive, imported foods and popular fast food brands.
