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Huge potential for India-France collaboration in Food processing, Food technology and Retail: Mrs Harsimrat Kaur Badal, Minister of Food Processing, Government of India
Oct 20, 2016

Mrs Harsimrat Kaur Badal, Hon’ble Minister of Food Processing, Government of India is on an official visit to SIAL Food Show 2016 in France. During the course of her visit, the Hon’ble Minister has met key industry players in France to discuss investment and collaboration opportunities between India and France in food processing, food technology and retail industries. The Minister for Food Processing Industries, Mrs Badal interacted with top food companies in France, sharing with them the huge business potential in India’s food processing sector and encouraging the French companies to explore India as an investment destination.

The Hon’ble Minister had one to one meetings with senior leadership of French companies, that include:  Savencia Fromage & Dairy, the leading cheese company in France,  Sodiaal- the leading dairy cooperative of France, Groupe Auchan, one of the leading retail chains in France,   Axreal, the topmost grain co-operative of France, Lesaffre, a yeast processor, Mandar, producer of Herbs, Rouquette- leader in starch producer, Monin- leader in syrups. The Minister also met companies from other countries which are actively looking at India, as an investment destination, that include:  Gordon Food Service (USA),  Friesland Campina (Netherlands), the Colryut Group (Belgium).

The Hon’ble Minister has also met with Mr Stephane Le Foll, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Forestry, France to discuss strengthening cooperation between the two countries in the food processing sector. Another highlight of the Minister’s visit, was her meeting with the CEOs of French food processing machinery manufacturers at a meeting with ADEPTA - the association of food processing manufacturers, as well as the meeting with senior management team from Soufflet - an expert in barley and wheat, that is the biggest private buyer of cereals in Europe. In the last leg of her visit, the Food Processing Minister would be visiting Rungis Market, which is the largest wholesale market in the world.

During the various interactions, the Hon’ble Minister invited the companies and suggested to the  various associations, she met to participate with their delegation on the occasion of the World Food 2017 - a three day flagship event being organized by Ministry of Food Processing Industries. The World Food will focus on showcasing achievements and opportunities of the Indian Food Processing Sector and fostering maximum investment commitments. The event will also provide a platform for exhibiting innovative products and manufacturing processes showcasing the entire value chain of food processing industry with a vision to leverage innovation, technology, development & sustainability in the backdrop of achieving food security.

Earlier, speaking at the Fourth Edition of ‘France India Agribusiness and Food Processing Industries’ organized by Chamber of Commerce and Industry France India Mrs Harsimrat Kaur Badal, Minister of Food Processing, Government of India reiterated the need for enhanced cooperation between India and France in the sector and said, “With increasing disposable income and changing consumer preferences in India, retail and e-commerce are booming in the food segment and this is where the opportunity lies. Over the past two years the Government of India has taken a number of policy decisions to spur vibrant growth in the food processing segment. With such a progressive policy outlook, we will offer full support towards new collaborations and greater investment.”   

Most recently, the Government of India has allowed 100% FDI through FIPB route in marketing of food products produced and manufactured in India. This path-breaking initiative has opened up vast opportunities for international companies to invest in India in the food processing supply and marketing chain. Additionally, attractive incentives have been established by central and state governments to include capital subsidies, tax rebates, and reduced custom and excise duties. Increasing focus is also being given to supply-chain related infrastructure, such as cold storage, abattoirs and food parks. The French food companies expressed interest in doing business in Indian during the interaction with the Hon’ble Minister of Food Processing, Government of India.

Also speaking at the occasion of the visit by the Hon’ble Minister for Food Processing Industries, at Fourth Edition of ‘France India Agribusiness and Food Processing Industries’ organized by Chamber of Commerce and Industry France India, Mr Manish Prabhat, Deputy Chief of the India Mission to France said “India is doing well amongst world economies and is an attractive destination for FDI. What is required is closer interaction between Indian and French food & beverage sector to strengthen the relationship & business.”

Applauding the progressive changes to enhance growth in India’s food processing industry, Mr Piruz Khambatta, Co-chairman of the CII National Committee on Food processing Industry and Chairman & Managing Director, Rasna Pvt Ltd said, “The Government’s decision to permit 100% FDI under government approval route for trading, including through e-commerce, in respect of food products manufactured or produced in India will provide a major impetus to investments, employment and job creation in the Food processing industry. This policy announcement is aligned with the Government’s ‘Make in India’ initiative facilitating ‘Ease of doing business’ and through CII, we hope to support the Government in taking these positive messages to key global markets such as France, and invite international business collaboration.

The Minister is  accompanied by Ms Anuradha Prasad, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Food Processing industries, Government of India; Mr Hardeep Singh, PS to Minister of Food Processing, Government of India and Mr Piruz Khambatta, Chairman, CII National Committee on Food Processing Industries & Chairman & Managing Director, Rasna Private Limited.

20 October 2016

New Delhi

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