Fi India and ProPak India commence latest editions with innovative trends in food ingredients and packaging solutions

The 17th edition of Food Ingredients (Fi India) along with the co-located 5th edition of ProPak India by Informa Markets in India commenced at the Bombay Exhibition Centre, Mumbai, witnessing an impressive number of attendees. The expos brought together top-tier suppliers of food and beverage ingredients and industry experts in research, development, production, and packaging, showcasing a diverse array of novel products and services.

The inauguration ceremony of these co-located B2B platforms was graced by the presence of esteemed dignitaries including Keith Kan, Consul and Senior Trade Commissioner, Consulate General of Canada, Dr. Prabodh Halde, West Zone Chairman, All India Food Processors Association, Pawan Agarwal, CEO, Food Future Foundation, Ex-CEO FSSAI, AVPS Chakravarthy, Global Ambassador WPO, Jitha K.K, Joint Director, FSSAI, West Region, Mumbai, Nilesh Lele, President, Chamber for Advancement of Small and Medium Businesses (CASMB), Umesh Kamble, President, The Association of Food Scientists and Technologists (India) Mumbai Chapter, Ajit Singh, President, Health Foods and Dietary Supplements Association (HADSA), Chandra Sekhar, President Indian Flexible Packaging & Folding Carton Manufacturers Association, Sagar Kurade, Managing Director, Suman Food Consultants, Dr. Chinmayee Deulgaonkar, Managing Director, FoodChain ID India, Sanjay Sethi, Executive Director, The Plant Based Foods Industry Association, Subhaprada Nishtala, Director In charge of the ITC-FSAN, Dr. Nilesh Amritkar, President Designate, Association of Food Scientists and Technologists (India) & Managing Director, Envirocare Labs.

Speaking at the inaugural ceremony, Dr. Nilesh Amritkar, president Designate, Association of Food Scientists and Technologists (India) & Managing Director, Envirocare Labs said, “We're honored to commend Fi India’s remarkable 17-year journey. AFSTI's active engagement with Fi India has fostered vital industry, regulatory, and academic connections. Through this collaboration, we've united experts, regulators, and educators in enriching conferences and initiatives. Sessions, spanning topics from cooking's future to innovative cereal products and plant protein competition, promise valuable insights for AFSTI and its members. Our commitment remains steadfast – ensuring safe, nutritious food for all.”

Emphasizing the importance of sustainability in the food and packaging industries, AVPS Chakravarthy, Global Ambassador WPO, said, “The synergy between the packaging and food industries drives innovation in both realms. Globally, the packaging industry stands at $1.1 trillion, with food packaging comprising around $350 billion, projected to rise to $550 billion. The focus on sustainable packaging is evident at ProPak India, showcasing pioneering solutions. Packaging's vital role in food preservation and supply chain efficiency is undeniable. The WPO's SAFE FOOD campaign highlights packaging's crucial role in safeguarding food, especially in underdeveloped regions. Sustainability resonates with millennials, shaping choices in both food and packaging. We have dedicated proponents of sustainability, engaging in close collaboration on a global level.”

Offering the perspective on a science-driven approach in the food industry Jitha K.K, Joint Director, FSSAI, West Region, Mumbai, said, “FSSAI has transitioned from traditional enforcement to a self-compliance approach, prioritizing a science-based foundation. As the food industry evolves with innovations in ingredients and packaging, FSSAI plays a critical role in ensuring their safety. Our presence here aims to spread awareness about our science-driven approach, fostering a secure environment for innovative practices. FSSAI is committed to upholding safety, trust, and innovation in the food sector. Through events like Fi India, we convey our dedication to harmonizing creativity and consumer protection.”

This year's editions witnessed an impressive participation, with over 230 leading exhibitors and more than 1000 renowned brands in Fi India, while ProPak India also saw the participation of 85 exhibitors and over 300 well-known brands. This remarkable response reaffirms the significance and focus of such events in bolstering the respective sectors.

The key exhibitors at Fi India include 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, 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 includes 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. The expos witnessed participation from international exhibitors representing countries including the Netherlands, Denmark, France, Belgium, the USA, Poland, Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Thailand.

Sagar Kurade, managing director, Suman Food Consultants, shared, “In the wake of the COVID era, the Food Industry seeks to reemerge and thrive. Fi India and ProPak India are pivotal events, enabling vital connections between industry and clients and fostering growth and innovation. Despite the pandemic, India attracted 3000 crores in FDI and exported $27 billion in food products in 2021, underscoring the sector's potential. This is our moment to enhance value through the food industry, catering to discerning local consumers and global standards. Innovation, like in plant-based meats and fruit-based vacuum-cooked products, drives this transformation. This unique platform empowers sourcing and collaboration for essential ingredients, while ProPak fuels our journey toward advanced packaging solutions.”

The expos are primarily supported by 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 Private Limited.

Addressing the opportunities in this sector, Yogesh Mudras, managing director, Informa Markets in India, at Fi India and ProPak India, said, “Fi India and ProPak India Expos bring together the best minds and innovations from the food ingredients and food packaging industries. These industries are the backbone of the food cycle ensuring that consumers have access to safe, nutritious, and appealing food products. Both industries are continuously evolving to meet the ever-changing demands of consumers and regulatory requirements. We collaborate closely with food manufacturers and other stakeholders to develop solutions that not only ensure food safety but also enhance the overall consumer experience. Our commitment lies in providing ingredients and packaging that contribute to a healthier, more sustainable food ecosystem, inspiring trust and confidence in the products that reach our tables.”

“Moreover, we are witnessing a historic moment in India's agricultural and processed food sectors, as Fi India and ProPak India set the stage to boost the growth of these sectors. With agricultural and processed food exports soaring to a record-breaking US$ 26.3 billion in 2022-23 as compared to FY22, the potential of these sectors is undeniable. As the first day unfolded, we are thrilled by the overwhelming response to both events. The impact on the economy is of paramount significance, as India establishes itself as a leading global food producer and exporter. We are proud to witness the positive trajectory these events have set in motion, fostering collaborations, and generating substantial revenue for the country,” he further added.

The event also featured a dedicated ‘Sustainability Square’, a specialized zone within the venue that highlights the importance of sustainability in packaging. This designated space served as a central hub for exhibitors, engaging presentations, and interactive activities focused on promoting sustainable packaging practices and innovative solutions. In addition to attending instructive and informative programs like seminars, live demonstrations, FundQuest by CASMB and, visitors discovered a variety of food ingredients, colors, fragrances, flavours, and functional ingredients from domestic as well as international suppliers.

This event provides a platform for businesses to explore new ingredients, functional additives, clean-label solutions, and the latest research and development in the food ingredient space. By bringing together key players in the industry, Fi India not only facilitates knowledge sharing but also encourages collaborations and business partnerships, which ultimately contribute to the growth of the sector. Simultaneously, ProPak India has presented an extensive range of packaging materials, machinery, equipment, labelling solutions, and automation technologies. This event serves as a gateway for businesses to discover the latest advancements in packaging, ensuring that products are not only appealing but also meet the highest standards of quality and safety.