The 4th edition of Fi India 2009 kicked off in grandeur at the Bombay Exhibition Centre on Friday. Organised by UBM India Pvt. Ltd, in conjunction with UBM International Media BV, the two-day mega event saw the hall running full with food and beverage enthusiasts from around the world flocking at the event to strike major deals.

The event was inaugurated with the lighting of the traditional lamp by the guest of honour, Craig R Petray, CEO, Global Sweetener Trends; M Gandhi, managing director, UBM India Pvt Ltd; Nik Rudge, group director, Food Portfolio, UBM International Media; Dhiren Kanwar, country head, Puratos India; ShiJing fromChinese Chamber of Commerce ( CCCMHPIE); Magdalini ;Rappou, head of the promotion department, International Olive Council (IOC) and Binu Varghese, AB Mauri India Pvt Ltd, followed by ribbon cutting.

About 110 exhibitors from 18 countries are participating in the annual event. “This year we have 65.34 per cent growth over all, with 26 per cent growth in Indian participation,” said Bipin Sinha, project director, UBM India.

“Our goal is to support the development of the food industry around the world by providing high quality platforms that bring companies together to learn, network and forge new partnerships,” said Gandhi.

The exhibition brings together many buyers and sellers from vibrant segments including food manufacturers, processing specialists, service providers and food ingredients suppliers. It features a complete cross-sector representation with companies showcasing ingredients for food & beverages, dietary supplements, functional foods, health foods, medical remedies, cosmetics, nutraceuticals, natural foods and organic foods.

The highlight at Fi India this year is the Chinese pavilion supported by the China Chamber of Commerce for Import and Export of Medicines and Health Products (CCCMHPIE) showcasing exquisite Chinese ingredients for the food and supplement use. There are eight exhibitors participating from China.

The exhibition showcases latest trends in the food ingredients processing, safety & services and Natural ingredient (Ni) with information & solutions for food industry players. The exhibitor showcase highlights the latest developments, innovations & trends relating to food processing, safety, compliance and quality assurance.

According to Nik Rudge, group director, Food Portfolio, UBM International Media, the main reason for introducing country pavilion at Fi is that, country pavilions provide a platform for small companies to showcase their products under the banner of that country till they make a mark on the global stand. He says “we have had companies that participated with a big stand at Fi India two years ago, now they have collaborated with the Indian company. Today they hold a combined product showcase at the exhibition.”

Gandhi says “Next year we expect 30 per cent increase in the number of exhibitors.. We plan to add more pavilions like the Thai pavilion, the US and a few more. Running parallel to the event we would have the technical conference. The main agenda of the event would be to see the Indian companies getting more export-oriented.

source from:www.fnbnews.com