Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Sunday, 18 October 2026, launched two new products — 'Chickpeas in Brine' (chitte chhole) and 'Red Kidney Beans in Brine' (rajmah) — under state-run Markfed's Sohna brand at SIAL Paris 2026, one of the world's foremost international food and beverage exhibitions. The launch, held at the India Pavilion in Paris, France, marks a fresh push by the Punjab government to position the state's cooperative food brands on a global stage.

What Was Showcased

Chief Minister Mann inaugurated Markfed's exhibition stall at SIAL, which highlights Punjab's agricultural heritage, food processing capabilities, and the state's ambition to become a globally recognised supplier of quality, value-added food products. The products are being displayed collectively under the Punjab Mart umbrella, bringing together Markfed, Milkfed (which markets under the Verka brand), and Punjab Agro — two apex cooperative federations and a state government undertaking — on a single international platform.

What the Chief Minister Said

Addressing the gathering at SIAL, Mann said, 'Punjab has always been the food basket of India, and our vision is to make it a globally recognised hub for quality food products, value-added agriculture and modern manufacturing. Our farmers, entrepreneurs and industries have tremendous potential to compete in international markets. Through initiatives like SIAL Paris, we are opening new doors for Punjab's products, creating global business linkages and bringing international opportunities closer to our people.'

He further stated, 'Our vision is to take the state's agricultural produce and traditional food products to consumers across the world. By promoting value addition, modern food processing, quality packaging and stronger global market linkages, we aim to create greater opportunities for our farmers, cooperatives, entrepreneurs and exporters.'

Strategic Significance for Punjab Agriculture

The initiative is framed as part of a broader effort to improve market access for agricultural produce, accelerate crop diversification, and strengthen food processing in the state. Notably, Punjab's cooperative sector — long associated with domestic procurement — is increasingly being repositioned as an export-facing entity, a shift that carries implications for farmer incomes and rural employment. Mann reiterated that the international outreach, including the SIAL participation, is aimed at creating sustainable economic opportunities, boosting exports, and generating employment across the agricultural value chain.

Context and What Comes Next

SIAL Paris is among the largest food industry trade shows globally, attracting buyers, retailers, and distributors from over 200 countries. Punjab's participation under the Punjab Mart umbrella signals an intent to leverage such platforms for sustained export deals rather than one-off showcases. Industry observers will watch whether the SIAL visibility translates into concrete supply agreements for Markfed and Milkfed products in European and other international markets in the months ahead.