Gulfood Special Issue of AgriBusiness & Food Industry by S Jafar Naqvi

AgriBusiness & Food Industry March 2011

Contents

1 9 8 6 - 2 0 11

A milestone in APEDA's journey

Apeda...Driving Growth

111

10 21

Cover Story DRIVING INDIA'S FARM EXPORT GROWTH

Editorial

Conversation Kerala targets Gulf Markets for F&V exports

Guest Column Protecting and Promoting the Basmati Heritage - Anil Swarup

Sunny prospects for wheat - A. Govindan

Interview

APEDA Export Awards India can become world's food basket: Jyotiraditya Scindia

Honey Industry Honey: A Natural Daily Choice - A. K. Singh

Grains Round-up FCI targets record wheat procurement with new facilities Food Ministry begins talks with States to boost grain storage

Allow export of 500,000 tonnes of all superior non-Basmati varieties APEDA has been playing a constructive role for rice industry Basmati export should be monitored in 'rightful manner' Indian processed food sector set to sustain growth momentum Indian fruit processing industry is at par global standards Demand for juice-based products will rise in coming years 'Value addition' to traditional processing is need of the hour Flexible packaging in India has tremendous growth potential

Corporate News Parle to focus on snacks category HUL to foray into fruit-based

beverages market

Curtain Raiser Gateway to Hottest destination for Food Products and Technologies

Research News Certain fruits and veggies can make you look attractive Dairy products can prevent Type 2 diabetes

Profile Dhiman Group

Amar Singh Chawal Wala

Dhiman Systems (India) Ltd

Kochar Overseas

Privasia Trading

P. K. Overseas

Chaman Lal Setia Exports Ltd. Khosla Agro Overseas Deva Singh Sham Singh R.P. Basmati Rice Ltd. R.P. Basmati Rice Ltd. Kashmiri Lal Sat Pal Heat and Control Nirapara M. K. Overseas Hind Agro Anmol Bakers Pvt. Ltd. D D Marine Exports Nazeer Industries

Relish

Shivdeep Industries Ltd.

Modern Laminators

Goel International

Sri Varsha Food Products

AgriBusiness & Food Industry March 2011

Cover Story

DRIVING INDIA’S FARM EXPORT GROWTH A milestone in APEDA’s journey

“We require 4.5 to 5 per cent growth in agriculture to uplift our economy in rural areas”

ndia’s agro exports have shown an impressive growth in the last few years. Besides expansion in quantitative terms, these exports have been meeting new challenges of the world market amidst rising concerns of health and food safety. Much of the credit for this performance must legitimately go to Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) – apex body under the Ministry of Commerce – now celebrating the silver jubilee of its establishment. To quote APEDA’s Chairman Asit Tripathy, India’s farm exports have gone up in value terms from a paltry figure of Rs 582 crore in 1986 to Rs. 36,000 crore. In the last decade alone, the figure has

trebled while in the last five years, it has doubled. Changing profile Importantly, the export profile has undergone a change in this period. Minister of Commerce and Industry Anand Sharma, in a message, has complimented this organisation for its role in the development of new markets, diversification of product basket and increasing awareness among the stakeholders regarding market requirements in terms of quality, health and safety standards. Noting that agro exports have been changing for the better, Tripathy points out that what started as bulk commodity, low margin trade, is shifting to packaged

AgriBusiness & Food Industry March 2011

exports and often to retail packs, straight to the shelves. From conventional items, “We are witnessing export of myriad value added and processed items.” The trade has moved further to niche items like processed neutraceuticals, health and wellness food and certified organic products. ‘Produce of India’ and ‘India Organic’ are familiar marks in the world market. Traceability system In APEDA’s quality drive, an important initiative is monitoring of pesticide residue and afflatoxin in fresh fruits and vegetables. This is particularly important in the context of some rejections of Indian consignments in recent past in the EU markets. APEDA’s

Cover Story

“India’s farm exports have gone up in value terms from a paltry figure of Rs 582 crore in 1986 to Rs. 36,000 crore” first tracenet project was for grapes, and the system is now in place for pomegranates, groundnut and organic foods. The traceability system has won accolades in the form of national award for e-Governance and E-Asia award. Surveying the export performance, against the backdrop of India’s agriculture development, APEDA Director S Dave says India which has second largest area of arable land --184 million hectares – is the third largest food producer after USA and China. However, the export does not match the importance that agriculture occupies in India’s economy. The export of agricultural products from India in 2009 was worth 17 billion dollars, ranking 12th in the world with a market share of 1.4 per cent. An important reason for it is that the farm holdings in the country are very small, the average farm size being less than 1.5 hectares. As a result, Indian agriculture is mostly subsistence farming. The major products exported from India are Basmati rice, oil meals, processed foods, marine products, spices, tea, cashew, coffee, fresh fruits and vegetables and bovine meat.

merchandise exports during the turn of this century was 15.2 per cent, which declined to 8.8 per cent in 2008-09, and further fell to 8.2 per cent in 2009-10. In absolute terms, however, the value of farm exports increased from 5.7 billion dollars in 1999-2000 to 15.9 billion dollars in 2009-10, a three-fold growth in the last one decade. This is indicative of the fact that in the last ten yeas, export of other merchandise has shown a higher growth compared to agricultural products. Although the list of countries importing Indian agro products is long, the Gulf region continues to be an important destination, with UAE and Saudi Arabia together accounting for close to 30 per cent of the India’s farm exports. Of late, a dip in India’s exports is discernible. The export of value added products from the country has declined from 33 per cent in 1999-2000 to 24 per cent in 2009-10. This indicates that more and more raw agricultural products are being exported from India. This is because, Dave explains, most countries have restructured their agri business policies to promote food processing and value addition.

Slide in exports The total share of export of all farm products in the country’s total

Domestic market effect A 4 per cent decline in India’s exports in 2009-10 over the previous year was

due to global recession in the previous year on the one hand and better price realisation in the domestic market on the other. About the domestic market, APEDA’s Advisor A K Gupta notes that the demand for high quality food is increasing in India The prices of various commodities and processed foods are, at times, higher than the potential realisation of exports due to which exporters find it difficult to procure raw materials and process them into export products. The increase in the prices of food products at home has led to decline in agro exports during 2009-10. The trend is likely to continue in 2010-11. The structural imbalances which contribute to the market disconnect could be resolved, according to Gupta, by corporate investment in improved production facilities and infrastructure for post harvest management. The economies of scale and use of improved technology would also lead to reduction in unit cost, making the produce more competitive in international markets. A paradigm shift is needed to bring in better balance between production and other sub-systems, namely preharvest technologies, post harvest processing, quality management, export infrastructure, supply chain, market information and marketing strategies.

AgriBusiness & Food Industry March 2011

Cover Story

APEDA Export Awards

India can become world’s food basket: Jyotiraditya Scindia

ith proper investment in agriculture, technical innovation and infrastructure for food processing, India could well become the food basket of the world, said Union Minister of State for Commerce and Industry Jyotiraditya M Scindia said. Speaking at the 19th APEDA Export Awards function which coincided with the celebrations of 25 years of APEDA, Scindia called for ushering in a second green revolution, stressing that agriculture sector is critical for Indian economy as 60-70 percent of its population is dependent on it for livelihood. “We require 4.5 to 5 per cent growth in agriculture to uplift our economy in rural areas” he added.

Referring to recent initiatives to reduce transaction costs, the Minister said that the Ministry is committed to build on the first instalment of transaction cost reducing initiatives which have resulted in saving of Rs 2100 crore in perpetuity. He hoped to come out with fresh initiatives on annual or bi-annual basis. Commerce Secretary Dr Rahul Khullar in his address noted that Indian agriculture is intrinsically competitive and robust export of agri products is an indication of that strength. Complementing the exporters for their performance Dr Khullar emphasized that Indian Agri products will have to move up the value chain in order to achieve target of $15 billion in next three years. The main challenge for the sector

will be to deal with emerging range of non tariff barriers such as sanitary and phytosanitary measures, he said. He praised traceability measures deployed in various agri-products to meet with international requirements. Traceability may become another mode of banning, he warned. APEDA awards were given to 36 exporters for their outstanding performance. Follow is the list of awardees:

FRESH VEGETABLES

FOR OVERALL PRODUCTS Diamond

Mr. K. Venkataraman, Managing Director M/s. TKV Marketing India Private Limited E-mail : exim@tkvmarketing.com

Golden

Mr. M.R. Singhwi, Chairman M/s. Ramesh Flowers Pvt. Ltd. E-mail:sales@rameshflowers.com

Golden

Mr. Jital Shah, Partner, M/s. Sanghar Exports Email : sangharexports@sanghargroup.com

Silver

Mr. Uday Singh, CMD, M/s. Namdhari Seeds E-mail : info@namdhariseeds.com

Silver

Mr. Sanjay Jain, Director, M/s. Hansraj & Sons E-Mail : Hansraj2@Bsnl.In

Golden

Mr. Anshuman Kajaria, MD M/s. Vaachi International Pvt. Ltd. E-mail : poc@vsnl.com

Bronze

Mr. Rajan Nagpal, Managing Director M/s. Kashmir Walnut Overseas Pvt. Ltd. E-Mail : kashmirwalnut@vsnl.com

Silver

Mr. Irfan Allana, CMD, M/s. Allana Sons Ltd. E-mail: irfanallana@allana.com FLORICULTURE

WALNUTS

BOVINE MEAT

FRESH FRUITS Mr. Mohd. Hanif Rajabali Raien, Chief Executive M/s. Raien Trading Corporation E-mail : raien.export@gmail.com

