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The Council of Palm Oil Producing Countries (CPOPC) has reaffirmed its commitment to deepening cooperation with India regarding edible oil security, sustainable production practices, supply chain resilience, and consumer awareness during the GLOBOIL India 2026 conference, held in Mumbai from September 29 to October 1, 2026.
CPOPC Secretary-General Izzana Salleh emphasized India's critical strategic role for palm oil-producing nations, calling for a collaborative framework to ensure stable edible oil supplies while supporting farmer livelihoods. 'India is much more than an export destination for palm oil-producing countries. It is a partner in our shared pursuit of food security, resilient supply chains, productive farmers, and sustainable growth,' Salleh stated during the event.
The Council expressed support for India's domestic initiatives to increase edible oil production, noting that domestic capacity and dependable international imports are complementary forces in meeting rising national demand. Key areas identified for future collaboration between producing nations and Indian stakeholders include oil palm agronomy, high-quality planting materials, smallholder productivity, supply chain traceability, and sustainable sourcing protocols.
Addressing a dedicated palm oil session, CPOPC Deputy Secretary-General Dr. Musdhalifah Machmud discussed the changing landscape of global markets, particularly the rise of biofuel mandates in producing countries. 'Food and energy security are both legitimate objectives. As national biofuel policies evolve, transparency and dialogue will help producers and Indian buyers plan ahead. Improving productivity, particularly among smallholders, is also essential to strengthening long-term supply,' she remarked.
Data shared by the Council revealed that combined palm oil production among member states grew from approximately 66 million tonnes in 2021 to 73 million tonnes in 2025. However, CPOPC warned that maintaining this trajectory requires significant investment in replanting programs, advanced agricultural technologies, and robust support for farmers, alongside a balanced management of domestic and export requirements.
As part of its Mumbai engagement, CPOPC partnered with the Asian Palm Oil Alliance (APOA), the Solvent Extractors’ Association of India (SEA), and Solidaridad Asia to host a stakeholder roundtable on October 1, 2026. Titled 'Understanding Palm Oil Perceptions and Consumer Narratives in India,' the session explored issues of nutrition and responsible marketing, specifically examining how Indian consumers interpret 'Palm Oil-Free' labels. The goal was to foster a dialogue rooted in transparent and evidence-based information.
'Our relationship with India cannot be built only around tonnes and prices. It also requires listening to Indian stakeholders, understanding consumer concerns, and working together on credible information,' Salleh added, reinforcing the need for a multifaceted partnership.
The CPOPC is an intergovernmental body facilitating cooperation between producers and consumer markets. Its current members include Indonesia, Malaysia, Honduras, Papua New Guinea, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Nigeria, with Colombia, Ghana, and Costa Rica serving as observers. Collectively, these nations account for nearly 90% of global palm oil output.
Source: Loktej English