Second Annapoorna – World of Food India attracts higher visitor turnout

For the second time, the trade fair served the needs of India’s growing food sector, offering an ideal information and ordering platform.

The growth of the food and beverages market on the Indian subcontinent continues unabated. And this growth was clear to see at the second Annapoorna – World of Food India. The trade fair, which took place in Mumbai from 19th to 21st November 2007, attracted nearly 30 per cent more visitors than the number recorded at the last event, and exhibitors booked a large number of orders. A total of 4,736 visitors were registered for Annapoorna – World of Food India. Buyers from the major Indian trade chains attended the fair, as did importers, trading companies, catering companies and specialists from the hotel, resort and restaurant segments, as well as food service suppliers. Medium-size companies also made the most of the opportunity to gather information and place orders. “Annapoorna – World of Food India has become well-established in India as a central trade platform for food and beverages,” confirms Wolfgang Kranz, Executive Vice President of Koelnmesse, which organised the fair in cooperation with the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI). “The concentrated trade fair concept is very popular,” adds Kranz.

With 152 exhibiting companies from 12 countries, the trade fair offered a very diverse spectrum of products and services. Compared to the fair’s premiere in November 2006, the exhibition space was enlarged and there was a modest increase in the number of exhibitors.
Japan took part for the first time, for example, with a national pavilion and 19 suppliers, the largest contingent of foreign exhibitors. There also were joint exhibition stands representing Germany, Italy, Korea and Thailand. “The Thailand Pavilion this year had 13 companies taking part and the response in general was positive. They met with quite a number of Indian importers and a few overseas importers,” says Mr. Tharadol Thangruang, Commercial Counsellor, Office of Commercial Affairs, Royal Thai Embassy.

The exhibitors reported that they were very satisfied with the professional credentials and decision-making power of the interested visitors from a range of different user areas. And the exhibitors also are expecting good post-fair business. “Our first step into the Indian market was Annapoorna – World of Food India – and I can claim clearly that it was a good step: Lots of importers and good business people were met and we expect to do an excellent follow up business,” says Ms. Guiseppina Contarin, Owner and Managing Director, Asolo Dolce, Italy.

And Mr. Manish Bhargava, Head-Corporate Communications, Metro Cash & Carry India, also confirmed the good results of the fair: “We found participation in Annapoorna – World of Food India 2007 an enriching experience, particularly our interface with small and medium sized hotels and restaurants.”

The trade visitors came from 45 countries.

At the professionally organised Procurement Centre, which enabled direct contacts between manufacturers and buyers, four Indian trading companies took part: Hyper City Retail India Pvt. Ltd., Pantaloon Retail India Ltd., RPG Enterprises, and Wadhawan Food Retail (P) Ltd. Also contributing to the success of the Procurement Centre was Five Group Trading from Qatar.

The very popular congress programme, which was focused on the themes health and wellness, provided presentations and seminars featuring expert participants. The congress programme was realised in cooperation with the Confederation of Indian Food Trade and Industry (CIFTI).

“With this trade fair, we have laid the foundation for the organic growth of this event at the Mumbai location,” says Wolfgang Kranz.


The next Annapoorna – World of Food India will take place
in Mumbai from 13th to 15th November 2008.