Golden

Mohd. Kamil Qureshi, Managing Director M/s. M.K. Overseas Pvt. Ltd. E-Mail: mko@nda.vsnl.net.in

Golden

Mr. Nasir Mohd. Shafi Bagwan, Director M/s. Chand Fruit Co. Pvt. Ltd. E-mail : chandfruit@gmail.com

Silver

Mr. Sirajuddin Qureshi, Managing Director M/s. Hind Agro Industries Ltd. E.mail: info@hind.in

Silver

Mr. Anand K. Sejwal, Proprietor M/s. Bombay Exports E-mail : daisyexp@bom5.vsnl.net.in

Bronze

Mr. Mohammad Atif, Jt. Managing Director M/s. Al- Nafees Frozen Food Exports Pvt. Ltd. E.mail : alnafees@ndb.vsnl.net.in

Bronze

AgriBusiness & Food Industry March 2011

Cover Story Another major reason for the decrease in export to developed countries could be attributed to SPS issues, underscoring the need for the regulatory bodies and industry to keep pace with the changing trends towards upgrading food safety standards.

l Ten-point strategy Dave has outlined a 10-point programme to improve the agro export situation as well as domestic production and consumption. l Improvement in cold chain infrastructure. l Promote food processing on a large scale . Higher growth in exports and

l l

domestic market will come from value addition in the future. Concerted efforts to strengthen the quality and food safety management system based on international standards -- both for exports and the domestic market. Introduce best practices throughout the production value chain, covering farm production, processing, packaging, testing, inspection, transportation, storage and retail. Encourage investments in R & D and technology. Modulating the import duty structure aimed at encouraging import of raw materials and commodities.

POULTRY PRODUCTS

l Take vigorous steps to increase market access through bilateral negotiations and focused export promotion programmes. l Develop in public and private sector employees an export-oriented approach to agriculture trade. l Infuse professionalism. l Reduce transaction costs. The challenge before APEDA, stresses Commerce Secretary Dr Rahul Khullar, is to harness the huge potential India has in the farm sector to convert an opportunity into actuality. Exports of agricultural products have multiplied manifold. Still, much more needs to be done. n

GUAR GUM

Mr. A. Shivakumar, Managing Director M/s. VKS Farms Pvt. Ltd. E-mail : shivakumar@vksfarms.in

Golden

Mr. V.K. Sharda, Sr. Vice President M/s. Hindustan Gum & Chemicals Ltd. E-mail : hichem@vsnl.com

Golden

Mr. SKM Shree Shiv Kumar, Managing Director M/s. SKM Egg Product Export (India) Ltd. E-Mail: Quality@Skmegg.Com

Silver

Mr. Rajesh Kedia, Director M/s. Jai Bharat Gum & Chemicals Ltd. Email: jaibharat@ndf.vsnl.net.in

Silver

Mr. Shanti Swarup Aggarwal, Managing Director M/s. Ovobel Foods Ltd. Email : quality@ovobelfoods.com

Bronze

Mr. J.V. Shah, MD, M/s. Rama Industries Email : Info@Ramagum.Com

Bronze

ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES

DAIRY PRODUCTS Mr. R.S. Sodhi, M.D. M/s. Gujarat Co-operative Milk Mktg. Fed. Ltd. E-mail : gcmmf@amul.coop Mr. Amitabha Ray, Managing Director M/s. Schreiber Dynamix Dairies Ltd. Email : Neeraj@Dynamixdairy.Com

Golden Silver

HONEY Mr. Shahzada Singh Kapoor, Managing Partner M/s. Little Bee Impex E-mail : shahzada.singh@littlebeeimpex.com

Golden

Mr. Vijay Mallya, Managing Director M/s. UB Global Corporation Ltd. E-mail : enquiries@ubmail.com

Golden

PROCESSED FOODS Mr. Zubair Ahmed, Managing Director M/s. Glaxo Smithkline Consumer Healthcare Ltd. E-mail : venkat.T.rao@gsk.com

Golden

Mr. Anoop Bector, Managing Director M/s. Mrs. Bectors Food Specialties Ltd. E-mail : biscuits@mrsbectorfoods.com

Silver

BASMATI RICE

PROCESSED FRUITS & VEGETABLES Mr. Anil Jain, MD M/s. Jain Irrigation Systems Ltd. E-Mail: Foodpark@Jains.Com

Golden

Mr. Anil K Mittal, CMD, M/s. KRBL Limited. E-mail : mails@krblindia.com

Golden Silver

Mr. Vineet Chhabra, MD M/s. The Global Green Company Ltd. E-mail : vchhabra@globalgreencompany.com

Silver

Mr. M.P. Jindal, Chairman M/s. Best Food International Pvt. Ltd. E-mail : bestbasmati@bestfoodgroup.in

Mr. Rahoul Jain, Managing Director M/s. Capricorn Food Products India Ltd. Email : capricorn@capricorngroup.com

Bronze

GROUNDNUTS Mr. L. Saravanan, Director M/s. Agrocrops Exim Limited E-mail : exports@agrocrops.com

Golden

Mr. Khushwant Jain, MD, M/s. G.S. Exports Email : spices@vsnl.com

Silver

Mr. Rakesh Aggarwal, MD, M/s. Sunstar Overseas Limited Bronze E-mail: sunstar@del2.vsnl.net.in CEREALS Mr. Anil Monga, Managing Director M/s. Emmsons International Ltd. E-mail : corporate@emmsons.com

Golden

ORGANIC PRODUCTS Mr. Raj Seelam Reddy, MD M/s. Sresta Natural Bioproducts Pvt. Ltd. E-mail: info@sresta.com

Bronze

AgriBusiness & Food Industry March 2011

Conversation

Kerala targets Gulf markets for F&V exports: K. Prathapan, Director, SHM, Kerala

erala government has initiated a 5.6 crore rupee project to promote fresh vegetable exports to Gulf countries. Director of State Horticulture Mission K Prathapan told AgriBusiness & Food Industry that the project adopts a cluster approach to vegetable cultivation in central Kerala, involving six districts. Farmers in 200 clusters in the districts of Idduki, Ernakulam, Palakkad, Trissur, Malapuram, Kottayam are being educated on adoption of quality standards and marketing through panchayats. These districts have easy access to Cochin International airport, which has developed a cargo complex with a handling capacity of 30,000 tonnes per annum. The 58 crore rupee cargo complex is a PPP model, partly funded by National Horticulture Mission and APEDA.

Prathapan is also the MD of Kerafed and at the same time, takes care of the activities and responsibilities of Medicinal Plant Board. He said the state government is approaching APEDA’s support in packing, grading, sorting and transportation for export of quality vegetables and other products to UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, some parts of Europe and USA. Besides some popular vegetables, the focused items include Netran variety of Banana and marine products like prawns and crabs. Pineapple growing is also being encouraged in the cluster villages. Since the local pineapple variety has the problem of ‘core blackening’, efforts are being made to procure an Australian variety, MD-2, for cultivation in the project area. Kerala’s horticulture exports have now touched 22,000 tonnes. In reply to

Kerala Pavilion at Flora Expo, Bangalore

AgriBusiness & Food Industry March 2011

a question, he said, NHM provided 300 crore rupee for the state’s horticulture development. Of this, more than 95 per cent of the money has already been utilised. In the recently held Horti Expo in New Delhi, Kerala put up a good display of its horticulture and floriculture wealth. It received the ‘Excellent display’ award. This was the second successive that the state got recognition for its display, as last year it received the “best Display” award. On floriculture development in the state, Prathapan explained that the state has climate advantage in comparison with other states and it is now focusing on anthurium, orchid and heliconia apart from different exportable varieties of ornamental plants. This initiative has created avenues of mass employment, especially for women in different regions. Floriculture exports from the state is on the increase, he said, but “we are also facing the problem of low priced imports from China and Thailand.”

AgriBusiness & Food Industry March 2011

Guest Column

Protecting and Promoting the Basmati Heritage by Anil Swarup

he article on ‘Protecting the Basmati Heritage’, published in Times of India few years ago, indicated the initial but fundamental steps that were needed to be taken to protect the Basmati heritage. Thus, it was argued that there was a need of immediate initiation of registering Basmati as a Geographical Indication (GI) within the country and then following it up with registration in other countries. This paper looks at an additional protection that can become available to Basmati under the existing WTO regime. This article looks also at the definite need to promote the Basmati heritage as well. Article 23 of the Agreement on Trade Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) is one of the many clauses in various Agreements at WTO which lend credence to the belief that all these Agreements are designed primarily to protect the interests of the developed world. However, there is no point in crying over spilt milk. To my mind, it should now be our endeavour to make the best of the available options and to ensure that in future, we are not caught napping. In fact, the aggressive interventions made by India in the Ministerial Conferences in the past are a valid move in this direction. India is now making an effort, as provided for under Article 24.1 of TRIPS Agreement, to get products like Basmati included in the list for additional protection as is available to products like Champagne. If and when this happens, as it should, no rice, other than the one grown in the Indo-Gangetic plain ( if that is the area finally defined for Basmati Rice), can be sold or marketed either in the name of " Basmati" or even as " likeBasmati". This would certainly be an additional step in protecting the Basmati heritage. We have run into some problems

