Supported by Ministry of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises and associations like Forum of Indian Food Importers, Indian Federation of Culinary association and others, the event witnessed over 300 exhibitors from over 30 countries looking for associations in the Indian market.
"In India, the food sector has proved to be the high-profit sector primarily within the food processing industry." said Mr. Rajan Sharma, Managing Director, Interads Exhibitions Pvt Ltd, "SIAL’s journey in India will bring endless opportunities for the food processing sector. It will also bring opportunities for investors and laborers and the modern food industry innovations to advance the agricultural economy. The flourishing food processing industry attracts the foreign investment and lucrative growth opportunities.”
Over 5,000 visitors attended the exhibition in the three-day long event. The event was also attended by international buyers from ASEAN, Gulf and other countries. The ‘Hosted Buyer Program’ was attended from SIAL network, FIFI, ICF and other prominent associations.
The event was inaugurated by Shri Ram Vilas Paswan, Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution and Chief Minister of Meghalaya, Shri Conrad K Sangma. Meghalaya, known for its exotic food products, is the ‘Partner State’ for SIAL India 2019. With the theme, ‘Meghalaya on the Move’, it aims to showcase and introduce the food and food products of Meghalaya to a global audience.
The event also marked the first edition of SIAL Innovation Awards which is the unique celebration of innovative food and beverage products. The jury comprising of food industry experts revealed the most innovative products in the food industry in terms of - technology, ingredients, recipe, equipment and services. The gold award went to an Indian company Colks for its innovative product ‘Naturally infused honey’. The silver award went to a South Korean company Food Culture Lab for its product ‘Kimchi Seasoning Mix’ and the bronze award was honoured to a USA based company for its product ‘BuzzBallz Cocktails’. The winners were judged on the parameters of uniqueness the product offers and the innovative qualities from across the globe.
“We are honoured to bring SIAL to the Indian market." claimed Ms. Adeline Vancauwelaert, Director, SIAL Paris, "The strong support shown by FIFI, FSSAI and other associations shows our seriousness for the initiative undertaken. Food processing is an ever growing market, the initiative will help in introducing new trends, help companies launch products in new territories, solve diversity quality and safety issues as well. We hope the platform will help the international players to explore the untapped market in the country and make fruitful investments and deals in the sector.”
