Heat and Control used the Anuga FooTec platform to showcase its extensive range of food processing technologies. Venkatesha Parthasarathy, national sales manager at Heat and Control, highlighted the company’s focus on a new concept, the ‘on-machine seasoning system’, which was demonstrated at the expo. In addition, the company displayed various products produced by its equipment, underscoring that, for many clients, the end product often holds greater importance than the technology behind it.
One of the live demonstrations featured a packaging machine equipped with x-ray and metal detectors, ensuring compliance with FSSAI standards to deliver higher-quality products. Heat and Control also showcased solutions for packaging noodle and masala sachets — represented by its partner ToPack from Japan, a global leader in sachet packaging — which they distribute in India.
Parthasarathy said Heat and Control provides to a diverse customer base, ranging from well-established companies to new start-ups. For larger enterprises, the company provides solutions focused on improving operational efficiency and product quality. Meanwhile, start-ups benefit from the economical options available through the Flavorite brand, which allows them to quickly launch products and test market viability. As these start-ups grow, they can seamlessly transition to the company’s more advanced solutions for larger-scale operations.
When discussing the broader food processing and packaging market, Parthasarathy expressed optimism, noting that the industry is thriving with annual growth rates of 12-15%. He observed that while middle and larger companies are scaling up, introducing more products to the market, new entrants are also playing a key role in the sector’s overall expansion.
Heat and Control focuses on two key markets: the snack food segment, targeting potato chips, namkeen, and tortilla chip production lines; and the processed food sector, which includes French fries, samosas, and more recently, hash browns, a product that is steadily gaining popularity in India.
The snack food sector, particularly the namkeen category, is experiencing robust growth. Parthasarathy said products such as potato chips, namkeens, and kurkure-style snacks are particularly in demand, with the kurkure segment accounting for about 60% of sales in the 5-rupee packet range. This affordable pricing strategy has enabled these products to reach a wide audience, both in rural and urban areas.
Parthasarathy also highlighted the competitive landscape, stating that while international brands have pioneered the western snack market, regional players are gaining significant market share, particularly in states such as Gujarat. The namkeen segment, catering to India’s preference for salty snacks, continues to expand rapidly. Where Heat and Control once struggled to sell one or two production lines per quarter, they now sell one or two lines per month—a clear reflection of the sector’s remarkable growth.
