ProPak India, Fi India & Hi set to explore virtual shows

Informa Markets in India is all set to bring in the ProPak India and Food Ingredients India & Health Ingredients (Fi India & Hi) expos in a virtual format this year. Collectively, both the B2B shows are will provide industry players an entire range of products and solutions pertaining to food and health ingredients, processing, technology and packaging. Fi India & Hi will offer the industry an opportunity to source high quality ingredients, whereas ProPak India will bring within its domain, packaging solutions for products such as medicines, cosmetics, appliances, industrial systems and machinery, among others.

According to the organiser, these digital events will be a part of the Informa Markets in India’s 'Virtual B2B celebration', a powerful array of digital expos and e-conferences in September and October 2020. The initiative of the Virtual B2B Celebrations is said to help the relevant communities, and businesses overcome the limitations of lockdown, achieve business goals and provide a powerful edge as the economy readies itself to get back on track.

Fi India and Hi and ProPak India Virtual expos are supported by Association of Food Scientists and Technologists (AFST – Mumbai Chapter), Indian Flexible Packaging and Folding Carton Manufacturers Association (IFCA), Authentication Solution Providers' Association (ASPA), All India Food Processors' Association (AIFPA), SIES School of Packaging, Indian Institute of Food Processing Technology (IIFPT), Suman Consultants, Health Foods and Dietary Supplements Association (HADSA). It will bring together brands, consultants, business experts and key government officials pertaining to the food, health and packaging communities. 

The virtual inauguration will be marked by the presence of Rita Teotia, chairperson – FSSAI; Yogesh Mudras, managing director, Informa Markets in India and Rahul Deshpande, group director – ingredients portfolio, Informa Markets in India.

Announcing the launch of the expos, Mudras said, “The evolving impacts of Covid-19 have rippled through communities, and world over businesses and workplaces are currently at a tipping point in their journey to recover from the pandemic. The pandemic has also led to the demonstration of swift changes in terms of the food preferences of the consumers. Eating patterns, overall appetite towards food consumption, new concerns revolving around hygiene, personal safety and social distancing norms have directly and indirectly impacted the food ingredients industry. With these changes, we foresee health, nutritional and immunity foods to witness a boom in the coming years.

“While India is blessed with the prefect agro-climate, innovation, technology, standardisation and a conducive eco-system is still the need of the hour. In the long run, India will also see plenty of opportunities stemming from the Government of India’s Atmanirbharta scheme, as it will create a conducive environment and inject more muscle power in terms of infrastructure, policies and equity.”

He further added, “The packaging industry, especially in the food sector, has also received attention regarding hygiene and sustainability amidst the pandemic. The two-day ProPak India Virtual Expo, which is co-located with Fi India and Hi is as timely and pertinent to the current situation the world is facing during which the packaging manufacturers are facing supply chain disruption along with decreasing manufacturing at the site in many parts of the world. The expos will ensure continuous engagement through various networking activities and will discuss the ever - evolving challenges and solutions in the food ingredients, processing and packaging industries through conferences.”

Speaking on ProPak India’s virtual edition, Nakul Pasricha, president (ASPA) said, “On behalf of ASPA, I would like to wish the exhibitors and delegates of ProPak India, an event full of knowledge sharing and positive interactions. I am sure that ProPak India will be an expert platform for interactions between the brand owners and the packaging industry. Such interactions and sharing of knowledge leads to innovations in the packaging industry, leading to a win-win situation for all the stakeholders. 

“The anti-counterfeiting landscape is changing, and packaging producers should acknowledge it. As counterfeiting and competition is on increase, brand owners are also recognising the importance of secure and innovative packaging. The integration of current labelling requirements with innovative authentication solutions will lead to smart packaging solutions, which will ensure efficient supply chain, revenue enhancement, consumer safety and loyalty towards products, brands and authorities.”