Upstream and Downstream Industries in Food Processing

With reference to Food Processing / agro-processing industries, the Upstream industries are engaged in the initial processing of agricultural commodities. The common examples are rice and flour milling; leather tanning; cotton ginning; oil pressing, fish canning etc. The upstream industry is dedicated to extraction of raw material for manufacturing use. It also includes procurement of these products from cultivators.

Downstream industries undertake further manufacturing operations on intermediate products made from agricultural materials. Examples are manufacturing of bread, biscuit and noodle making, textile spinning and weaving; paper production; clothing and footwear manufacturing; and rubber manufactures.

Thus, in downstream industries, the extracted raw materials are processed and finally transformed into consumable products. The downstream also includes sales of these products to wholesalers, retailers and consumers.