Anil Swarup

AgriBusiness & Food Industry March 2011

Even if Basmati is registered as GI, it would require an aggressive marketing strategy to promote Basmati all over the world as an exclusive domain of India and Pakistan, highlighting the quality of this product and the characteristics which make it uniquely different from other rice varieties of the world. Some steps that need to be taken both at the national level and by states, like U.P., are as follows: -- Documentation of traditional knowledge involved in the cultivation and production methods of Basmati rice. -- Distribution of authentic quality seeds to the cultivators. -- Focus on quality assurance. -- Initiate an aggressive marketing strategy. -- Promotional campaigns to educate the consumer and trade channels about significance of Basmati as a GI. Some ground work has already been done by organizations like APEDA (Agriculture and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority), especially in relation to the documentation of traditional knowledge and with regard to quality assurance. However, the initiatives taken by APEDA need to be extended to domestic sale as well. Unfortunately, all long grain rice is being sold as Basmati in the domestic market. Thus, not only is the consumer getting, cheated, our case for protecting Basmati heritage is getting weakened. The state governments can, and perhaps should, move in to evolve a regime to protect ‘Basmati’ within the state. (Author is Director General - Labour Welfare, Govt. of India & Former Chairman of APEDA ) Source : APEDA Souvenir

AgriBusiness & Food Industry March 2011

Guest Column

Sunny prospects for wheat — A. Govindan

ndia's 2011 wheat production is expected to be around 84 million tonnes (the second advance estimate puts it at 81.7 million tonnes), a new record, provided the weather during the growing season remains normal. Late season rain in major growing areas created favourable soil conditions for planting. Recent official planting data show that wheat planting in the marketing year (MY) 2011-12 is significantly ahead of the previous year's level, at a record 29 million hectares. High wheat prices, combined with the recent upward revision in the government wheat support price for the 2011 crop, provided an impetus for wheat planting. Although growing conditions so far have been favourable, factors which could affect the quantity and quality of wheat production include

an early or sudden rise in temperature, or rain and hail at the time of harvest. PROCUREMENT AND PRICES The increase in the minimum support price (MSP) for wheat last year raised domestic open market wheat prices, despite record production. As most of the marketable surplus was procured by the government under the price support operation, open market availability was limited, keeping prices high during the lean marketing period. To contain the price rise, the government recently announced additional allocations of wheat and rice, for the below poverty line and above poverty line categories. Although the government did not impose any stocking or other restrictions on private participation in wheat procurement last year, unlike in previous

years, the trade was hesitant to enter the market in a big way due to constant changes in the government's market intervention policies. FOOD SECURITY ACT Wheat consumption in the coming years will significantly be influenced by the government decision on implementing the National Food Security Act, the Congress party's election promise, which is at present in a limbo. The National Advisory Council (NAC), headed by UPA Chairperson, Ms Sonia Gandhi, has suggested the government provide 35 kg of wheat or rice a month to priority households (46 per cent of rural population and 28 per cent of urban population, or around 45 per cent of the country's total population) at a subsidised rate of Rs 2 per kg for wheat and Rs 3 per kg for rice. For the general category (44 per cent of the rural population and 22 per cent of urban population, or about 35 per cent of the country's total population), the NAC has suggested supplying 20 kg of foodgrains at a price not exceeding 50 per cent of the current support price. However, an expert panel set up by the Prime Minister, headed by Mr C Rangarajan, Chairman, Prime Ministers' Economic Advisory Council (PMEAC), to examine the NAC recommendations, has suggested that legal entitlement should be restricted only to the “priority households”. STOCK SITUATION Government-held wheat stocks, which stood at 21.5 million tonnes on January 1, 2011, are projected at around 14.5 million tonnes on April 1, 2011, marginally below the April 1, 2010, stocks of 16.1 million tonnes, but well above the government's desired minimum buffer stock level of four

AgriBusiness & Food Industry March 2011

Guest Column million tonnes and strategic reserves of three million tonnes. With the government wheat procurement likely to remain high at over 24 million tonnes in MY 2011-12 because of the hike in the support price and likely larger production, government wheat stocks could swell to around 36 million tonnes as on June 1, 2011. The large stocks in recent years are not so much the result of higher output as they are of policy measures and market forces which together have raised the public sector's role in the marketing of wheat and rice. As a long-term measure, the government will have to augment its own grain storage capacity and encourage private participation in building grain storage facilities for its own use or for leasing it out to the government. EXPORTS UNLIKELY Despite large carryover stocks and outlook for a record wheat crop, the government is unlikely to lift the ban

on wheat exports in the near future due to domestic food inflation concerns, with the exception of small quantities to neighbouring countries such as Nepal and Bangladesh due to geopolitical reasons. Although the Government has permitted exports of 200,000 tons of wheat through government parastatals in August 2010, according to trade sources no exports have taken place so far. At an f.o.b. price of over $300 per tonne, there is unlikely to be much demand for Indian wheat in global market, despite world wheat prices skyrocketing in recent months, following lower production in Russia, Canada, and some other countries and an export ban by Russia. High domestic wheat prices during the past two years vis-Ă -vis global prices prompted some south Indian flour millers to import small quantities of wheat in containers, mostly from Australia, officially placed at 160,000 tonnes in MY 2008-09. Although limited imports continued in MY 2010-11, they are unlikely to continue in MY 2011-12,

as global prices are slated to rule high in the coming months. Domestic wheat shortage and higher prices forced the government to lower the duty on wheat imports by the private trade to 5 per cent in June 28, 2006, and later to abolish the import duty indefinitely. The zero import duty regime is unlikely to be repealed in the near future due to food price inflation concerns. Since February 9, 2007, wheat exports remain banned with the exception of small exports to Bangladesh through public sector trading companies and limited quantities of wheat products. Concerned about food price inflation, the government is unlikely to relax wheat export restrictions in the foreseeable future. n

(The author was Senior Agricultural Specialist at FAS/USDA, American Embassy,New Delhi, for over three decades.) Courtesy: HBL

AgriBusiness & Food Industry March 2011

Interview

Allow export of 500,000 tonnes of all superior non-Basmati varieties: Vijay Setia Indian exporters are not keen to export basmati to Iran, one of their biggest markets, due to delays in receiving payment for shipments on account of sanctions imposed by the U.S. and United Nations against the Middle East nation over its suspected nuclear programme. This is what the president of All India Rice Exporters’ Association (AIREA), Vijay Setia, said while talking to M B Naqvi & Sumanta Basu of AgriBusiness & Food Industry. “Iran payment is coming very slowly as it is being routed through Dubai. As a result, it is affecting our market and realisation.” According to Setia, total basmati rice exports from India may dip by 10 per cent to 1.8 million tonnes -- in both volume and value terms-- in the 2010-11 fiscal. He attributed the slump in exports to growing competition from Pakistan in Europe due to pesticide concerns. “Indian farmers are spraying pesticide even after the flowering stage of the crop and the EU is objecting to this.”

Vijay Setia

Besides, he sharply criticised the government’s policy for the way it has re-opened non-Basmati exports: For me, this is a half-hearted decision and not satisfactory at all. The quantity permitted for export is very low . . . It is clearly a political decision. Some other relevant issues of the rice industry were also on board. Here are the excerpts:

AgriBusiness & Food Industry March 2011

Interview After being re-elected as president of AIREA, what initiatives have you taken to promote Indian rice sector? First, we started dialogue with government for uniform taxes and we have written to the government that GST should be brought, so that unhealthy competition within the rice industry could be wiped out. Secondly, we have recommended to the government that companies exporting rice in small packings of 1 and 5 kgs, they should be provided some incentive, so that Indian rice can be placed to its logical value.

We have recommended to the government that companies exporting rice in small packings of 1 and 5 kgs, they should be provided some incentive, so that Indian rice can be placed to its logical value.

As the name suggests, your association is an ‘All India’ forum. But around 90% of your members are from Punjab and Haryana, and they are mostly Basmati exporters. What is the reason behind this? What are you doing for nonBasmati segment? We have members from all across the country but your point is correct in one way because the non-Basmati export was under ban and so, people lost interest from becoming a member. But whether they are our member or not, my endeavour is that all biodiversity and superior non-Basmati advantage should be taken by the government of India and by the industry. Commerce ministry should accept my proposal that I have been raising time and again, ‘why are we discriminating with the other superior non-Basmati varieties?’ Government concerns for PDS is well understood. Our warehouses are overflowing; we have more than 4-5 times of rice and wheat, which is sufficient for public distribution. If we allow export of superior non-Basmati, it will ease some pressure and will definitely help the farmers. Besides, it will help the industry to compete with its traditional competitors.

the buyers ask for. Traditional varieties are still doing better than other Basmati varieties in Europe. But now the latest improved varieties, Pusa-1 and Pusa1121, are competing with each other. So, depending on consumer preference, somewhere traditional Basmati is getting good price and somewhere improved varieties are fetching good price.

