Meghalaya Based COLKS Bags its First-Ever SIAL Innovation Award at the Second Edition of SIAL India 2019

THE SECOND edition of SIAL India 2019 supported by Ministry of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises and associations like Forum of Indian Food Importers, Indian Federation of Culinary Association and others witnessed over 300 exhibitors from over 30 countries looking for associations in the Indian market.

Ram Vilas Paswan, Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution and Chief Minister of Meghalaya, Conrad K Sangma inaugurated the three-day exhibition. With Meghalaya as the partner state for SIAL India 2019, it aimed to showcase and introduce the food and food products of Meghalaya to a global audience.

Adeline Vancauwelaert, Director, SIAL Paris, said, “We are honoured to bring SIAL to the Indian market. The strong support shown by FIFI, FSSAI and other associations shows our seriousness for the initiative undertaken. Food processing is an ever-growing market, the initiative will help in introducing new trends, help companies launch products in new territories, solve diversity quality and safety issues as well. We hope the platform will help the international players to explore the untapped market in the country and make fruitful investments and deals in the sector.”

The event also marked the first edition of SIAL Innovation Awards which is the unique celebration of innovative food and beverage products. The jury comprising of food industry experts revealed the most innovative products in the food industry in terms of - technology, ingredients, recipe, equipment and services. 

Meghalaya based Centre of Learning, Knowledge and Services (COLKS) which aims to provide opportunities for sustainable livelihood and gainful employment primarily for farmers and the rural youth has bagged its first-ever SIAL Innovation gold award for India for its innovative product ‘Naturally infused honey’.

International buyers from ASEAN, Gulf and other countries along with Indian buyers also participated in SIAL India to explore national and international products. The ‘Hosted Buyer Program’ was attended by international buyers from SIAL network, FIFI, ICF and other prominent associations.

During the event, in a session titled 'Food Safety Session – Shared Responsibility towards Eat Right India’ (Powered by FSSAI and FIFI) the panellists presented several case studies by the industry experts on their contribution towards 'Eat Right India' campaign for others to follow the examples.

United Nations has declared the World Food Safety Day 2019 theme as Food Safety is Everyone’s Business. Food safety contributes to food security, human health, economic prosperity, agriculture, market access, tourism and sustainable development. The panellists said that they support FSSAI's initiative and believe in the tagline that Food Safety is everyone's business. 

The session was moderated by Amit Lohani, Founder and Director, Forum of Indian Food Importers and the eminent panellists included Pawan Kumar Agarwal, CEO, Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (Tentative), Chef Manisha Bhasin, Indian Federation of Chef Association, Richard Mc Cullum, Managing Director, UK India Business Council, Greg Tyler, Senior Vice President USAPEEC.

Rajan Sharma, Managing Director, Interads Exhibitions Pvt Ltd, said, “In India, the food sector has proved to be the high-profit sector primarily within the food processing industry. SIAL’s journey in India will bring endless opportunities for the food processing sector. It will also bring opportunities for investors and labourers and the modern food industry innovations to advance the agricultural economy. The flourishing food processing industry attracts foreign investment and lucrative growth opportunities.”