The event saw F&B industry stalwarts chart the path for the upcoming Anuga Select  India, Anuga FoodTec India and PackEx India 2024, which will transpire from 28 to 30 August, at Bombay Exhibition Centre, Mumbai.

These B2B exhibitions are for India’s F&B retail, processing and packaging space that have been shaping the growth of the industry for the last 17 years.

Milind Dixit, managing director of Koelnmesse India, welcomed the guests and highlighted the achievements of the event this year. He said, “The collective expertise and vision of all the participants that attended this year’s Partners Forum were key in developing a comprehensive agenda for the events this year.”

“We are celebrating an incredible milestone in 2024 - 100 years of excellence in  organising global trade fairs. Since 2008, Koelnmesse India, the Indian subsidiary, has upheld this legacy by successfully bringing markets and people together through high-quality trade fairs,” Dixit further added.

The forum saw the participation of presidents and committee members from industry associations such as the Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC), All  India Food Processors Association (AIFPA), Association of Food Scientist & Technologist of India (AFSTi - Mumbai), Forum of Indian Food Importers (FIFI), and Chamber for Advancement of Small and Medium Businesses (CASMB).

Other associations including Food Suppliers & Distributors Association (FSDA), Society of Indian Bakers (SIB), Nuts and Dry Fruits Council of India, Hospitality Purchasing Managers Forum (HPMF), Western India Culinary Association  (WICA), Indian Economic Trade Organization (IETO), Indian Federation of Culinary Associations (IFCA), Authentication Solution Provider’s Association (ASPA), Innova Market Insights, Retailers Association of India (RAI), and All India Consumer Products were also present at the venue.

Distributors Federation (AICPDF), All India Rice Exporters’ Association (AIREA), and The Asian Arab Chamber of Commerce: These organisations are instrumental in guiding the future of the industry.

Ratheesh Nair, regional director - Western Region for the Indian Chamber of  Commerce, expressed gratitude for the association with Anuga Select India and Anuga  FoodTec India. He also mentioned that the ICC plans to involve government bodies  and personnel in the event. Nair emphasised the importance of such collaborations in driving industry growth and innovation.

Hitesh Bhatt, the director of marketing and communications at Retailers Association of India (RAI), highlighted that retailers from across India will gather at the show, and RAI will also contribute to seminars focused on the retail sector.

Ritesh Mathur, from AFSTI, emphasises the importance of adhering to guidelines for exports, particularly within the spices segment, given the recent developments in this area. He also highlighted the need for continuous innovation and quality control  to maintain a competitive edge in the global market. Additionally, he stressed the  importance of collaboration between industry stakeholders to address challenges and seize opportunities in the export sector.

Chinmayee Deulgaonkar, president of AFSTI, highlighted the upcoming technical  seminar on August 28, 2024, which will cover topics such as 'Strategies to Mitigate  Export Rejections in the F&B Industry.' Additionally, a session focused on women  entrepreneurs and regulators is being planned.

Chef Kashivishwanath, representing Indian Federation of Culinary Associations (IFCA),  envisions a panel discussion featuring chefs from various regions across the country. He announced that Manjeet Gill, vice-president, IFCA will be present at the show and sessions.

Dinesh Kalyani, representing FSDA, stressed on the importance of the role of Anuga  Select India and Anuga FoodTec India for the Indian food and beverage industry. He added that FSDA will ensure that all the major food distributor members of its association will be at the event and make the best use of the opportunity.

Yash Gawadi, representing NSDA shared that a platform like Partners Forum is  important for the industry stakeholders to come together and lay the foundation of a successful Anuga Select India and Anuga FoodTec India. He also mentioned that NSDA is looking at working closely with Koelnmesse India and organising several key activities during the event for its members.

Sameer Mithia, group director, Koelnmesse India, concluded the event by saying, “The leaders of the Indian food and beverage industry will gather to shape a prosperous future and together, let's embark on this transformative  journey towards unparalleled growth and success.”