The two-day Food and Grocery Forum India 2012 (FGFI’ 12), organised by Images Group, is all set to begin in Mumbai on March 27 at the Bombay Exhibition Centre, Goregaon. Running in its fifth year, the forum will witness the participation of culinary experts and traders from across the globe.
The key highlight at the Forum will be the FIFI (Forum of Indian Food Importers) Conclave that will witness industry captains discussing about the possibilities of opening Indian borders for trading food products, thereby providing a richer experience to the average and discerning food consumer. The forum will also have a separate section for imported food products in the exhibition area where Pakistani traders will participate for the first time in a Mumbai expo. The Trade Development Authority of Pakistan has signed a memorandum of understanding with Food and Grocery Forum India to promote this bilateral trade. The forum brings on board a new concept called the Trend Theatre that will visually communicate the major trends in food consumption in India such as breakfast habits, energy drinks, comfort foods, and natural and organic food.
The event will also throw light on topics such as modern retail in food distribution, food reforms, mega food parks, food inflation, and beverage retailing.
Food and Grocery Forum India is a unique forum which brings together the leading modern retailers; organised hotels, restaurants, and catering companies and their suppliers; and progressive grocers from across the country to forge together growth in the sector by sharing best practices, showcasing widest range of products and concepts, and new thoughts.
According to experts, by the year 2020, India is set to become the fourth largest retail market in the world and this will be the focus of the conferences at FGFI ’12. The topics will range from – private label brands by retailers vs. national FMCG brands; trends in speciality foods in India – gourmet food, ethnic and organic food, and health and wellness food. Some of the other highlights of the forum will be the presentation on Coca – Cola’s Retailing Research Council Asia’s study across seven countries representing different levels of retailing trade development unveiling how grocery retailers can attract Generation 2020 shoppers.
Amitabh Taneja, Chief Convenor, FGFI and Founder, Images Group, said: “By 2020, the Indian food market is expected to reach US $318 billion making India the fourth largest food retail market in the world. Food & Grocery Forum India ’12 is India’s most premier platform which will witness industry leaders who will impart valuable insight and showcase concepts to deliberate issues concerning the food and grocery industry.”
The much awaited Coca Cola Golden Spoon Awards 2012 will recognise the achievements of India’s leading food and grocery retailers and foodservice chains for outstanding performance in fiscal 2011-12.
Launched in September 2007 under the chairmanship of Shri Subodh Kant Sahai, Minister of Food Processing Industries and previously called the Food Forum India, this magnum opus of the food industry has grown to become Food & Grocery Forum India from this year onwards extending itself to the grocery industry as well. Currently in its fifth year, FGFI’ 12 will bring together ideas, concepts, innovations from the food and grocery industry.
