post news network, Bhubaneshwar, June 19: The international food festival that according to its organisers, last year had seen the participation of 186 companies from over 25 nations, including Afghanistan, Argentina, countries of the Baltic region and Europe, Greece, Korea and the US, will be held at Mumbai this year from September 14. Orissa is all set to take part in this fest, Annapoorna – World of Food India-2015, which is in its 10th year. The three-day food fest is organised by the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) in association with the Koelnmesse GmbH, an international fair host and fair management company. The food fair will be held at the Bombay Exhibition Ground.
It may be recalled that the Orissa government also did take part in this international event in the years 2013 and 2014. The Orissa stall was set up on a 60 sqm area in the fairground last year. Several small and medium food and beverage manufacturers of the state took part in the festival that opened doors of opportunities for them. This year too, the state has reportedly booked the same amount of space in the fairground.
G Das, the joint secretary of the agriculture department of the government of India has written a letter to the director of agriculture and food production department and managing director of the Agricultural Promotion and Investment Corporation of Orissa Limited (APICOL), requesting him to actively participate in this year’s food fair too. The state government, in all likelihood will keep the request and take part in the fair, which last year saw over 6000 trade visitors.
Das in his letter wrote, “Annapoorna – World of Food India-2015 fair is going to be organized by the FICCI and Koelnmesse GmbH from 14th to 16th September at the Bombay Exhibition Ground, Mumbai. The chief resident commissioner (of Orissa) informed that as in the previous year, 60 sqm of space have been blocked for participation of the Orissa government. The (Union) government’s agriculture department has allowed the commissioner-cum-director, agriculture and food production, Orissa and MD, AIPCOL to participate in the event.”
Besides the international pavilions, the ministry of food processing, government of India, alongside state governments of Orissa and Jharkhand set up stalls in the last edition of the food fest.
National Institute of Food Technology Entrepreneurship and Management (NIFTEM), an apex institute of global standards in food technology entrepreneurship and management, showcased their objectives and achievements at this food trade fair, last year. Live cooking sessions conducted by renowned chefs, wine and other alcoholic drinks tasting sessions, etc. are add-on highlights of this trade fair.
From various raw and processed food materials, food additives, fruits and vegetables, breads and bread crumbs, baking agents, raw ingredients, nutrients like pasta, pulses, oat products, cereals, muesli to different kinds of preservatives, olives, different kinds of sauces and seasonings, nuts, dried fruits, oils, health foods and dietetic products, confectionery and snack products, frozen foods, chilled food, dairy products, alcoholic and non alcoholic beverages and equipment for food service and catering, last year’s fest witnessed the presence a wide spectrum of food and related products.