To foster the flourishing bakery industry, in first of its kind attempt, the Bakers Association of Kerala (BAKE) is organizing a national level industrial exhibition christened ‘Bake Expo-2014’ from October 30 to November 1 at Thrissur, Kerala. The event is organized in connection with the 131st anniversary of the first cake being made in India at Thalassery.
P. M. Sankaran, President, BAKE, said that Bake Expo 2014 is an initiative aimed at bringing manufacturer to technology provider under one umbrella for the development of the sector. “The bakeries can interact with industry experts, exhibit their unique products, learn novel technology and share it with next generation. It is also a platform to educate the unorganized bakeries about the need of professionalization and advanced manufacturing practices. Over 1500 delegates and 300 companies from all over India will participate,” he said.
The BAKE includes entrepreneurs and the employees engaged in manufacturing, distribution and sales.
The bakery industry in Kerala will register 20 per cent annual growth by 2015 according to BAKE. “Lifestyle changes combined with the trendy modern food habits throw lot of opportunities for the bakery and confectionary companies in Kerala. Of the total 50,000 bakeries in the state, only 5-10 per cent are in the organised sector and the rest are micro units. Around 20,000 unorganized bakeries are functioning in the state, comprising small bakery units, cottage and household type manufacturing units. 40 per cent of production takes place in the unorganized sector,” Sankaran said.
The companies engaged in software to security, raw materials to infrastructure, bakery equipment to packing will attend the event. The cynosure of the event will be the making of “Cakeinkad Pooram”, a 600 feet long cake. Baking machineries and methods will be demonstrated. The official launch of BAKE News, newsletter published by Bake, will be held as part of the expo.
Sankaran added that over 2000 varieties of cakes will be displayed at 50,000 sq. ft. venue. “A cake making competition for aspiring bakers will also be held as a part of the expo to be held at Lulu Convention Centre, Puzhakkal, Thrissur. To educate employees about the latest trends in bakery sector, the association has arranged training camps and seminars,” he said.
The Kerala cake industry registered a turnover of Rs 900 crore in the last fiscal. Increase in domestic sales and the huge demand for Kerala-baked cakes in Europe and the Gulf regions contributed a major portion of the revenue. Around 10,000 bakery units function in Kerala and these employ more than 1 lakh people both directly and indirectly.
Kerala Minister for Fisheries and Ports K. Babu will inaugurate the function. While T. V. Anupama IAS, Kerala Food Safety Commissioner, will be the chief guest. Tamil Nadu Bakers’ Federation India and Kerala Tourism are associating with the event.
