New Delhi, Sept 17 (KNN) Food India initiative by Salon International de l’alimentation (SIAL) has shown that the world has realized the opportunities that India presents in food processing, said Harsimrat Kaur Badal, Union Food Processing Minister.

Addressing the 1st edition of ‘Food India by SIAL’, Badal said “as the number of food shows increases, it will result in more modern technology and tie-ups of companies with our local farmers and producers which will result in greater opportunities and more employment for the youth as food processing is an employment generating sector.”

Despite one of the major food producing countries in the world, only 10% food gets processed in India and there is a lot of wastage, she added.

Underlining the importance of technology in food processing, Badal said “With modern technology in food processing coming to India, this food wastage will reduce substantially.”

Congratulating SIAL for this initiative, she said that events like this, when companies and people from around the world come together, it presents a very good platform for doing business.

With such partnership, Badal hoped that the food processing sector of India will grow by leaps and bounds in times to come.

The minister visited various stalls and encouraged women entrepreneur to avail the various benefits and subsidies available for women. She also encouraged the exhibitors to source raw materials from rural and tribal areas.

Backed by SIAL, world's number one network of food innovation, 'Food India by SIAL' shall offer  the industry an opportunity to source high quality local and foreign ingredients, network with industry professionals from across the globe , learn the latest industry trends, innovations, and broaden their business potential. Besides showcasing the latest product innovations from across the global marketplace, SIAL also plays an important role in establishing market trends and promises to be an inspirational meeting place for the entire F&B industry in 7countries it is already being organised in.

The 1st Edition of 'Food India by SIAL' has over 150 Exhibitors from India and 13 other countries like Switzerland, France, UK, Russia, China, Indonesia,  besides country pavilions from Italy, Turkey & Korea.

SIAL, Interads and Comexposium have jointly created this event to answer local booming market and international food and beverages companies’ expectations, supported by Indian Food Processing Industry Minister.

The exhibition is supported by Ministry of MSME, Government of India, Tea Board of India and industry associations like Indian Culinary Forum (ICF) , Purchasing Professionals Forum India (PPFI), Forum of Indian Food Importers( FIFI), Hospitality Purchasing Managers' Forum (HPMF)  and All India Rice Exporters' Association (AIREA). It will conclude on September 18, 2018.