Friday 15 March 2013

Aahar 2013 commences in Delhi; 671 exhibitors showcase latest products

Friday, March 15, 2013 08:00 IST Ashwani Maindola, New Delhi


Aahar International Fair 2013, one of India’s leading food and hospitality events, started at New Delhi's Pragati Maidan on March 14, 2013. 

More than 671 participants showcased their latest offerings at the expo. This was up by almost 10 per cent from the 2012 edition, which witnessed the participation of 565 exhibitors.

The overseas participation also increased this year, with exhibitors from 50 countries taking part in the event, which combined two co-located events – Food India and Hospitality India, which were concerned with the processed food and beverage industry and the equipment industry respectively. A large number of food business operators (FBOs) visited the various stalls on the inaugural day.

Product-wise display was introduced at this year's event, but it remains largely broad-based. A show window was also arranged for the exhibitors to showcase their energy-efficient green products. Another highlight of the event was the culinary shows, where live cooking could be witnessed by the audience.

“The agriculture and food processing sectors are the mainstay of our economy. These sectors have the potential to provide employment in the country and were therefore given priority in the Union Budget recently,” said Rita Menon, chairman and managnig director, Indian Trade Promotion Organsation (ITPO).

Rakesh Kacker, secretary, ministry of food processing industries (MoFPI), Government of India, said, “Aahar has become a signature event for the ministry, and as the National Food Processing Mission (NFPM) moves ahead, the states’ participation will increase to help the sector further.”

Charan Das Mahant, minister of state, MOFPI, said, “Aahar has given the ministry the opportunity to showcase the developments in the field of food processing.” He urged the industry to develop new processed products from the raw farm produce like milk, meat, poultry and marine products, as the country ranks among the top two in the world in the production of these products.

He added, “Now as food standards and health issues are making headlines, there is a need to address these issues.” He pointed that even small cities are taking keen interest in safety measures.

 

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