What are you doing to increase the production of traditional Basmati varieties as its share is going down compared to newly developed Basmati varieties? There are 11 varieties of Basmati— including both traditional and developed varieties. Everybody has different taste for different varieties. These varieties are our babies and all of them are same to us. But as we are commercial people, our interest lies with the variety that

There are few ‘mega projects’ are coming up in Amritsar and there is a difference of opinion among Basmati millers & exporters regarding the matter. What will be the future of such ‘mega projects’ and its impact on rice industry, especially in Punjab? These ‘mega projects’ are just a gimmick. With an investment of 25 crore, you are making tax free units for 15 or 20 years, what about the other companies which have invested more

To sustain our position as a reliable supplier of rice from India and at the same time, to compete with countries like Pakistan, Thailand and others, India requires a clear policy for export. What is your comment? This is a result of poor planning by our former Commerce minister. Now the policy of putting ban on export and allowing government to government exports through backdoor is under investigation. You have to make a policy that suits the Indian farmers and industry as well. Export of superior nonBasmati should be allowed. By exporting Basmati only, we are giving advantage to a particular set of people. This is again a discrimination. I think MEP is a very good policy to control the country’s exports—if you want more exports, lower the MEP and vice-versa.

money in the past? They are shelling out 11% tax in Punjab and competing with the companies that have put up their units. I feel modernisation of the industry through this type of scheme is unacceptable. This will ultimately end up with farmers loosing money because price will be driven by those companies who are exempted from tax and 11% tax may have a major impact on the paddy price. If you need to compete with these mega units, you will require 10% cheaper material, which is not possible and that means it is a one-sided competition. I think the policy created in Punjab will further divide the rice industry and will give birth to an unhealthy competition. Only reasonable subsidy can be given for any project, but giving a tax benefit for 15-20 years has made these companies irrational purchasers. They have purchased beyond their capacity of handling and storage, which will end up in quality deterioration and ultimately it will bring a bad name to our country. But now Punjab government has withdrawn this policy. I approached the Prime Minister’s Office regarding this matter and they asked about its viability. If you are making such advantages and disadvantages within the industry, the entire industry can collapse. The current situation can be corrected if government brings a GST and submerge all taxes into one. Government has finally re-opened the export gate for non-Basmati rice, but set an export limit of 150, 000 tonnes and allowed only a few particular varieties for exports. How do you see this development? For me, this is a half-hearted decision and not satisfactory at all. The quantity permitted for export is very low, particularly when we have sufficient stock of non-Basmati varieties. Government must allow 400,000-500,000 tonnes of all superior non-Basmati varieties, and not these poor varieties, at the minimum price. While premium varieties of non-Basmati rice sell for 35,000 rupees ($770) to 40,000 rupees a ton in Indian wholesale markets, export is permitted at a minimum price of $850 a ton. This move will not benefit the farmers as well. It is clearly a political decision, keeping an eye on the upcoming elections. n

AgriBusiness & Food Industry March 2011

Interview

AgriBusiness & Food Industry March 2011

Interview

AgriBusiness & Food Industry March 2011

Interview

APEDA has been playing a constructive role for rice industry Many exporters are not happy despite the partial lifting of the ban on export of non-Basmati rice. In an interview with AgriBusiness & Food Industry, K.R.S. Sobti, Managing Partner, Deva Singh Sham Singh, said the government should encourage the exporters to promote their bands and “this will only be possible if the government gives financial incentives to the exporters”. At present, he said, more than 80% of rice is being exported in the buyers’ brands.

K.R.S. Sobti

Also, while talking about upcoming mega projects in Punjab, he said, “Mega projects have become the death knell to non-mega projects. The short term and long term impact of these mega projects on the rice industry will be the closing down of other small rice mills . . . This will result in lop-sided development of rice industry in Punjab and it will also affect the industry in Haryana.” Excerpts from the interview:

Significantly, India’s rice sector making strides and reaching new markets. Are you satisfied with the current situation of the rice industry? We are not at all satisfied with the current situation of the rice industry. As per our estimates, more than 80% of rice is being exported in the buyers’ brands. The government should encourage the exporters to sell in their brands to get better value addition and promotion of brand India, this will only be possible if the government gives financial incentives to the exporters. Another important point is that Iran has become a key importer of Indian rice and due to US sanctions, problem of payments from Iran is increasing. Government of India should solve this problem to circumvent the US sanctions. Either have a certain barter system with Iran or payments can be made in Indian rupees or any other currency, so that the trade can continue and the US sanctions are not affected. Basmati rice is not properly defined. There are 14-15 rice varieties that are recognised as Basmati rice. Each variety has its own specification and that creates utter confusion. There should be exclusion of certain seeds which are not being exported to simplify this problem.

APEDA, the nodal body for agricultural commodity exports, celebrating its 25th anniversary this month. What would you like to suggest for better cooperation and coordination between rice trade and APEDA for sustainable growth? APEDA has been playing a constructive role for promotion of rice exports. We are very happy with its Chairman and its staff who have taken up with the government whenever any problem arises in the due course of exports. It should carry on doing so in future too. There has been a debate on the ‘mega projects’, being opened by leading rice millers in Amritsar. What are your comments on short term and long term impact of this on rice industry as a whole? Mega projects have become the death knell to non-mega projects. The short term and long term impact of these mega projects on the rice industry will be the closing down of other small rice mills due to the difference in taxation structure and they will then monopolize and will not give the farmers their due. This will result in lop-sided development of rice industry in Punjab and it will also affect

AgriBusiness & Food Industry March 2011

the industry in Haryana. In the domestic front, the demand of branded Basmati rice is increasing including metro cities and small non traditional markets. In such a situation, what is the status of your brand and how do you plan to expand market for your product? Yes it’s true. We are also making our efforts to market our brand in the domestic front. Technology upgradation is being taken very seriously by all rice millers. Do you have any plan to upgrade or expand your manufacturing as well as packaging facilities in near future? Yes, technology upgradation is taken seriously by everybody in this trade. All the renowned mills have adopted the latest technology. What is your forecast—in export, domestic market, price and the like-for this industry in the coming years? Which market do you prefer to export? I think that the export market will come down drastically and the domestic market will grow by around 10%. We prefer to export to USA, Canada and Europe.

AgriBusiness & Food Industry March 2011

Interview

Basmati export should be monitored in ‘rightful manner’

Ashutosh Sharma

"APEDA needs to get a firm grip on the Basmati exports as it’s losing its sheen in the international markets due to vested interests of some handful of players. Also, I feel, APEDA is the only body that can really be unbiased and take on the problems in a rightful manner" says Ashutosh Sharma, Proprietor of Authentic International. Established in 2000, the company represents many reputed overseas Basmati (and non-basmati) rice buyers/importers in India. Sharma also provides specialised consultancy to various Indian exporters from time-to-time and as such, his views although being personal, do cover and represent 'both sides of the coin', so as to say. In a candid interview with Naveen Grover of AgriBusiness & Food Industry, he gives an insight into the current situation of Indian Basmati rice trade and also shares his views on its international scenario.

On current situation of rice industry . . . Beside Iran, which other new worthy markets are we talking about? Most of them were there even 10 years back. Basically, just the number of players and brands has increased many folds, both here as well as in the international markets. This is why we feel and notice such difference, otherwise there is not much to write about. Suggestion for better cooperation and coordination between the rice trade and APEDA . . . First, my congratulations to APEDA for its silver jubilee anniversary. Professionally I have been dealing with APEDA, especially for Indian rice exports, since 1989 during my earlier years with M/s Mohan Exports Ltd right up to 2000, when I left L.T. Overseas Ltd and set up Authentic International. But till date, I go and meet various officials of the organisation on a personal basis whenever I need any guidance/ clarification and they have always taken good care of the matter, and extended proper advice. On the Basmati rice export front, I must say that APEDA needs to get a firm grip on the Basmati exports as it’s losing its sheen in the international markets due to vested interests of some handful of players. Also I feel, APEDA is the only body that can really be unbiased

and take on the problems in a rightful manner, including the current IPT issue with the EU. On impact of the 'mega projects' . . . I have many friends in the industry and some of them will not like this. But anyway, the whole idea and reason behind this 'mega' is being defeated. Neither the local farmers are really benefiting, nor is the traditional rice industry happy about it. You have various rice varieties which are not grown in Punjab but being milled there. Why? Today, 'Basmati' is being grown all over the country-- MP, Rajasthan, etc and tomorrow it could be grown even in Goa! And a lot of this so called 'Basmati' is also reaching there. How? This ‘how’ and ‘why’ is the real crux of this issue. That's why I would say again -- APEDA is the only body for it and to monitor the situation, they need to get a 'firm grip' on Basmati exports before its too late. Then there will be no need to cry over spilt milk. On increasing demand of branded Basmati rice and market expansion plans . . . It’s all due to the consumers’ rising aspirations as also their income status. All of us want to try everything and consumer packed Basmati rice is no exception. We do not have our own

AgriBusiness & Food Industry March 2011

brand; we only help in building the brands for others, provided we have faith on them and they trust our hard work & honesty towards our work. On upgradation of manufacturing & packaging facilities . . . We do not have our own facility. As we act as 'buying agents' for our esteemed foreign clients, we utilise the best available facility depending on their requirements. Some of the millers that we deal with have state-of-the-art facilities and some of the facilities are even better than the ones I have seen overseas. Forecast for rice industry in the coming years . . . Forecasts are done by astrologers and weathermen, I am only a professional. But since you ask, I personally feel there will not be any big development. Markets are saturated, brands are aplenty and prices are already high. Buyers are also fed up of new hybrids coming every year. Someone was asking me when will India have a 007 variety? I would like to request APEDA to intervene into this matter. Otherwise, the question 'which market will I prefer to export?' would change into 'who wants to buy from us?' in coming years. Web: www.authenticinternational.com

