Punjab CM Launches Two New SOHNA Products at SIAL Paris 2026 to Boost Global Exports

Punjab: Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann has launched two new products under MARKFED’s flagship SOHNA brand at SIAL Paris 2026, aiming to expand Punjab’s agricultural exports and strengthen the global presence of its value-added food products. The products, ‘Chickpeas in Brine’ (Chitte Chhole) and ‘Red Kidney Beans in Brine’ (Rajmah), were unveiled at one of the world’s leading international food and beverage exhibitions.

Leading a high-level delegation to Paris, Mann visited the India Pavilion and inaugurated MARKFED’s exhibition stall, showcasing Punjab’s agricultural heritage, food processing capabilities and potential to become a globally recognised supplier of quality food products.

How Will the New SOHNA Products Benefit Punjab’s Farmers?

In a post on X, the Chief Minister expressed pride in Punjab’s farmers and cooperative institutions, highlighting the launch as an opportunity to introduce the state’s traditional food products to consumers worldwide. He said the government aims to take Punjab’s high-quality products to international markets, increase farmers’ incomes and establish Punjabi brands globally.

The launch expands MARKFED’s ready-to-use canned food portfolio, catering to international demand for convenient food products while opening new markets for Punjab’s agricultural produce. The chickpeas and kidney beans preserved in brine complement the existing range of Punjabi ready-to-eat dishes and processed foods under the SOHNA brand.

The initiative reflects the state government’s focus on moving beyond conventional agricultural production towards food processing, value addition, modern packaging, branding and export-oriented manufacturing.

Punjab Mart Brings Cooperative Brands Together

During his visit, Mann highlighted the contributions of MARKFED, Milkfed, which markets products under the Verka brand, and Punjab Agro in strengthening the state’s agricultural economy.

Their products are being showcased collectively under the Punjab Mart umbrella at SIAL Paris 2026. The platform brings together two of Punjab’s leading cooperative federations and a state government undertaking to promote agricultural products before international buyers.

The initiative seeks to improve market access for agricultural produce, encourage crop diversification, strengthen food processing and generate greater value for farmers.

Addressing the gathering at the MARKFED stall, the Chief Minister said Punjab had traditionally been known as India’s food basket and that the government aimed to transform it into a globally recognised hub for quality food products, value-added agriculture and modern manufacturing.

He highlighted the potential of Punjab’s farmers, entrepreneurs and industries to compete in international markets, adding that participation in exhibitions such as SIAL Paris could create global business connections and open new opportunities for the state.

How Is MARKFED Expanding Its International Product Portfolio?

Mann reiterated that the government intends to take Punjab’s agricultural produce and traditional food products to consumers worldwide through value addition, modern food processing, quality packaging and stronger international market connections.

He said the state’s participation in SIAL Paris reflected its commitment to promoting homegrown brands, expanding export opportunities and ensuring that Punjabi products reach households across the globe.

The Chief Minister added that the international outreach initiative aims to create sustainable economic opportunities, boost exports and generate employment by connecting Punjab’s agricultural strengths with global markets.

MARKFED’s ₹21,248-Crore Turnover Supports Export Ambitions

MARKFED’s participation in the exhibition highlights the growing international potential of Punjab’s cooperative food processing sector. The organisation has a turnover of more than ₹21,248 crore, equivalent to approximately $2.26 billion, and directly represents and serves around two million farmers in Punjab.

Through its manufacturing and processing facilities in the state, MARKFED undertakes the processing, value addition, branding and global marketing of agricultural and food products under its SOHNA brand.

Its product range at SIAL Paris includes ready-to-eat Punjabi dishes such as Sarson Ka Saag, Dal Makhani, Rajmah, Kari Pakora and Amritsari Chana, alongside other traditional preparations.

According to MARKFED’s presentation material, its ready-to-eat products are preservative-free and designed for convenient heating and consumption, bringing authentic Punjabi cuisine to international consumers.

The wider portfolio also includes SOHNA Kachi Ghani Mustard Oil, traditional pickles, murabbas, Amla Juice, Aloe Vera Juice, Amla Candy, Shakkar and other value-added products.

The two newly launched canned products further diversify this range by offering international buyers convenient, ready-to-use chickpeas and kidney beans. MARKFED aims to attract new importers and distributors while establishing SOHNA as a recognised brand for authentic Punjabi and Indian food products.

How Will SIAL Paris Help MARKFED Reach More Countries?

MARKFED already exports products to more than 20 countries, including markets in the Middle East, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. Its participation in SIAL Paris aims to widen this international footprint by connecting with buyers, distributors and potential commercial partners.

The exhibition also provides opportunities to explore contract manufacturing and private-label production for overseas companies seeking to source food products from India.

MARKFED has an installed annual processing capacity of 2,700 metric tonnes for canned Sarson Ka Saag and other ready-to-eat products, along with 3,000 metric tonnes for honey.

The organisation intends to use available surplus capacity for private-label manufacturing for international buyers, creating another avenue for export growth and deeper integration into global supply chains.

Punjab Delegation Explores International Business Partnerships

Alongside the product showcase, the Punjab delegation held business interactions with leading French and international food and beverage companies. The meetings were facilitated in coordination with the Embassy of India in France.

Discussions focused on identifying new markets for Punjab’s agricultural and processed food products, understanding international sourcing requirements, developing buyer-supplier networks and exploring long-term trade partnerships.

The delegation also explored opportunities in food processing technology, cold-chain infrastructure, packaging, logistics and international distribution to strengthen the competitiveness of Punjab’s exporters.

The launch of the two SOHNA products and the collective presentation under Punjab Mart mark part of the state government’s broader effort to strengthen agricultural exports, promote value-added food manufacturing and create new commercial opportunities for Punjab’s farmers, cooperatives and businesses.