The
eighth essay of Food Ingredients (Fi) India – co-located with the
Health Ingredients (Hi) India's first edition, and organised by UBM
India – kicked off at the Bombay Exhibition Centre on Thursday. The
theme of the event, which would conclude on October 5, 2013, is
spices and flavours of India.
It
is supported by the All India Food Processors’ Association (AIFPA);
the Health Foods and Dietary Supplements Association of India
(HADSA); the Society of Indian Bakers (SIB); the Association of Food
Scientists and Technologists of India's (AFSTM), and the
Pharmaceutical Export Promotion Council of India (Pharmexcil).
The
major issues and challenges faced by the industry would be addressed
at the event. Seminars have been lined up on all three days, at
which industry players would make presentations on such topics as an
overview of food safety regulations and innovations in snacks.
Joji
George, managing director, UBM India said, “Fi and Hi India
showcases the latest health, natural and food ingredients from all
over the world. This specialised event for the food ingredient
industry would focus on innovation and consumer trends, providing a
platform for key professionals from around the world to link up with
the Indian market.”
The
event was inaugurated by Tariq Anwar, minister of state for
agriculture and food processing; Ajit Singh, chairman, ACG Worldwide;
Piruz Khambatta, chairman and managing director, Rasna International,
and Kalyan Goswami, secretary general, AIFPA.
Anwar's
inaugural address
The
minister 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 currently employs 13 million workers, and
the companies in the food sector contribute 13 per cent of country’s
exports.”
“The
government of India is setting up food testing laboratories, storage
units, etc. for processing food ingredients to ensure food safety. Fi
and Hi India 2013 are giving companies platforms to showcase their
innovative techniques and solutions in the food processing industry,”
Anwar added.
He
stated that besides fast becoming a strategic player in the global
food ingredient market, India is becoming an important destination
for food investment, with the food industry growing at an annual rate
of 13 per cent, and added that as per the statistics released by the
Centre, the Indian food industry – currently valued at $135 billion
– would reach $200 billion by 2015.
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