ANUFOOD India 2023 recently concluded at the Bombay Exhibition Centre, Mumbai, leaving an indelible mark on India's booming food and beverage industry trajectory. Co-located with ANUTEC - International FoodTec India and PackEx India 2023, these events are renowned for their innovation and collaboration, reinforcing a commitment to an industry expected to reach nearly USD 504.92 billion by 2027.
This year's edition witnessed an impressive 14 percent growth, spanning an expansive 10,690 square meters and attracting 20,777 visitors and over 270 exhibitors. The burgeoning food and beverage sector in India, poised to generate jobs and attract foreign investments, underscores the significance of ANUFOOD India in shaping the industry's future.
Distinguished dignitaries, including Shri. Prahlad Singh Patel, Ms. Mercy Epao, Dr. N. Bhaskar, Dr. Raghav Jadli, Oliver Frese, and Mr. Milind Dixit, graced the expos. Their collective emphasis on innovation, collaboration, and exploration within the food and beverage sector highlighted the pivotal role of these events.
During the event, the dignitaries highlighted the Government's industry upgradation programs, such as the INR 4600 crores for PMKSY and PLI Scheme, aimed at advancing the food processing industry. They also shed light on the role of MSMEs, programmes for female entrepreneurs, sustainability efforts, customised initiatives, and India's potential as a global food processing hub, offering opportunities for multinational corporations.
Shri. Prahlad Singh Patel, MOS, Ministry of Food Processing Industries, Government of India, emphasised that the exhibition represented 'Atmanirbhar Bharat,' reflecting the distinctive power of India’s market and the technological innovation underpinning India's development. He highlighted the Government's commitment with INR 4600 crores allocated to sustain PMKSY, reaffirming dedication to sector growth and development.
Ms Mercy Epao, Joint Secretary (SME), Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, Government of India, underscored the significant role of MSMEs in the Indian economy, providing over 30 percent of GDP, almost 50 percent of exports, and 45 percent of industrial output. She highlighted the creation of a 50,000 crore Self-Reliant India Fund to aid MSMEs in diversifying, showcasing the Ministry's dedication to empowering small businesses.
Mr Milind Dixit, Managing Director, Koelnmesse India, was pleased with the resounding success of ANUFOOD India and its co-located event, ANUTEC, International FoodTec India and PackEx India. He said India's food and beverage trade and processing industries had a strong growth trajectory, with an expected production of nine million new jobs and USD 4.18 billion in foreign direct investments by 2024.
A significant development announced at the sidelines was the rebranding of ANUFOOD India as ANUGA Select India by Koelnmesse Pvt Ltd. This transformation is poised to reshape India's food and beverage sector, offering unprecedented growth opportunities and fostering collaboration. The event is scheduled for August 28-30, 2024, at Bombay Exhibition Centre, Mumbai.
ANUFOOD India was a dynamic platform for over 1,000 food brands, featuring industry giants like MDH, Gopal Snacks, Haldirams, Tata Consumers, Godhawat Group, and Chedda’s. It went beyond product showcases, becoming a stage for innovation with exciting launches such as Mrs. Foodrite's Date Tamarind Chutney, Whole Foods' range of Makhanas, and Nature Rich Foods' Mayonnaise variants.
The event covered various food categories, including Agrifoods, Dairy, Fine Food, Frozen Food, Organic, Bread and Bakery, and Sweets and Snacks—emerging trends focused on Health Foods, Millet-Based Products, and the ever-popular Kombucha.
A defining feature was the event's international presence, with representatives from 50 countries, demonstrating Anuga Select India's universal appeal and its role in fostering international partnerships within the food industry.
The three-day conference covered crucial topics such as plant-based innovations, protein clusters, food safety, sustainability, and the influential role of women foodpreneurs in inspiring innovation within the food industry. Specialised pavilions, including Start-ups and Food Importers, opened up growth opportunities for India's FandB sector.
Adding vibrancy to the event was the Culinary Corner, featuring live cooking workshops conducted by India’s leading executive chefs like Chef Harpal Singh Sokhi, Chef Rohit Sangwan, Chef Paul Kinny, Chef Ashish Bhasin, and celebrity Chef Rakhi Vaswani. The MDH Pro Chef Culinary Challenge saw the participation of 10 teams from leading colleges, showcasing their innovative culinary skills.
The Innovative Trend Zone, curated by the Knowledge Partner ‘Innova Market Insights,’ enriched the visitor experience by offering insights into global food and beverage industry trends.
The overwhelmingly positive feedback from participants and attendees underscores the event's success and favourable impression on industry experts, serving as a testament to Anuga Select India's commitment to excellence and ability to meet stakeholders' diverse expectations.
Amit Lohani, Founding Board Member of the Forum of Indian Food Importers (FIFI), expressed enthusiasm and satisfaction, emphasising ANUFOOD India's significance for India's international food and beverage trade. He highlighted the improved quality of participants and visitors over the years, making it a brilliant event and an amalgamation of B2B companies working to ensure business is conducted in India, especially in the FandB trade.
Jagpreet Pabla, GM Of product and technology at McDonald's (Hardcastle Restaurant Private Limited), described the event as an enriching experience that provided valuable insights into the industry's latest developments.
Anuga Select India continues to significantly contribute to developing India's food and beverage sector, aligning with government initiatives, including creating Mega Food Parks and schemes. It stands as a beacon, shaping a promising future for the industry by showcasing India's culinary excellence and its vast business potential
on a global stage.
