Fi & Hi India finds recipe for success

MUMBAI - India is fast becoming one of the most sought-after destinations for food investments. According to the Government of India, the local food industry is currently growing at an annual rate of 13% and is valued at US $135 billion. This number is estimated to reach $200 billion by 2015. This growth will solidify India’s position as a key player in the global food ingredients market. At the helm of this development is Fi & Hi India, organised by UBM India. The three-day B2B event is where participants can connect and do business with top global suppliers of food, health, and natural ingredients. The 2013 edition was held from the 3 - 5 October at the Bombay Convention and Exhibition Centre, Goregaon, Mumbai.

Shri. Tariq Anwar, Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Processing, Government of India inaugurated the event. He was joined by other dignitaries including Shri. Ajit Singh, chairman of ACG Worldwide, Shri. Piruz Khambatta CMD of Rasna International, Shri. Chitranjan Dar, CEO of ITC Food; and Dr Kalyan Goswami, Secretary General, AIFPA.

In his inaugural address, Shri. Anwar said, “In the emerging global scenario, to meet the needs of the booming food processing sector, it is important that India gears itself to meet the domestic as well as international standards. The Indian food industry is currently employing 13 million workers and the companies in the food sector contribute 13% of country’s exports. The Government of India is setting up food testing laboratories, storages, etc. for processing food ingredients to ensure food safety. Fi & Hi India 2013 is giving companies a platform to showcase their innovative techniques and solutions in the food processing industry.”

Launched in 2006, Fi & Hi India has been a major driving force behind India's processed food sector. The 2013 edition boasted several features that provide regional and global food professionals with an opportunity to learn about the latest industry developments, meet new business prospects, and launch new products.

This edition presented three days of premium onsite seminars, addressed by internationally renowned industry leaders, including Prabodh Halde (Marico), Dalbir Wariah (ITC Foods), C.M.Reddy (British Biologicals), and Vijayabhaskar Reddy (Dabur India). A series of free one-on-one interactions with experts from the industry renowned – Leatherhead Market Research, was part of the lineup.

 Leading national and international industry players participated at the fair. Amongst them, BASF India Limited, Cargill India, DKSH India Pvt LNew Balance