AgriBusiness & Food Industry March 2011

Interview

Indian processed food sector set to sustain growth momentum India, being one of the largest producers of fruits & vegetables of the world, has vast growth potential in food processing. According to M.A. Sreeram, Director & Chief Executive of Bangalore-based Sterling Agro Product Processing Pvt Ltd, “US $180 billion Indian processed food sector will continue to grow at 13% y-o-y.” The company is engaged in processing of gherkin, jalapeno & other peppers, and baby corn among others. The company exports to North American, European, Russian and Pacific markets. “Also, we do merchant exports of pulps and juices, nuts and seeds, spices and condiments to Middle East and European markets,” Sreeram said while talking to Kashif Raza of AgriBusiness & Food Industry. Excerpts: What is the current status of to tie-up with any Indian the Indian processed food or foreign retail brand to sector, especially processed expand your market using fruits/ vegetables segment? the modern retail? Could you also throw some We have arrangement light on the condition of with many retail giants packaging sector in regard to in US, Canada, Germany, the processed foods? France, Australia and we India is second largest are adding new customers producer of staples and third in this space. largest producer of fruits and vegetables. Indian GDP Do you export your grows at 8.5 % year-on-year M.A. Sreeram products? If yes, to which basis with raising income countries? How do you and purchasing power; the aspiration of envisage the potential of this sector in younger population is growing at much domestic and export markets as well? faster rate. More so in processed food As I said earlier, we export all category as it is convenient and healthy. our products. There is vast potential, I expect US $180 billion Indian processed especially in crops like gherkin food sector will continue to grow at 13% where both farmers and processors y-o-y. are benefitted due to integration and Tell us about the product range you offer. Do you plan to add any new product to the present range? Are you using indigenous technology or imported technology for packaging of your products? We export processed gherkin, jalapeno & other peppers, and baby corn under private label to North American, European, Russian and Pacific markets. Also, we do merchant exports of pulps and juices, nuts and seeds, spices and condiments to Middle East and European markets. What is the growth rate of the processed food market in India? Are you planning

symbiotic relationship.

According to you, what are the major constraints in the growth process of processed food industry? What support do you receive from the food ministry and its agencies to promote your business? Food Ministry and Ministry of Commerce through APEDA provide many supports to be competitive. However, I expect the support will

AgriBusiness & Food Industry March 2011

Kashif Raza

continue because competing countries like China are competitive because of these supports in spite of India having natural advantages in certain areas. Also, one aberration in monsoon will be a spoil sport to our growth story, so we need to be consistent in the export market. Now-a-days, consumers are more health-conscious. What steps are you taking to restore the food value and maintain the quality of foods as well for a longer period of time? Do you have in-house testing labs to check food quality or to prevent any type of contamination? We do have health food vertical which is working on health food for Indian consumers, steel cut oats, Low glycemic index foods, etc. In this age of globalisation, a number of foreign players offer their products in India in almost every sector, may it be retail, food, packaging solutions, or what else. How do you face the challenges thrown by foreign processed and packaged food products? I think this will make us more competitive in quality, packaging, convenience and cost. It should be welcomed.

AgriBusiness & Food Industry March 2011

Interview

Indian fruit processing industry is at par global standards

D.A. Thejeswari

Mysore Fruit Products Pvt. Ltd has been the exporters of fruit pulp and concentrates for the last 30 years and finds the Indian processing industry, especially fruit processing, quite promising. The company manufactures and offers a variety of pulps, concentrates and juices. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are manufacturing mango pulp & concentrate, guava pulp & concentrate, papaya pulp & concentrate and tomato paste in aseptic packing,â&#x20AC;? said D.A. Thejeswari, Director of the company in an interview with Kashif Raza of AgriBusiness & Food Industry. She further spoke about various aspects of her company. Excerpts:

Current status of Indian processed food industry, especially processed fruits/ vegetables segment . . . Demand for fruit juice is increasing all over the world. Fruit processing industry is fast growing. India has lot of agricultural resources. Farmers engaged in growing fruits and vegetables should be encouraged to do so; otherwise, they could be tempted to go to cities in search of larger benefit from agricultural business. Packaging of R.T.S juice/drink should give more shelf life. At present, for fruit juice/drink packaging cost is more than the product cost. Government should encourage by giving financial support or by relaxing the tax structure for packaging so that we can compete in the global market. Product range, use of technology for processing & packaging . . . We are manufacturing mango pulp & concentrate, guava pulp & concentrate, papaya pulp & concentrate and tomato paste in aseptic packing. We offer fruit juices & drinks, fruit jams in cans and bottles, and packed fruit slices among other products. We are interested to add a new range of fruit juices, which would have better shelf life than tetra pack and would be more consumer-friendly for usage Industryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s growth rate & plans for tieup with modern retail brands to expand

market . . . Growth rate of processed food industry is quite promising. We are open to have tie-up with any Indian or foreign retail brand if it seems beneficial. On export of products . . . Yes, more than 80% of our products are exported. We have been exporting to Europe, Russia, U.S.A and Middle East Countries. As per the available data and survey reports, this year there should be good harvest of fruits, which would create better opportunities for us. Major constraints in the growth process of the industry . . . The major constrain in our industry is unpredictable prices of raw materials that is fruits. Fruit processors can not dictate their terms either in purchase raw materials or in selling their products. We need some help in this regard. On restoring food value and maintaining food quality for a longer period of time . . . We are the exporters of fruit pulp and concentrates for the last 30 years and we are a ISO: 22000 certified company. Starting from procurement of raw materials to dispatch of finished products, we maintain international quality standards. For each step, we follow proper quality procedure. We carry out hygiene inspection and microbiological analysis, and we are

AgriBusiness & Food Industry March 2011

equipped with our own lab. On challenges thrown by foreign players . . . Now, Indian fruit processing industry is at par with global players in quality and packaging. Though we have good resources of fruits in India, most of the packing materials are being imported. We should update our technology for bulk packaging. On making packaged foods more userfriendly . . . Customer convenience is very important. Now for juice, we can find easy open cans; for ketchup and sauce, we have user-friendly squeeze bottles. In market, we can find pouches that have less shelf life. We are planning for more innovative packaging in near future.

AgriBusiness & Food Industry March 2011

Interview

Demand for juice-based products will rise in coming years Being a fast developing nation, India has vast potential for processed & packaged food sectors. “India being a developing nation observes faster change and as a result, the country will have huge demand for juice-based products in coming years,” said Mohammed Ghause, Managing Director of Zain Fresh Agro Ltd and Chairman of Real Fresh Agro Pvt Ltd. At the same time, he pointed out the importance of agricultural reforms, “We must fasten our research in agriculture. . .to increase production.” While talking to Anjum Abbas of AgriBusiness & Food Industry, Ghause spoke about various aspects of the processed food industry including current status of juices & concentrates segment, use of technology, growth rate and the like and also about his own company. Excerpts: Don’t you think that to keep Current status of Indian pace with the changing food processed food industry, habits and to ensure food especially fruit juices & security, agriculture reform is concentrates . . . very necessary? Specifically speaking, We must fasten our worldwide consumer research in agriculture. India habit is changing and being agro-based economy, consumers are switching it is very important to keep from carbonated soft drinks balance between price of the to natural juices mainly agricultural produce and per because of rising consumer acre income of the farmer. awareness for nutritional So on one hand, we need to value. India being a Mohammed Ghause make sure that farmer must developing nation observes get reasonable returns against faster change and as a the produce and on the other hand, we need result, the country will have huge demand to make sure that prices of the produce are for juice-based products in coming years. within reach. Hence, we are left with only On the other hand, as India is agro-based one option-- strong agricultural research to economy, it will be having vast potential increase production. This will help boosting for commercial growth of the industry. per acre income without hiking prices of Due to continuous increase in demand, fresh produces and this way, we would be fruit processing sector is growing rapidly. able to compete in international market. If the growth continues in the same manner Some suggestions by which we can for a decade, India will become one of the achieve sustainable progress are: Per acre major consumers of juices and concentrates yield must be improved; Role and scope in the world, rather than a producer. In that of middlemen needs to be clearly defined case, import will also increase. including the margins; Commodity trading should be accountable and stock verification Product range on offer . . . system should be monitored under Presently, in our manufacturing unit, government supervision; Contract farming which is located at Dharmapuri district of should be given some liberty of work with Tamil Nadu, we are manufacturing canned an advantage of income tax exemption to get mango pulp, guava pulp and papaya pulp corporate investments by which agricultural among others. This year we are expanding research will also become competitive; Net our manufacturing facility by further post harvest losses are almost over 20%. To investing 10-15 crore rupees to aseptic prevent this loss, intermediate processing, bulk packing of the same product. We are storage facility and cold storage/refrigerated planning to launch our juices very soon logistics should be initiated by government under the brand ‘ZAIN’. We are having bodies. regular imports of tomato paste from

AgriBusiness & Food Industry March 2011

Anjum Abbas

China. Also, we are into industrial and institutional supply of fruit jams. On export of products, current per capita consumption and industry’s growth rate in domestic market . . . We do export our product to Middle East, Gulf and European countries. Due to global change in food awareness and eating habits, global juice market is growing in multiples, and Indian market is no exception. India’s rapid growth is well reflected in its escalating purchase power. And domestic market is growing faster than export market. Established juice players like Pepsi, Coca Cola, Parle, Fresh Gold and Dabur are increasing their production capacities due to huge demand in market. Some new players are also coming; we too have plans to launch our own juice brand ‘ZAIN’ by 2012-13. About support from government or government agencies . . . Yes, we are receiving various assistance from government agencies. We are also getting export incentive which is helping us to compete in international market. Now a days, food standards also going through reforms as administration of FPO is taken over by FSSAI. Under Ministry of Health, FSSAI is more organised than present system. Definitely it will improve manufacturing practices. I am a member of ‘board of studies’ in Marathwada Agricultural University, which is the only college in India dealing in food science and technology. Here, we concentrate on technological and standard development while design the courses.

