FMCG Business Conclave & 4th Foundation Day: Celebrating innovation and excellence

The Chamber for Advancement of Small & Medium Businesses (CASMB) proudly announces the successful conclusion of the much-anticipated FMCG Business Conclave and 4th Foundation Day celebration. The event took place on 1 March 2024, at the esteemed Jio Convention Center, BKC Mumbai.

The inaugural session commenced with the esteemed presence of Dr. Pallavi Darade, IRS Commissioner Income Tax, Atul Chaturvedi, executive chairman Renuka Sugars, Shekhar Channe, IAS, state information commissioner, and other dignitaries, who ceremoniously lit the lamp, symbolizing enlightenment and progress.

Atul Chaturvedi underscored the significance of the MSME sector, citing its role in boosting India's GDP by 30-35% and employing 12 crore people. He emphasized the SME sector's pivotal contribution to the Indian economy, projecting a $220 billion FMCG market by 2025. He highlighted the critical role finance plays in fueling the growth of the FMCG sector, cautioning against compromising quality due to financial constraints.

Shekhar Channe spoke eloquently on the burgeoning spirit of entrepreneurship among the youth, emphasizing the growing trend of startups and brands emerging in the market.

Dr. Pallavi Darade emphasized the indispensable role of small and medium businesses in driving the growth of the country's economy.

The event featured a CEO Panel moderated by Harsha Anand Almad, managing director of Accenture India, with industry stalwarts like Atul Chaturvedi, executive chairman, Renuka Sugars; Parikshit Prabhudesai, vice chairman, Pitambari Products; Anurag Kedia, founder, Pilgrim Cosmetics; and Naiyya Saggi, co- founder of The Good Glamm Group. The panel discussed various aspects, including consumer trends, globalization, digitalization, and innovation in product development.

Success Stories moderated by Ritesh Mathur, F2F Food & Beverages Consultants showcased inspiring narratives from entrepreneurs like Henry Saingura, founder, Foods Myco Lab, and Kaushal Dongre, chief executive officer, Paawak Foods.

The Business Growth Drivers sessions covered critical facets such as Quality, Packaging, Finance, Domestic and Exports, and Trade, featuring discussions on digital infrastructure, logistics, and export regulations.

A fireside chat with investors moderated by Raj Bhat, advisor, IIT Mandi Catalyst Incubator engaged prominent investors such as Sushma Kaushik, founding partner, 108 Capital and Devendra Chawla (Angel Investor), discussing cash flow management, customer acquisition, and return on investments.

Amol Gawali, assistant PS, Ministry of MSME, delivered a Powertalk on the subsidies and schemes provided by the Ministry of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises.

The Valedictory Session, summarized by Dr. Umesh Kamble, Secretary of CASMB, concluded the event with gratitude and optimism for the future.

The FMCG Business Conclave & 4th Foundation Day is a testament to collaboration, innovation, and growth within the FMCG sector.