TPCI organized the 7th edition of Indusfood 2024 at India Exposition Mart

Trade Promotion Council of India organised the 7th edition of Indusfood 2024 at India Exposition Mart, Greater Noida, during January 8-10, 2024. The premier annual Food and Beverage trade exhibition has evolved into a pivotal marketplace for industry professionals from across the globe to connect, foster relationships, share insights, and facilitate business transactions.

The 7th edition not only witnessed an extraordinary surge in participation but also spearheaded a series of groundbreaking initiatives for promotion of F&B trade, which made it a resounding success. In its wake, Indusfood 2024 emerged as a transformative force, redefining the landscape of the Food and Beverage industry on a truly international scale.

A look at the broad numbers of Indusfood 2024:

• 1,200+ exhibitors
• 100+ international exhibitors from more than 15+ countries at the Inaugural Indusfood International Pavilion
• 120+ Indian food processing technology companies at co-located IndusfoodTech trade show.
• 60,000+ sq m of exhibition space
• 7,500+ global buyers, including around 5000+ pre-screened domestic buyers, e-tailers, HORECA, airline catering companies.
• 80+ retail chains
• 50+ Knowledge Session

This year, Indusfood also successfully launched new pavilions for:

• Healthy & Vegan foods
• Fresh Fruits & Vegetables
• Wines & Spirits

Inauguration

The event was inaugurated by Shri Piyush Goyal, Minister of Commerce and Industry, Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Textiles, and Leader of the House, Rajya Sabha in virtual mode.

The Hon’ble CIM delivered an inspiring inaugural address, congratulating the TPCI team for successfully scaling up Indusfood and also shared insights on the potential of India’s F&B industry.

“I am truly delighted to see Indusfood expand its horizons, demonstrating a New India, which is big and bold… Clearly India is now engaging with new confidence and a position of strength when we work with the rest of the world. Our capacity to organize the world’s largest fairs is gradually taking shape, with the Bharat Mandapam and Yashobhoomi, two of the largest exhibition centres and complexes, and the Noida complex where Indusfood is held. I suspect that Delhi now has enough capacity to host the world’s largest fairs in different fields.” Shri Piyush Goyal, Hon’ble CIM

He added that food exports from India holds an immense potential and this fiscal, the country’s agri exports will be more than last year’s level of US$ 53 billion despite restrictions imposed on shipments of certain key commodities. Suggesting the future strategy for growth, he suggested the industry to work in the three areas – skilling to meet the industry demand; ensuring farmers safety; and producing good quality food.

Sunil Barthwal, Commerce Secretary and Guest of Honour, while sharing his views, opined, “With a strong agro commodity base and fast developing food processing sector, India is well poised for accelerated growth in its processed food exports, which is a key focus area for the government.” He also talked about initiatives being taken by the government in this regard from identifying F&B products with export potential to undertaking market-specific promotional campaigns with active involvement of Indian embassies.

“Department of Commerce took this initiative (Indusfood) in 2018 and I am very glad that TPCI has taken so much of pains to take Indusfood to such a level that it is the largest in South Asia. Food packaging industry is growing more and more, as people are looking at easily available ready-to-cook meals and food products. Therefore, I see huge potential in this sector. Across the world, a lot of people appreciate Indian food.” Sunil Barthwal, Commerce Secretary

Commerce Secretary Sunil Barthwal at the Inauguration Session

Mohit Singla, Chairman, Trade Promotion Council of India, welcomed everyone to Indusfood 2024 and thanked the Hon’ble CIM for his vision and guidance that enabled the grand success of this edition. He also announced the range of new initiatives that literally defined the uniqueness of Indusfood 2024 – The India Global Culinary Exchange, Indus Innovation Zone, Launch of the International Pavillion, Introduction of New Pavilions and the Indus Knowledge Hub.

He added, “The numbers achieved during Indusfood 2024 alone tell a compelling story. But it’s not just about statistics; it’s also about visionary new initiatives and a constant drive to set new benchmarks that truly set Indusfood apart.”

Indusfood Tech, a vital segment of the expo, featured cutting-edge technology from 120+ food processing companies. Covering a spectrum from food and beverage processing to edible oil, dairy, snacks technology, and more, it provided a comprehensive display of industry innovations.

With themes like heating, refrigeration, packaging, and automation, it serves as a dynamic hub for professionals to exchange ideas and explore collaborations. Indusfood Tech pavilion worked as a catalyst for transformative technologies shaping the future of food processing within the broader landscape of the industry.

TPCI Chairman Mohit Singla delivering his welcome address at the Inaugural Session

India Global Culinary Exchange (IGCE)

Indusfood 2024 marked the introduction of IGCE, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at promoting India’s rich culinary heritage on the global stage. The ‘India Global Culinary Exchange’ brought together approximately 20 leading global Executive Chefs from top hotel chains across the world to experience a premiere showcase of various Indian cuisines and explore potential sourcing opportunities.

At the heart of the event were dynamic 30-minute culinary sessions by select Indusfood exhibitors, for which TPCI invited a team of seasoned chefs from the Indian Federation of Culinary Associations (IFCA), led by their president Chef Manjit Singh Gill.

The IFCA team collaborated with the chef teams representing Indusfood exhibitors, orchestrating live cooking demonstrations and showcasing consumer plating in a fully equipped, live kitchen environment.

The sessions encompassed various categories viz Indian Ready-To-Eat, Indian Ready-To-Cook, Indian Desserts and Frozen Food Products.

TPCI also signed an MoU with IFCA towards the joint promotion of Indian cuisine globally.

