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Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann launched SOHNA’s canned Chitte Chhole and Rajmah at SIAL Paris 2026 to expand the state’s food exports and global reach.
News18
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Sunday launched two new products under MARKFED’s SOHNA brand at SIAL Paris 2026, an international food and beverage exhibition. The products, ‘Chickpeas in Brine’ (Chitte Chhole) and ‘Red Kidney Beans in Brine’ (Rajmah), are aimed at expanding the global reach of Punjab’s agricultural produce and processed food products.
Mann also inaugurated MARKFED’s stall at the India Pavilion, where Punjab’s agricultural heritage and food processing capabilities are being showcased. The state is participating in the exhibition through Punjab Mart, bringing together MARKFED, Milkfed, which markets products under the Verka brand, and Punjab Agro.
Mann Says Launch Will Expand Global Reach Of Punjabi Products
In a post on X, Mann said the launch would allow people across the world to enjoy the taste of Punjab through the two canned products. He said the initiative aimed to take the state’s high-quality products to international markets and increase farmers’ incomes.
Addressing the gathering at the MARKFED stall, the chief minister said Punjab had the potential to become a globally recognised hub for quality food products, value-added agriculture and modern manufacturing.
He said participation in international exhibitions such as SIAL Paris would help create business links and open up new opportunities for farmers, entrepreneurs and industries in the state.
Mann also stressed the importance of value addition, modern food processing, quality packaging and stronger international market connections to expand the reach of Punjab’s agricultural produce and traditional food products.
New Products Expand MARKFED’s SOHNA Range
The two canned products expand MARKFED’s ready-to-use food portfolio under the SOHNA brand. The chickpeas and red kidney beans preserved in brine are intended to cater to international demand for convenient food products.
MARKFED’s existing range includes ready-to-eat Punjabi dishes such as Sarson Ka Saag, Dal Makhani, Rajmah, Kari Pakora and Amritsari Chana. Its other products include SOHNA Kachi Ghani Mustard Oil, traditional pickles, murabbas, Amla Juice, Aloe Vera Juice, Amla Candy and Shakkar.
According to MARKFED’s presentation material, its ready-to-eat products are preservative-free and designed to be heated and consumed. The organisation aims to expand its international presence by connecting with importers, distributors and other commercial partners.
MARKFED Exports To More Than 20 Countries
MARKFED currently exports its products to more than 20 countries, including markets in the Middle East, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. Its participation at SIAL Paris is intended to expand this reach by connecting the organisation with international buyers and distributors.
The organisation also plans 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. It intends to use available surplus capacity for private-label manufacturing for international buyers.
With a turnover of more than ₹21,248 crore, equivalent to approximately $2.26 billion, MARKFED represents and serves around two million farmers in Punjab. It processes, adds value to, brands and markets agricultural and food products under its SOHNA brand.
Punjab Delegation Holds Business Discussions
During the exhibition, the Punjab delegation also held business interactions with French and international food and beverage companies. The discussions were facilitated in coordination with the Embassy of India in France.
The meetings focused on identifying markets for Punjab’s agricultural and processed food products, understanding international sourcing requirements, building 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 state government said its international outreach, including the launch of the two SOHNA products and the collective showcase under Punjab Mart, aims to expand exports, create employment and generate economic opportunities by connecting Punjab’s agricultural produce and value-added food products with global markets.
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Ask News18Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann launched two new ready-to-use canned products under MARKFED’s SOHNA brand: ‘Chickpeas in Brine’ (Chitte Chhole) and ‘Red Kidney Beans in Brine’ (Rajmah) at SIAL Paris 2026.
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Pragya Bahuguna is a digital journalist at News18.com, covering national and international news, including Indian politics and geopolitics, with an interest in environment and climate affairs. She hol…Read More
Punjab, India, India
October 18, 2026, 10:49 PM IST
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