AgriBusiness & Food Industry March 2011

Interview

‘Value addition’ to traditional processing is need of the hour Pune-based HRS Process Systems Ltd is global leader in supplying total solution for food / fruit processing industry like heaters, chillers, pasteurizers, aseptic process lines and diced fruit and host of other process lines for various applications. Explaining the success mantra, V Gokul Das, Managing Director of the company said, “We have a judicious mix of global technology customized for local operations that coupled with local service centre makes a winning combination.” In reply to a question of Firoz Haider of AgriBusiness & Food Industry, Gokul Das said, “Fruit processing is one of such industries which create more jobs than any other industry. . .it creates jobs even at village level.” Excerpts from the interview: As we understand, HRS today. We have our units Process Systems, being working with all MNCs a pioneer in bringing in the beverage sector and revolutionary technologies majority of pulp processors to the process industry, in India bank on HRS has to compete not only products and services. with local companies, but also with various global While Ministry of technology suppliers. What Agriculture is trying to are your views on changing double the production scenario and available of all horticulture opportunities in Indian crops, Ministry of Food V Gokul Das market? Processing Industry Food/fruit processing is encouraging more industry has been an industry of global investments on value addition. Being an technology suppliers and HRS group is important technology supplier, what is also a global player. We have a judicious your suggestion to achieve the target? mix of global technology customized I think ‘value addition’ to our for local operations that coupled with traditional processing is need of the local service centre makes a winning hour and at the same time, investing in combination. This helps us bridge the infrastructure to enable more fruits and gap and creates a value-add for our vegetables movement into the processing customers and thus, enhances growth sector, thereby reducing wastage too. opportunities for us. With changing times, the processing As we know, you are a part of HRS sector has achieved remarkable growth, Group, Europe’s leading heat transfer which also involves new challenges as and food processing company. How well. As an industry leader, what are do you assess the performance of HRS the new challenges that you perceive? Process Systems in the last few years as Do you think that the industry is ready an Indian arm of HRS Group? to face them? We have been very successful in Fruit processing is one of such our markets and with a CAGR of over industries which create more jobs than 25%, I can say that we are one of the any other industry and the biggest top performers in the group. We are advantage is that it creates jobs even at a NSIC-CRISIL SE1A rated company. village level. An efficient harvesting and Our business in this sector has shown post harvest operation would ensure over 200% growth in the past years and quality produce with low spoilage and it is about 40% of our total business result in benefits for the producer and

AgriBusiness & Food Industry March 2011

F. Haider

processor. Investment in agriculture and better post harvest technology, infrastructure like roads, cold store chains, availing of higher quantity of quality produce for processing and contract farming are the challenges on which a lot of action has been initiated and we can see the improvement. We at HRS are also gearing up in our area of expertise in food / fruit processing sector to cater to this growing demand for quality processing machinery for processing of fruit pulp and beverages. You provide processing solution for food / fruit processing sector which includes beverage, milk products, milled products, pulp & juices and the like. Which of these segments, in your view, are performing really well and hold potential for your industry in near future? I think each of these segments is performing well as compared to past. We have seen tremendous growth in the pulp & juices segment which will have huge potential in the coming years. The demand for healthy food and fruit products will be increasing exponentially over the coming years. This being attributable to all positives for a growing economy-- changing consumer tastes and preferences, and higher population with better per capita income. You may agree, price and after sale service is a key to sustain sales and long term standing in the market. Are your

Interview machines cost-effective in comparison to other manufacturers? What about after sale service? Why one will choose your company over other companies in this line? Price and after sales service, coupled with quality product and good technology, is the key for sustainable sales and long term standing in the market. Our machines are cost-effective with latest technology and maintain international standards. Our service backup is round the clock during the season for our customers and this has helped us gain a leadership position in the mango pulp processing belt which was earlier dominated by international players. We are chosen because of global technology with indigenous solutions and service backup. Packaging sector, on which food processing sector depends on for its own growth, is poised for good times ahead. This sector alone is set to attract huge investments in coming years. How do you see this development for your industry? We are not into packaging of products since this is another specialised

field. However, as everyone knows, packaging is also adding to the cost of products. The trend has been to reduce this by better product quality at higher concentration, which means lower packing cost per unit of pulp processed and this saves not only packaging cost but also transportation cost. We supply customised plants for evaporation too. As processing keeps evolving all the time, solution providers like you need to make new and newer innovations in the products. Being a part of an European company, do you make these modifications using indigenous technology or the technology used in European countries? Also, do you carry out these changes because of consumer demands or on your own? HRS Group has a research centre in Murcia, Spain where research is carried out into existing and future processing techniques for the food industry. The

findings from the research centre enable the Group to offer increased competitiveness in terms of new product development and processing techniques. We have a team of experienced specialists in India who evaluate various process inputs required based on type of fruit and its properties, market and customer / consumer preference and define changes, if any, to be carried out for our local conditions. However, major part of the machinery is made in India and hence, any customisation or service requirement is fulfilled locally.

AgriBusiness & Food Industry March 2011

Interview

Flexible packaging in India has tremendous growth potential

Hemand Gupta

The rapid growth of processed food industry paves the way for packaging industry. The latter one, though still lacks big investments, has huge growth potential. “The Indian processed food industry accounts for about 13 per cent of the country’s exports and involves 6 per cent of the total industrial investment in the country. Of this packaged food stands very low. Thus there is a tremendous potential for growth of flexible packaging in the food and processed food sectors,” says Hemant Gupta, Director of Modern Laminators Pvt Ltd. In an interview with Naveen Grover of AgriBusiness & Food Industry, Gupta says, “India is indeed a dynamic, developing and demanding market and most of its potential has not yet been identified . . . it is obvious that flexible packaging has a very bright future in India.” Excerpts:

What is the current status of the packaging industry in India, particularly flexible packaging that you are into? What are the new trends coming up in this sector? What about the potential of this industry in India? Global packaging industry is growing swiftly and ready to meet the tomorrow's trends. The increasing demand for fresh and quality packaged food, consumer convenience and manufacturer concern for longer shelf life of the food products is driving the market for Global active and smart packaging technology for food. In the packaging printing industry, flexible packaging remains a strong growth opportunity in the field. These find use in packaging food, tea, coffee, spices, chewing tobacco, bakery, confectionary, oils, and in certain other non-food applications such as household detergents, health and personal care, soaps, and shampoos. The push factors include: Continuous Expansion of fast food, pet food, cooked food and medicines end user market; Continuous conversion from rigid packaging to new flexible equivalent of the; reduction in the packaging cost and packaging size requirements; Universal application of shaped bags and transparent flexible. Global demand for converted flexible packaging will grow exponentially in the coming years. The best gains are expected in the world’s emerging markets, including Eastern Asia, Eastern Europe, Africa and Middle East. India has untapped markets with a potential of double digit growth. India is indeed a dynamic, developing and demanding market and most of its potential has not yet been identified, leave apart conquered or covered. As new aspects of this market and its consumers’ behaviours are defined and chalked out everyday, the need for new solutions unique to the Indian market emerges.

Considering these factors it is obvious that flexible packaging has a very bright future in India and is here to stay and grow in a big way. How far is the packaging industry helping the processed food sector to grow and how is packaging beneficial to this type of foods, especially for their improved shelf life? The Indian processed food industry accounts for about 13 per cent of the country’s exports and involves 6 per cent of the total industrial investment in the country. Of this packaged food stands very low. Thus there is a tremendous potential for growth of flexible packaging in the food and processed food sectors. Today almost everything is produced and sold in carton packs including milk and buttermilk. Ready to serve complete meal in trays are introduced in the market. Microwave foods require special kind of packaging system in which sealing integrity has to remain intact. Otherwise it will open up during heating and corns will not get fully puffed. Are you using indigenous technology or imported ones for packaging? How far the use of latest technologies helps the sector to grow? What is the growth rate of this sector in India? We are using latest technology both indigenous and imported depending on the need, features offered and the quality. In order to compete at international level we have to be according to the international packaging standards. This can be done by bringing in the new and innovative technologies. According to you, what are the major constraints in the growth process of packaging industry? Do you receive any

AgriBusiness & Food Industry March 2011

support from government or govt. agencies to promote your trade? Major Constraints in the growth of packaging industry are: l Intense Competition & Cost Pressures which are putting up newer and greater challenges for production and costs. There is more globalization of Indian economy which till recently was insulated from the rough and tumble of global situations. l Inflation and high input prices are eating in to the margins of packaging companies because of the rise in the cost of the paper and other inputs during recent years. Government supported the industry by announcing certain duty/ tax reductions (Indian Government announced a cut in the excise duty imposed on the finished goods from 12% to 8% in 2008), yet this was not sufficient saving for the industry that was badly reeling from the high production costs.. Do you export your products? Do you have any plans to expand your facilities/business in coming few years? How do you foresee the future of Indian packaging industry? Yes, we are exporting our customized and superior quality products to several countries worldwide. We are offering complete solutions for flexible packaging requirements to our esteemed customers. We have a separate export division which is handled by our Export Consultant, Mr. Sumit Goel. We do have immense plans to expand in coming years. Our dedicated R&D Dept. is constantly developing new and innovative products to suit our customers’ requirements – both existing and prospective.