TPCI Chairman Mohit Singla signing MoU with Chef Manjit Singh Gill, President, IFCA; (Far left) Mr Abhishek Dev, Chairman, APEDA

TPCI Chairman Mohit Singla also had an extensive engagement with the attending Chefs to discuss the way forward for introducing Indian cuisines into their menus and adapting them to the tastes and preferences of mainstream populations in target markets.

Indus Knowledge Hub

The 2nd edition of The Indus Knowledge Hub emerged as a premier platform for unparalleled insights, extensive networking, and cutting-edge thought leadership in the F&B industry.

This year’s gathering played host to exclusive sessions, showcasing the participation of elite international retailers, influential e-commerce stalwarts, HORECA experts, specialists in airline catering, industry consultants, and a myriad of other distinguished professionals.

The Indus Knowledge Hub hosted various sessions under the following broad categories:

1. Masterclasses on Future of Modern Trade: The sessions comprised interactive classes with global F&B experts, providing key insights into market trends, regulations, and customer expectations. These engaging sessions featured insights from renowned global retailers, supermarkets, and airline caterers, including Get Grocery from Germany, Khimji Ramdas in Oman, Taj Sats, and more.
2. Wine Appreciation Sessions: Conducted by some of India’s leading wine producers such as Sula Vineyard, Good Drop Wine Cellars, and Ronin (Moonshine Meadery), these sessions delved into the intricacies of product development, production processes, company backgrounds, preservation techniques, and unique attributes. Additionally, the presenters organized wine tasting and appreciation sessions that garnered widespread acclaim from the audience.
3. Standards Conclave: These informative panel discussions delved into market-specific standards and their implications for F&B exports. They gained an understanding of the benefits, which encompassed trade facilitation, market access, competitive edge, risk mitigation, advantages of trade agreements, and enhanced export efficiency.
4. Market Intelligence Series:Under the series, participants had access to exclusive panel discussions led by prominent importers and distributors, providing insights into region-specific market dynamics. They also received valuable updates on trends, regulations, demand potential, and marketing best practices, thereby enhancing their understanding of dynamic regional market landscapes.
5. Masterclasses on Food Technology: The Masterclasses in Food Technologies unveiled state-of-the-art process technologies, equipment, and machinery tailored for F&B processors. Attendees not only established robust connections but also gained insights into industry trends and delved into the newest innovations in food processing and packaging solutions.

Indusfood Innovation Zone 2024

Indusfood 2024 unveiled the Innovation Zone to recognise and felicitate Indian F&B companies that are pushing the boundaries of innovation and establishing new benchmarks with their products.

The zone showcased an array of over 70 unique Indian F&B products (selected from over 200 entries) spanning diverse categories, including:

1. Health and Wellness
2. Sustainable Products
3. Packaging Design
4. Shelf Life
5. Process Improvement
6. Product Novelty

The shortlisted companies for the Innovation Zone got an opportunity to present their products at the Indusfood Innovation Stage.

The jury further shortlisted the most innovative products from the showcase and felicitated them with the Indusfood Innovation Awards.

Recipients of Indusfood Innovation Awards

• WINNER: Senso Foods Pvt Ltd (Beetroot Vegan Latte)
• 1st RUNNER UP: ITF Foods Pvt Ltd. (Gujjuben 7 Flavour Panipuri)
• 2nd RUNNER UP: Chitale Bandhu Mithaiwale (Bingebar – Snackbar)

Simultaneously, the Indusfood Tech Awards felicitated food tech companies that are spearheading transformation with their innovative and futuristic food processing technologies.

Recipients of Indusfood Tech Awards

• Thermax Global – Innovative Sustainability Solutions
• Nichrome India Ltd – Vertical Form Fill Seal (VFFS) Technology
• JJ Enterprises – Innovative Rigid Packaging Design
• Propix Technologies – Vision-based Traceability Solution
• Miracle Group – Best Use of Smart Packaging Technology
• Uflex Ltd. -Sustainable Packaging Excellence

Indusfood Awards

The Indusfood Awards 2024 celebrated champions, spotlighting business excellence within the trade fair. The event acknowledged trailblazing brands that have consistently played a crucial role in elevating the Indian Food and Beverage industry onto the global platform.

Chief Guest Rajesh Agrawal, Additional Secretary, Department of Commerce, presented the Awards.

Best Branding Awards:

• DS Spiceco Pvt. Ltd (Winner)
• ITC Ltd. (1st Runner Up)
• Bikaji Foods International Ltd. (2nd Runner Up)

Stand Design:

• Pravin Masalewala (Winner)
• Bhikharam Chandmal (1st Runner Up)
• Haldiram Snacks Pvt. Ltd. (2nd Runner up)

Market Disruptor:

• Radico Khaitan Ltd. (Winner)
• Malas Food Products Pvt. Ltd. (1st Runner Up)
• Desai Foods Pvt. Ltd. (2nd Runner Up)

Product Category:

• ITF Foods Pvt. Ltd. (Winner)
• Senso Foods Pvt. Ltd. (1st Runner Up)
• Indspiration Foods Pvt. Ltd. (2nd Runner Up)

Product Display:

• Bikanervala Foods Pvt. Ltd. (Winner)
• Agro Industries Ltd. (1st Runner Up)
• Talod Foods Products Pvt. Ltd. (2nd Runner Up)

Indus Fresh 2024 is the official publication for Indusfood, which provides you a detailed overview of the event. To view the digital copy of Indus Fresh 2024, click https://indusfood.co.in/fresh_2024/