India in the "ProFood ProPack and Agbiz 2013, Sri Lanka

 The ProFood, ProPack and Agbiz 2013 was inaugurated at BMICH, Colombo. India is participating in the event as a partner country. This year, about 65 Indian companies are participating in the exhibition. The number of Indian companies in the exhibition has grown over the years.The Indian companies are showcasing a wide range of agro and food products, bakery & kitchen equipment, hotel equipment, packaging equipment & machinery, ready-to-eat snack foods, pulps, fruit juices, health foods, curry paste and chocolates, organic spices etc. The exhibition will provide an ideal opportunity for the food processing & packaging companies from India to partner with Sri Lankan companies to work together. The food processing industry holds immense potential for small-scale entrepreneurs.

 The Indian High Commissione Y. K. Sinha  met Indian exhibitors

The Indian companies are participating under the banner of Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) and from Kerala and other individual companies. APEDA is an apex body set up under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India for the development and promotion of export of agricultural products including Floriculture, Fresh Fruits and Vegetables, Processed Foods, Livestock Products, Alcoholic and Non-alcoholic beverages, cereal products etc. Under the banner of APEDA, around 20 Indian companies had successfully participated in the “Pro Food Pro Pack 2011”. APEDA pavilion was adjudged the best pavilion in the international category at the “Pro Food Pro Pack 2012”.

The Indian food industry has witnessed strong growth over the past few years. India is the second largest producer of food items. Currently, the Indian processed food market is estimated at US$ 121 billion, with the market growing at a rate of 10% per annum. The market is expected to reach US$194 billion by 2015. According to APEDA, Indian’s agro and processed food exports increased by 63% to reach US$16.96 billion in the first 10 months of 2012-13, as compared to US $ 10.39 billion in the corresponding period in 2011-12. The food processing industry in India has attracted foreign direct investment (FDI) worth US$ 1,811.06 million during April 2000 to March 2013.