AgriBusiness & Food Industry March 2011

Honey Industry

HONEY: A NATURAL DAILY CHOICE “An outlook of the emerging opportunities in the honey market” HONEY ON PLATE Honey is not new to the palate. What has changed in the recent past, though, is the increased impetus of honey as natural product with several health benefits, flavors and innovative positioning. According to associated market survey, almost 77% of US households use honey along with other sweeteners and syrups. And 45% of them consider honey as a good value because it is a natural product with several benefits. As a whole honey has a positive profile with nearly 60% of users “especially liking” it because of the taste and flavor; 24% because of its natural content and 16% because they believe that it is good for health. THE MAJOR TRENDS OBSERVED IN THE HONEY INDUSTRY IN 2010 WERE Trade up Consumers in US are trading up more expensive honey in several categories. Primarily the thrust is to enhance everyday energy, vitality and appearance. The New Rule on the Shelf 1) Private labelers’ growth story has spiraled further upwards. They are now, not the mere low-priced copy cats, but also matching national brands in terms of quality. 2) Branded honey is costlier than private labeled honey across the stores in USA, Europe and many other countries. Consumers are shelling out more to buy branded honey! Probably because of the number of benefits offered by branded players in comparison to private label brands: - Safe residue levels - Microbiological disinfection - Nutrition and organic elements - Innovative presentation and attractive packaging The above points ensure overall good

in honey industry has emerged: - Pure bottled honey - Unifloral honey/ Premium creamy honey - Honey blend- here honey is used as a functional food - Honey based health supplement - Honey associated with geographic origin e.g.- manuka from New Zealand, Sidr from Yemen, leatherwood from Tanzania, Yellow box honey of Australia etc - Honey as a sweetener

A.K.SINGH, PRESIDENT & CEO, LITTLE BEE IMPEX quality and convenience. Pay more, get more or pay less, get less. However, some of the in stores brands have shown promise in terms of quality and value proposition. Due to this, the profit picture is no sweeter than usual for the majority of the branded players in honey with the sweet becoming salty for them. 3) Retail pricing has been one of the influential aspects of the modern retail business. It plays an important role in assessing the competitiveness, positioning and value proposition for the products. THE GROWTH DRIVERS FOR THE NEXT DECADE The change in environment and lifestyle pattern has taken a toll on the physical and mental health of the people globally. This change has made people to incorporate healthy diet and avoid unhealthy foods. Honey is one such food that provides distinct health benefits over the base category. Globally, general health, weight control, child growth, heart health, digestion and energy are the dominant “health and wellness” product benefits on which companies have to work and design honey based products to meet consumer needs and garner market share. It is the only long term strategy. Resultantly, following Product category

AgriBusiness & Food Industry March 2011

Organic honey also continues to gain clout with consumer. Even in trying economic times, American consumer continues to see the value in natural and organic honey. They are going green. PROGRESSIVE VIEW: MOVING WAVE Stepping into the next decade, world market is taking along significant changes in the consumer attitude. It is fundamentally believed that the honey industry is going through a point of inflection which can be understood in the context of following factors and are collectively referred to as “FUTURE OF WORK”: 1) Recognize demographic changes 2) React to changes 3) Relocate budgets and resources accordingly 4) Recruit 5) Report progress Selling less for more is not enough. With commodity inflation a continuous threat to growth, honey companies should frantically rework supplier networks, hedging risk via future trading and taking closer look at product attributes to save every penny. Honey market is likely to remain tight in 2011. According to an assessment, an improved demand but limited supply of honey will restrict domestic consumption in most of the key markets due to high selling prices. Modern retailers should cut their margin to partly offset rising input costs and to avoid hiking of product prices.

AgriBusiness & Food Industry March 2011

Gateway to Hottest destination for

Food Products and Technologies Over 15 countries products on display September 9-11, Palace Ground, Bangalore, India

aving made the food processing sector virtually tax free, Ministry of Food Processing Industries has prepared ‘Vision 2015’, targeting an increased level of processing of perishable commodities from 6% to 20%. A new market driven farming is emerging in the country and the food processing sector could provide income generation opportunities to 70% of country’s population, directly or indirectly. The total food production in India is likely to double in the next few years and there are ample opportunities for large investments in food products, processing, packaging, technology and allied sectors. Prominent among the areas waiting to be tapped are canning, packaging, refrigeration for dairy, poultry, fisheries, meat, ready to eat products, cereals and grains, soft drinks consumer product groups like confectionery,

AgriBusiness & Food Industry March 2011

chocolates, coco products, soya-based products, mineral water, high protein foods and nutraceticals, apart from health food and health food supplements, which is a fast growing segment of the food processing industry It is against this background that Media Today, which has an impeccable track record in organising international trade fairs and conferences, is holding the 3rd edition of India Foodex 2011 exhibition (www.indiafoodex.com). This three-day event will take place in Bangalore, which is the hottest destination for expansions and diversification of food processing industries. The concurrent shows are GrainTech India and DairyTech India, beginning from 9 – 11 September 2011. The exhibition will focus mainly on food products, dairy products, spices, fresh foods, coffee and cocoa, food ingredients, food retailing & technologies, grains and many more that

Curtain Raiser

demand attention. These 3-in-1 exhibitions -- are closely interlinked, forming a composite whole, encompassing the entire food business—from the grower to the consumer. India Foodex will have under its ambit production of good quality food, ready-to-eat products and promotion of marketing for retail outlets in India and abroad while GrainTech India will be devoted to post harvest management, processing and value addition to grain. And DairyTech India which is most important area where Indian Government going to invest to increase dairy productivity and value addition. To impart more value to the event, a two-day international conference and workshops for farmers and agri-entrepreneurs is being planned. Appropriately, the theme of the conference is “Food Security through Technology”. The event has the full support of the Union Ministry of Agriculture, the Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MFPI) and APEDA, all of which have a vital stake in increasing food production to meet rising domestic demand and to promote food exports. While the Agriculture Ministry has a plethora of schemes to encourage adoption of latest technology to raise productivity levels in the farms, MOFPI has its focus on checking colossal losses of harvested food grains and horticulture produce by promoting value addition through use of latest technology. APEDA’s role, on the other hand, becomes important as it has set its eyes on taking food exports from the country to a new high. The aim is to make India a “Food Basket of the world.” APEDA has set an export target of 15 billion dollars worth food products to be achieved in the years to come. Closely associated with organisation of the conference are other important bodies that are involved in producing and marketing of quality food products, both for the domestic and global markets. The organisations are: Indian Institute of Crop Processing Technology, Roller Flour Millers’ Federation of India, Solvent Extractors Association of India, Soyabean Processors Association of India, Indian Oilseeds and Produce Export Promotion Council, NSIC, All India Food Processors Association, Indian Biscuits Manufacturers’ Association and Bhartiya Krishak Samaj. Why the event is focusing on South India? In South India, farmers are growing a number of crops, but facing problems in enhancing production and value addition because of

inadequate exposure to the latest technology, advanced production practices, logistics and marketing as well. Therefore the expo aims at bridging this huge communication gap among enterprising farmers of South India, machinery manufacturers, food product exporters & importers. Exhibitors from India and abroad will participate in the Expo. Last year trade visitors, from over 20 countries like The Netherlands, Bahrain, Iran, UAE, USA, Germany, Taiwan, Canada, Malaysia, Singapore, China, Kuwait, Jamaica, Greece, Pakistan, Israel, Uganda, Turkey, Ethiopia, UK, Spain, Belgium and Japan were at Expo. Organisers Since 1996, Media Today Group, backed by dedicated team of professionals, technocrats and marketing experts with over a decade of experience in publishing and conducting exhibitions, conferences, workshops, training programmes, is pioneer in organising specilised trade exhibitions. The Group has already organised a series of events including International Horti Expo, DairyTech India, GrainTech India, Flora Expo, Landscape and Gardening Expo, Cold Chain & Logistics Expo, Seed, Agrochem & Irrigation Expo, Processing & Packaging Expo, India organic Expo, Food Retailing Expo, Agri Finance & Insurance Expo, Medi Herbal Expo and Agri Tech India. The Group publishes national-level magazines like Floriculture Today, Agri Business & Food Industry, Saarc Oils & Fats Today, and Directories like APEDA Exporters Directory, Food Processing Industry & Trade Directory, Roller Flour Mills & Allied Industries Directory, and Floriculture, Nursery & Landscape Industry Directory. Media Today Group regularly participates in all major national and international exhibitions related to floriculture, horticulture, food & technology, etc held at major centres like Holland, Japan, Germany, France, Italy, South Africa, Russia, Singapore, China, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Nepal and Sri Lanka. Also the Group has a strong marketing network spread over all major business destinations including New Delhi, Mumbai, Pune, Hyderabad and Bangalore with marketing associates in China, Taiwan, Thailand, France, Spain, UAE. For more information please call: +91-11-65656554 / 26682045 or mail at info@indiafoodex.com / indiafoodex@gmail.com or visit www. indiafoodex.com / www.graintechindia.com / www.dairytechindia.in

AgriBusiness & Food Industry March 2011

Grains Round-up

FCI targets record wheat procurement with new facilities

he government has hiked procurement target by more than 16% to a new high of 26 million tonnes for 2011-12 season in anticipation of bumper wheat harvest this year. Last year, the Food Corporation of India (FCI) and state-owned procuring agencies have purchased 22.52 million tonnes of wheat from farmers. "The government expects a bumper wheat crop and the estimated procurement may be to the tune of 26 million tonnes," FCI said in a statement. The previous high was achieved in the 2008-09 marketing year, when the procurement stood at 25.3 million tonnes. According to the second advance estimates of crop output for 2010-11, released by the Agriculture Minister, Sharad Pawar, recently, a record 81.47 million tonnes of wheat is expected to be harvested this time. That makes it the third successive year of over 80 million tonnes of grain production, which will start arriving in the markets from next month. The government procures wheat and rice from farmers at minimum support price to provide them a remunerative price and this year the government has fixed MSP of wheat at Rs.1,120 per quintal for the farmers. FCI procures foodgrain for allocation to the states under the Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS) and also keep buffer and strategic reserve norms. The corporation is the nodal agency for procurement and distribution of foodgrain and also involves other state agencies to buy the grains from farmers. Last year, Punjab had contributed the highest quantity of 10.17 million tonnes of wheat to the central pool, which is close to 5% less than the 10.69 million tonnes achieved in the previous year. FCI had procured 6.33 million tonnes from Haryana which was 8% lower than the 6.89 million tonnes it purchased last year. However, the bumper harvest of 8 million tonnes in Madhya Pradesh last year, the central Indian state has registered a twofold rise in procurement to 3.42 million tonnes from 1.67 million tonnes achieved a year ago. With the current wheat stocks are much more than strategic reserve and buffer stocks norms, in anticipation of storage crunch, FCI has decided to hire godowns for one year to store wheat, which will be harvested from April onwards.

