The dynamic synergy of food innovation and packaging excellence reached its pinnacle as the curtains closed on the 17th edition of Food Ingredients (Fi India) and the co-located 5th edition of ProPak India by Informa Markets in India. These prestigious events, a cornerstone of the Indian subcontinent's B2B landscape for food, beverages, and packaging, were held at the Bombay Exhibition Centre, Mumbai (17 to 19 August 2023). A remarkable number of 18000 + and 7000 + visitors graced the occasion at Fi India and ProPak India respectively, highlighting the enduring importance of these expos within the industry.

The inaugural ceremony was graced by the presence of eminent figures, including Keith Kan, Consul and Senior Trade Commissioner, Consulate General of Canada; Dr Prabodh Halde, West Zone Chairman, All India Food Processor's Association; Pawan Agarwal, CEO, Food Future Foundation, Ex-CEO FSSAI; Jitha K.K, Joint Director, FSSAI, West Region, Mumbai; AVPS Chakravarthy, Global Ambassador WPO; Yogesh Mudras, Managing Director, Informa Markets in India and Rahul Deshpande, Senior Group Director, Informa Markets in India along with several other esteemed figures. This august gathering represented a collective commitment towards advancing the domains of food ingredients, packaging solutions, and their dynamic interplay.

Reflecting on the event's impact, Yogesh Mudras, managing director, Informa Markets in India, shared his insights, “The Fi India and ProPak India Expos encapsulate the essence of innovation and collaboration within the food ingredients and packaging industries. These twin sectors, fundamental to the food ecosystem, continually evolve to meet consumer demands and regulatory dynamics. With a collective footfall of 25,000 for these shows, our collaboration with food manufacturers and stakeholders seeks to enhance food safety and elevate consumer experiences. We are dedicated to contributing ingredients and packaging solutions that foster a healthier, more sustainable food ecosystem, and inspire trust in the products that grace our tables.”

India's food and beverage sector, contributing approximately 3% to the GDP, holds a pivotal position in the nation's economic landscape. The market is projected to become the 3rd largest consumer economy by 2025, with a nominal year-over-year expenditure growth of 12%, more than double the anticipated global rate of 5%. This robust growth is driven by changing consumption patterns due to urbanization, shifting gender composition in the workforce, and increasing consumption rates. The food and beverage sector's contribution to the economy underscores the significance of expos like Fi India and ProPak India in fostering economic growth and innovation.

The 2023 editions of Fi India and ProPak India achieved unparalleled participation, with more than 230 leading exhibitors and over 1000 esteemed brands in Fi India, alongside 85 exhibitors and more than 300 distinguished brands in ProPak India.

The key exhibitors at Fi India included Brenntag Ingredients India, Synthite Industries, IMCD India, K.P.Manish Global Ingredients, Ingredion India, Azelis (India), Kerry Ingredients India, Biomed ingredients, Rettenmaier India, Spices Board, Mane Kancor Ingredients, Morinaga Nutritional Foods (Asia Pacific), Palsgaard A/S, Nexira, Exberry by GNT, Norex Flavours, Gujarat Enterprise, Flavaroma Flavours and Fragrances, VKL Seasoning, Hexagon Nutrition, Scope Ingredients, Symega Food Ingredients, Sudeep Nutrition and many more. Concurrently, ProPak included key companies such as Bry Air Asia, Serac Packaging Solution, Glatt India, Antares Vision India, Galaxy Sivtek, Hilda Automation, Holostik India, Mitsubishi Chemicals India, Mosca India Packaging, Konica Minolta, Dase Sing Packaging Technology, Enerparc Energy and many more. These exhibitors, together with participants from international destinations such as the Netherlands, Denmark, France, Belgium, the USA, Poland, Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Thailand, contributed to the global convergence of industry expertise.

The expo garnered robust support from prominent industry associations such as the Association of Food Scientists & Technologists (INDIA) (AFSTi Mumbai Chapter); All India Food Processors’ Association (AIFPA); Authentication Solution Providers' Association (ASPA); SIES School of Packaging; Indian Flexible Packaging and Folding Carton Manufacturers Association (IFCA) and Health Foods and Dietary Supplements Association (HADSA), Chamber For Advancement of Small and Medium Business (CASMB) and international support from Mintel and Innova Market Insights India.

On the sidelines of the expos, Fi India in a collaborative effort with CASMB and RampUp Advisory LLP showcased the 2nd edition of FundQuest that facilitated vital connections between entrepreneurs and investors for funding. Launched in 2020, this initiative strengthens startup growth, harmonizing with CASMB's SME focus. The event, held on August 19, 2023, unveiled six impactful startups. Notable investors like Nayan Bheda, an acclaimed Startup Advisor, Investor, and Serial Entrepreneur, and Dr. Vikram Kamat, the Chairman of VITS Kamat Group and an experienced entrepreneur, explored pioneering opportunities. Innovative models from startups like Agrify Fresh, RSG Energy, Raheja Solar Processing, and Bio-Nano-Hub sparked engaging discussions. FundQuest at the expos highlighted the commitment of CASMB and RampUp Advisory to bridge the startup-investor gap and shape India's entrepreneurial landscape.

As the event drew to a close, attendees had the privilege of exploring the dedicated ‘Sustainability Square’, a vibrant space that spotlighted sustainable packaging practices and pioneering solutions. The arena featured engaging presentations, interactive activities, and informative seminars, augmenting the learning experience for visitors. The expos also included features such as an Innovative Product Showcase, Conference and Live demonstrations.

Fi India and ProPak India expos are vital platforms for businesses exploring food ingredients, additives, and packaging. Their success in 2023 put a spotlight on their transformative impact on food and packaging, celebrating innovation and boosting India's global food presence, fostering lasting collaborations and economic growth.