Paris, October 18, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Sunday launched two new products under MARKFED’s flagship SOHNA brand — Chickpeas in Brine (Chitte Chhole) and Red Kidney Beans in Brine (Rajmah) — at SIAL Paris 2026, as the state seeks to expand its agricultural exports and take traditional Punjabi food products to international markets.
Mann, who is leading a high-level Punjab delegation to Paris, inaugurated MARKFED’s stall at the India Pavilion of the international food and beverage exhibition. The showcase highlights Punjab’s agricultural heritage, food-processing capabilities and potential to supply value-added products to global consumers.
In a post on X, Mann said the launch would allow people across the world to enjoy the taste of Punjab through canned chickpeas and kidney beans. He said the government’s objective was to take high-quality Punjabi products to international markets, increase farmers’ income and strengthen the global identity of homegrown brands.
The two products expand MARKFED’s ready-to-use canned food portfolio and complement its existing range of Punjabi dishes and processed food items under the SOHNA brand. The initiative reflects the state government’s focus on food processing, value addition, modern packaging, branding and export-oriented manufacturing.
MARKFED, Milkfed, which markets products under the Verka brand, and Punjab Agro are jointly showcasing their offerings under the Punjab Mart umbrella at the exhibition. The combined platform aims to improve market access for agricultural produce, encourage crop diversification and create greater value for farmers and food processors.
“Punjab has always been the food basket of India, and our vision is to take the State’s agricultural produce and traditional food products to consumers across the world,” Mann said, adding that stronger international market linkages could create opportunities for farmers, cooperatives, entrepreneurs and exporters.
MARKFED has a turnover of more than ₹21,248 crore and represents the interests of around two million farmers in Punjab. Its SOHNA portfolio includes ready-to-eat Punjabi dishes such as Sarson Ka Saag, Dal Makhani, Rajmah, Kadhi Pakora and Amritsari Chana, along with mustard oil, pickles, murabbas, juices, amla candy and other value-added products.
The organisation exports products to more than 20 countries, including markets in the Middle East, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. At SIAL Paris, it is seeking to connect with importers, distributors and potential commercial partners, while exploring private-label and contract manufacturing opportunities.
MARKFED has an annual installed processing capacity of 2,700 metric tonnes for canned Sarson Ka Saag and other ready-to-eat products, besides 3,000 metric tonnes for honey. It plans to use available surplus capacity to manufacture products for international buyers.
The Punjab delegation also held business interactions with French and international food companies, with discussions covering export markets, sourcing requirements, food-processing technology, cold-chain infrastructure, packaging, logistics and distribution partnerships.
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