SIG, a leading solutions provider of aseptic cartons, bag-in-box, and spouted pouches, showcased its wide range of packaging products at the Dairy Industry Conference and exhibition in February 2026 at Yashobhoomi, Delhi.
Talking to Packaging South Asia, Vandana Tandan, head of markets in India and Bangladesh at SIG, discussed a significant shift in the Indian market towards value-added dairy products.
Tandan explained that consumers were increasingly seeking products that were not only delicious but also beneficial to their health, with a growing preference for options that are low in sugar and salt.
She said, “The industry is witnessing a move towards functional dairy products, which offer more than just basic nutrition. This includes products that are good for gut, mental, and physical wellbeing.”
A notable development in this space is the creation of a long-shelf-life probiotic buttermilk and high-protein lassi, achieved through encapsulated technology in partnership with a global partner, Anabio Technologies.
“While health and functionality are important, affordability remains a key factor for Indian consumers. Products must be clean, offer value addition, and, most importantly, have a good taste to be successful in the market,” she said.
According to her, the industry is focusing on versatile packaging to serve diverse consumer segments. “The whole trend is of functionality,” she emphasized. The SIG XSlimBloc offers SKUs from 80 ml to 200 ml portion sizes on-the-go packs on the same machine, and SlimlineBloc offers four different family packs across different consumer segments.
Following the opening of a manufacturing plant in Ahmedabad, SIG’s focus for the next few years will be on scaling up its capacity. “This expansion is expected to meet the growing demand for innovative and affordable dairy products in India.
