Industry leaders unite at Koelnmesse's Partners Forum

The premier B2B exhibitions are India’s leading F&B retail, processing and packaging expos that have been shaping the growth of the industry for the last 17 years. The events this year are scheduled from 28-30 August 2024, at the Bombay Exhibition Centre in Mumbai.

Milind Dixit, managing director of Koelnmesse, welcomed the guests and highlighted the significant achievements of the event this year. 

“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.” He also highlighted the centenarian celebration of Koelnmesse GmbH, the parent organisation of Koelnmesse, this year.

“We are celebrating an incredible milestone in 2024 — 100 years of excellence in organising global trade fairs. For a century, Koelnmesse has been a driving force in connecting industries and fostering innovation worldwide. Since 2008, Koelnmesse, the Indian subsidiary, has upheld this legacy by successfully bringing markets and people together through high-quality trade fairs,” he added.

The forum saw the participation of presidents and committee members from prominent 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), Chamber for Advancement of Small and Medium Businesses (CASMB), 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 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.

The event was marked by dynamic discussions, strategic partnerships, and insightful sessions, all aimed at steering the F&B industry towards a prosperous future. The outcomes of these interactions will empower businesses, investors, and policymakers to make informed decisions, foster economic growth, and enhance the sector's competitiveness at the events in August this year.

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 key government bodies and personnel in the event. Nair emphasised the importance of such collaborations in driving industry growth and innovation.

Dr Hitesh Bhatt, the director of Marketing and Communications at RAI (Retailers Association of India), is deeply involved in the retail industry nationwide. He highlighted that retailers from across India will gather at the show, and RAI will also contribute to seminars focused on the retail sector.

Dr 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, highlights 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. AFSTI also aims to feature last-year students presenting business ideas in a competition, potentially in collaboration with RAI.

Chef Kashivishwanath, representing the Indian Federation of Culinary Associations (IFCA), envisions a dynamic panel discussion featuring renowned 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 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 absolutely important for the entire 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 and organising several key activities during the event for its members.

The forum concluded with a strong commitment to driving innovation, forming strategic alliances, and promoting sustainable growth across the industry. The enthusiasm and quality of discussions highlighted the important role of Anuga Select India and Anuga FoodTec India in the industry.

Sameer Mithia, group director, Koelnmesse, concluded the event by saying, “We invite everyone to join us at these events from August 28-30, 2024, at the Bombay Exhibition Centre in Mumbai. The leaders of the Indian Food & Beverage industry will gather to shape a prosperous future and together, let's embark on this transformative journey towards unparalleled growth and success.”