Shri Subodh Kant Sahai, Hon'ble Union Minister of State (Ind. Charge) Food Processing Industries, Government of India

Mumbai, November 13: Shri.Subodh Kant Sahai, Hon'ble Union Minister of State (Ind. Charge) Food Processing Industries, Government of India, Shri.Piruz Khambatta, Chairman CII National Committee on Food Processing & CMD Rasna Pvt Ltd inaugurated the 2nd edition of international exhibition, Food & Bev Tech 2008.

"Indian Food & Beverage industry is projected to have a double digit growth" asserted Shri Subodh Kant Sahai, Hon'ble Union Minister of State (Ind. Charge) Food Processing Industries, Government of India in his Special Address in Mumbai today at the Food & Bev Summit 2008 organized by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) which was held concurrently with the 3day International exhibition starting today, the 2nd Food & Bev Tech 2008.

"The need of the hour is to cater to the international market by focusing on supply chain management and research and development. In order to fulfill Prime Minister's call for the 2nd green revolution, post harvest management was extremely vital"", expressed Mr.Sahai as he spoke about the Food Processing sector & its future economic scene. While commending the growth of the sector in the last few years, the Hon'ble Minister said that a lot needs to be done especially with the changing food habits and up-gradation of Tier II cities. " Technology would be vital ingredient in the growth of the Food Processing industry ", emphasized the Minister.

   Welcoming the participants at the CII Summit was Mr Piruz Khambatta, Chairman, CII National Committee on Food Processing Chairman, Food & Bev Summit 2008 and Chairman & Managing Director Rasna Pvt Ltd who said that th e Summit is an important landmark which proves that technology is driving the world and shaping demands of the consumers globally. "Food processing industry is the key to a strong and inclusive India and that India is ready for food and agri industry to grow in a big way. Cut throat technology and competition are the trends of the food and processing industry", expressed the Speaker.

"Food processing industry can do for rural India what IT has done for urban India", stressed Mr Khambatta at the Special Plenary of the CII Summit. While elaborating on the various initiatives taken by the Government in terms of policies and incentives to boost this all important sector, Mr Khambatta said that the next made in India story is "Processed Food". Replying to an important concern of the participant's of the impact of the current economic downturn on the sector, Mr Khambatta asserted that food and agri business continued to be attractive for the financial markets.

The CII Summit also brought to light that food industry which is currently valued at $210USD bn is expected to grow to $310 USD bn by 2050 and the way ahead for growth is to be global and to be hi-tech. India with abundant availability of quality raw materials, land, laws and regulations, availability of world class technology and vibrant SME sector is ready for food and agriculture industry to grow in a big way.

The 3 day exhibition (13th - 15th Nov) being organized at MMRDA Grounds at Bandra emphasizes on the recent developments and future of the Food & Beverage industry and also focus on the technology used and developed in Processing, Refrigerating & Air Conditioning and Packaging. Fragrances, Flavors, Food Colors, Processing Control, Food Retailing, Food Safety & Quality Management, Transportation, Food Service and R&D Institution are some of the industries that would be showcased at the International Exhibition. The event aims at providing an excellent platform to showcase the latest machinery, equipment, raw materials & accessories required by the Indian food and beverages manufacturing industry.

The exhibition this year witnessed active participation from more than 100 Indian companies like Blue star , HRS Process , Rinac, Testo, Carrier Refrigeration, Heat & Control, John Beans Technologies, Goma Engineering, Srujann, Siemens, ABB , Ishida India, Harikrushna Machinetech, Markem - Imaje, Tata Tin Plate, Netzsch, Ruchi Soya, Beri Cap, Perks Engineering , Domino Print Tech, Frick India etc along with Pavilions from Italy and South East Asian Countries.

The exhibition highlights of unique Innovative Product Pavilion, an initiative of CII to ensure that industry is abridged of the latest innovative developments as innovation is the key to success. This pavilion highlights product innovation & latest manufacturing trends developed by companies for the food & beverage processing industry. W ith innovation once again becoming a key factor for revitalizing the food market, Food & Bev Tech's Trends and Innovative operation promotes innovative companies, the exhibitors new products are selected for their innovative qualities (new consumer and/or retailer benefit).  This Pavilion will showcase all the innovative finished products of the companies at one place to enable the business professionals to see the latest emerging technology.

Italian Pavilion: The Italian companies would focus on machineries for dairy, fruit juice, ice cream, pasta making, can food producers, etc.