Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Sunday launched two canned food products, Chickpeas in Brine, known as Chitte Chhole, and Red Kidney Beans in Brine, or Rajmah, under Markfed’s Sohna brand at SIAL Paris 2026, an international food trade exhibition in France.
Mann is leading a delegation of the Punjab State Cooperative Supply and Marketing Federation Limited, popularly known as Markfed, to the exhibition, where the state is showcasing its agricultural produce and food processing capabilities to international buyers.
The launch expands Markfed’s portfolio of ready-to-use canned foods and aims to create opportunities for Punjab’s agricultural products in overseas markets. The two new offerings add to the existing range of Punjabi ready-to-eat dishes and processed food products sold under the Sohna brand.
Punjab showcases agricultural and food processing potential
According to a government statement, Mann visited the India Pavilion at the exhibition and inaugurated Markfed’s stall. The display highlights Punjab’s agricultural heritage, food processing capabilities and potential to emerge as a globally recognised supplier of quality food products.
Announcing the launch in a post on X, Mann described the development as a matter of pride for the state’s farmers and cooperative institutions. He said the new products would allow consumers across the world to experience the taste of Punjab through its canned chickpeas and red kidney beans.
Addressing a gathering at the Markfed stall, the chief minister said Punjab had traditionally been regarded as India’s food basket and that his government wanted to establish the state as an international hub for quality food products, value-added agriculture and modern manufacturing.
He also said Punjab’s agricultural produce and traditional food products had the potential to reach consumers across the world, adding that participation in international exhibitions such as SIAL Paris was opening new avenues for the state’s products.
Focus on value addition and exports
The initiative reflects the Punjab government’s emphasis on moving beyond conventional agricultural production towards food processing, value addition, modern packaging, branding and export-oriented manufacturing.
During the visit, Mann highlighted the contribution of Markfed, Milkfed and Punjab Agro in strengthening the state’s agricultural economy. Milkfed markets its products under the Verka brand.
Products from the three organisations are being showcased together under the Punjab Mart umbrella at SIAL Paris 2026, presenting a collective platform for Punjab’s agricultural and processed food offerings.
Mann said Punjab’s farmers, entrepreneurs and industries had considerable potential to compete in international markets. He added that initiatives such as the exhibition could help connect the state’s products with consumers and buyers worldwide.