Fi & Hi India finds recipe for success

Local food industry is expected to reach $200 billion by 2015

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 figure is estimated to reach $200 billion by 2015. The projected growth will solidify India’s position as a key player in the global food ingredients market. Helping to make this happen is Fi & Hi India, a three-day event that connects the world’s top suppliers of food, health, and natural ingredients.

The 2013 edition was held from 3 –5 October at the Bombay Convention and Exhibition Centre in Goregaon, Mumbai. In his inaugural address, Shri. Tariq Anwar, the Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Processing, Government of India 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 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.”

At the opening ceremony, Shri. Anwar was joined by Shri. Ajit Singh, chairman of ACG Worldwide, Shri. Piruz Khambatta, chairman and managing director of Rasna International, Shri. Chitranjan Dar, CEO of ITC Food; and Dr Kalyan Goswami, secretary general of All India Food Processors’ Association (AIFPA).

This year, the show boasted several features which provided regional and global food professionals with another opportunity to learn about the latest industry developments, to meet new business prospects, and to launch new products. It 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 Leatherhead Market Research was also part of the lineup.

Leading national and international industry players showcased their products, amongst them, BASF India Limited, Cargill India, DKSH India Pvt Ltd, Fuerst Day Lawson India Pvt Ltd, Glanbia Nutritionals Singapore Pte Ltd, Mintel (Consulting) Singapore Pvt Ltd, Prova S. A., Rikevita (Singapore) Pte Ltd, Roquette India Pvt Ltd, and Synthite Industries Ltd.

Key associations supported the show as well, with participation from the All India Food Processors’ Association (AIFPA); the Health Foods and Dietary Supplements Association of India (HADSA); the Society of Indian Bakers (SIB); the Mumbai chapter of the Association of Food Scientists and Technologists of India (AFSTM), and the Pharmaceutical Export Promotion Council of India (Pharmexcil).

Organised by UBM India since 2006, Fi & Hi India has since been a major driving force behind the country’s processed food sector. “Fi & Hi India, the exclusive food ingredients event held in India, showcases top suppliers of health, natural and food ingredients from all over the world,” said Joji George, managing director, UBM India. “This specialised food ingredients event focuses on innovatLevis X Jordan 6