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A Philippine company has launched a new initiative targeting India's vast vegetarian market, positioning itself as an alternative to Chinese and American influence in Southeast Asia. At the Indusfood expo in Greater Noida, Dry Tech Manufacturing introduced its Sheentaro brand, which features plant-based and ready-to-cook food products derived from traditional Filipino ingredients such as moringa, lemongrass, and taro leaves. The company's presence at the event highlights growing interest among Southeast Asian businesses in expanding their reach into India, a nation with over 1.4 billion people, many of whom follow vegetarian diets. Dry Tech Manufacturing's vice-president, Corinne Anne Cordero, explained that India's large population and high proportion of vegetarians make it an attractive market for plant-based foods. "That’s the main reason why we decided to sign up on short notice," she said during an interview with This Week in Asia. The company had previously participated in the China-Asean Expo in Nanning, where it received positive feedback on its products. Encouraged by that response, the firm saw an opportunity to test its offerings in India, leading to its participation in the Indusfood expo earlier this year. The Sheentaro brand includes items such as dried moringa and lemongrass, taro leaves, and a bowl of laing, a popular Filipino dish made with coconut milk and vegetables. These products are designed for convenience, allowing consumers to prepare meals quickly without needing extensive cooking skills. Cordero emphasized that the Indian market's openness to plant-based alternatives aligns well with the brand's goals. "With India having a bigger population than China … and a lot of them are vegetarian, we thought they’d be more open to those types of food ingredients," she noted. This move reflects broader trends in Southeast Asian business strategies, where companies are seeking to diversify their markets beyond traditional hubs like China and the United States. As geopolitical tensions between Beijing and Washington intensify, some nations in the region are turning to India as a strategic partner. India's growing economic influence, combined with its cultural ties to Southeast Asia, makes it an appealing destination for foreign investment and trade. In particular, India's role as a major producer of spices and plant-based ingredients resonates with the interests of companies like Dry Tech Manufacturing. The Indusfood expo, hosted in Greater Noida, serves as a key platform for international food manufacturers to showcase their products to Indian buyers. With thousands of exhibitors participating each year, the event provides a unique opportunity for companies to establish footholds in one of the world's largest and fastest-growing consumer markets. For Dry Tech Manufacturing, the expo represented a chance to leverage India's demographic and dietary characteristics to expand its customer base. As the global landscape shifts, the search for alternative economic partnerships continues to gain momentum. India's emergence as a viable option for Southeast Asian businesses underscores its increasing relevance in regional trade and commerce. With its diverse economy, strategic location, and growing middle class, India is becoming an essential player in the global supply chain. Companies like Dry Tech Manufacturing are capitalizing on these opportunities, demonstrating how emerging markets can offer fresh prospects for innovation and growth.