Fi & Hi India 2013 unveils a roadmap for the Indian Food Industry to reach $200 billion by 2015

Mumbai, October 05, 2013: India is fast becoming one of the most sought after destinations for food investments. As per a finding by the Government of India – the Indian food industry is currently growing at an annual rate of 13% and is valued at US $135 billion; this number is estimated to reach US $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, organized by UBM India. Fi & Hi India is a three day B2B event where participants get to connect and do business with top global suppliers of food, health, and natural ingredients. The 2013 edition of this event is being held from the 3rd to 5th October, at the Bombay Convention and Exhibition Centre, Goregaon, Mumbai.

Fi & Hi India 2013 had its grand inauguration by Shri. Tariq Anwar, Minister of State, Agriculture and Food Processing, Government of India. Also, part of the ceremony were dignitaries such as Shri. Ajit Singh, Chairman, ACG Worldwide; Shri. Piruz Khambatta, CMD, Rasna International; Shri. Chitranjan Dar, CEO, ITC Food; and Dr. Kalyan Goswami, Secretary General, AIFPA.

During his inaugural address to the audience, 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 of the event boasts of several features that provide both regional and global food professionals with an opportunity to learn about the latest industry developments, meet new business prospects, and launch new products in a bid to gain a competitor’s edge. This edition presents three days of premium onsite seminars, addressed by internationally renowned industry gurus such as Prabodh Halde (Marico), Dalbir Wariah (ITC Foods), C.M.Reddy (British Biologicals), and Vijayabhaskar Reddy (Dabur India). Also part of the lineup is a series offree one-on-one interactions with experts from the industry renowned – Leatherhead Market Research.

Present at the event will be a rich mix of leading local, national and international industry players such as 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, Synthite Industries Ltd.

Apart from receiving record participation from industry leaders, the event has enjoyed tremendous support from key associations like 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).

Mr. Joji George, Managing Director, UBM India said “Fi and Hi India the exclusive food ingredients event held in India, showcases top suppliers of Health, Natural and Food Ingredients from all over the world. This specialized food ingredients event focuses on innovation and consumer trends, providing a platform for key professionals from around the world to link to this exciting Indian market.”

After witnessing such a grand opening it can definitely be said that – Fi & Hi India 2013 will not only prove to be effective in addressing some of the major issues and challenges faced by the industry, but will also live up to its reputation of being the most sought after platforms for creating new and unique business opportunities for the food industry today. — — CCI Newswire