"The efforts will be to hire as much capacity as possible under one year guarantee scheme so as to meet the storage requirement for the coming rabi season," the statement said. U n i o n food minister Siraj Hussain KV Thomas recently said the government plans to add 17 million tonnes of storage capacity in the next 2-3 years in view of higher procurement, which is key to implementation of the National Food Security Act. At present, FCI has a storage capacity of 43 million tonnes. The High Level Committee (HLC) recently approved creation of additional storage capacities of 3.2 million tonnes. According to Siraj Hussain, CMD of FCI, tenders for the creation of 15 million tonnes of storage capacity by the private sector were in different stages of implementation. He said the state were free to decide whether they wished to build storage facilities on their own through state warehousing corporations or through the private sector through build or build and operate modes. He, however, cautioned that the suggestion regarding direct transfer of cash subsidies in the large way to the farmers would entail huge financial implications and do away with the need to create new storage facilities. "The issue needs to be thought through in the most serious manner." Rains a booster for wheat Rains in north India are expected to boost the yield of wheat crop helping the country achieve record grain production. “The current rainfall will prove positive for the standing wheat crop,” said Dr S.S. Singh, project director, Directorate of Wheat Research, Karnal. A senior scientist with the directorate said, “The temperatures have come down due to the recent rainfall which is essential for the wheat crop. This will help farmers avoid extra irrigation and will take up the yields considerably.” According to the second advance

AgriBusiness & Food Industry March 2011

estimate, the combined output of Punjab and Haryana is expected to be 269 lakh tonnes in the current rabi season as against 256.69 lakh tonnes in the previous year. Uttar Pradesh is set for a production of 309 lakh tonnes this year as against 275.18 lakh tonnes on 93 lakh hectares. The state has targeted a production of 300 lakh tonnes in 2011 on 95.50 lakh hectare. Uttar Pradesh director (agriculture) Mukesh Gautam said, “Temperatures had risen suddenly during the first week of February. Though there was no reason for panic, the crops could have been affected slightly as wheat is a heatsensitive crop.” The wheat acreage in Rajasthan is likely to be over 25 lakh hectare as against 23.94 lakh hectare last year. As per the earlier projections, the output is likely to cross 85 lakh tonnes. “Crop loss is feared only in hailstorm-hit areas of Sikar, Jhunjhunu and Churu. In fact, the light to moderate rains are reported to be beneficial for standing crops in places like Bharatpur and Dholpur and Karauli,” said state agriculture department deputy director D S Yadav. The crop size in Rajasthan has come under pressure. The sub-zero cold spell during January has shrunk the crop by 10-15%. The grain size too is likely to be affected. “The size of the grain is likely to be dwarf with less protein content in several areas,” said an agriculture department official. New highs Apart from wheat, the country will produce record levels of pulses and maize this year. More significant is the pulses output, which, for the first time, will cross the 15 million tonnes mark and touch 16.51 million tonnes. Likewise, production of maize is estimated at 20.03 million tonnes, thereby scaling the 20 million tonnes barrier. Apart from these major crops, production of tur (arhar or pigeon-pea) and sesamum are also reckoned to touch new highs of 3.18 million tonnes and 0.83 million tonnes, respectively. Such a high level of production will be achieved despite significant crop damage due to widespread drought in Bihar, Jharkhand, Orissa and West Bengal and the effects of cyclones, un-seasonal heavy rains and severe cold wave and frost conditions in several parts of the country, noted the farm minister.

AgriBusiness & Food Industry March 2011

Grains Round-up

Food Ministry begins talks with States to boost grain storage

he Centre has launched a dialogue with State governments to find an expeditious solution to the vexatious issues of foodgrain storage and distribution. The Union Minister for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, K. V. Thomas, is piloting discussions in different zones in the country where he and a team of officials attached with his Ministry will interact with Food Ministers of States from the respective zone. Recently, the first in the series was launched in Thiruvananthapuram where Ministers from southern States interacted with the delegation from the Centre. “Such discussions will be subsequently held in Delhi, Kolkata and Mumbai,” said Thomas to the reporters. Distribution of foodgrain and other materials falling under the public distribution system is posing a big challenge, the Minister said. Ships are pressed into service to

reach them to a remote location such as Lakshadweep while helicopters fly sorties to drop them in the land-locked NorthEastern States. The big issue that confronts the government today is storage of foodgrain at the most proximate location for meeting peak demand. The Andhra Pradesh government, for instance, has approached the Centre with a proposal to set up its own storage facility. But this is something that cannot be built overnight, the Minister said. On its part, the Centre has a proposal for setting up incremental storage capacity of 17 million tonnes over a period of three years. But the challenge really is to find an immediate solution, given the prevailing foodgrain availability dynamics, he added. This is what prompted the Centre to push allocations under special schemes. But offtake has failed to measure up, with

States citing their own reasons. Most important among them is the issue of differential pricing that rendered it difficult to dovetail this scheme with the prevailing PDS. “We have to find a solution to this issue. This is what we are discussing through the zonal dialogues with State Food Ministers,” said Thomas. “We cannot also raise overnight allocations under APL where the offtake ranges from 30 to 40 per cent. On top of it, there is a subsidy component involved.” For every kg of foodgrain allocated to States, there is a subsidy component of Rs7-8. The subsidy bill has shot up manifold from Rs23,000 crore just five years ago to Rs88,000 crore as of now. It is imperative that the public distribution system be improved and modernised. The Centre needs cooperation from the States in this regard, the Minister noted.

Technology & action plan boosts pulses growth

he country is set to reap a bumper crop of pulses, with domestic production expected to cross 16.5 million tonne this year, thanks to an action plan to make India self-sufficient in the commodity. "It's a result of use of improved technology, better quality seeds and use of micronutrients," said Planning Commission member K Kasturirangan, the man behind the mission. Higher incomes have increased the demand for pulses, but the domestic production has been unable to keep pace,

making India susceptible to price pressures by countries that have a surplus. India produced 14.7 mt of pulses and imported 3.5 mt last year. The production of pulses is caught in the 11-to-14mt zone since the mid-1990s depending on the acreage, as the yield is stuck at about 600 kgs per hectare. Over the last five years, the price of pulses, as measured by the wholesale price index, has risen at a compounded average rate of 11.5%, nearly double the general rise in prices. Prices of one of the most popular variety, arhar or tur, had shot up to over 100 a kg last year. Working closely with pulses growing states like Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra, Kasturirangan and Saumitra Chaudhury, also a Planning Commission member, have prepared short-term and mediumterm plan. The plan for 2010-11 focused on availability of inputs and certified seeds,

building farm ponds and other water harvesting structures and introducing sprinkler irrigation. It also sought to assure farmers of a support price. Although the government announces a minimum support price for pulses, but without effective procurement it remains a paper promise. The strategy has yielded results, with area under pulses in the ongoing rabi season rising by more than a million hectares from a year ago. In the kharif season, the acreage was up 1.8 m ha. "Under improved conditions, the yield of pluses can rise from 600 kg per ha to 15002000 kg per ha," according to the paper on work-plan for pulses. The long-term strategy proposals include formation of pulses zones, increased mechanisation, and extension of pulses to newer areas. It has also called for scaling up use of bio-pesticides and bio-fertilisers, and an improvement in seed replacement rate. The action plan also suggested providing pulses mills to village entrepreneurs through existing system of purchase and credit.

AgriBusiness & Food Industry March 2011

Corporate News

Parle to focus on snacks category

he country's top biscuit maker Parle Products is restructuring its snacks portfolio to emerge a significant player in the 4,000-crore market, according to company source. "Snacks is one segment where we are trailing behind and not been able to cut much teeth in the last three years since we forayed," Parle Products group product manager B Krishna Rao told reporters. Parle Products, which recently beat Britannia to become the country's largest biscuit maker, hopes to become the second-largest snacks player with a onefifth share in the market by the end of the year, he added. The Mumbai-based company at present has only a 5% share in the snacks

market dominated by PepsiCo Frito-Lay, which holds almost 60% market share with brands such as Lay's, Kurkure and Cheetos. Other top players in the market include ITC, Haldiram's and Balaji Wafers. Parle Products relaunched Musst Chips and Musst Stix as Parle Wafers and Parle FullToss, respectively, in the last six months. It plans to relaunch and rebrand Monaco Smart Chips in another six months. Rao said Parle Products plans to expand the snacks portfolio with newer products and may hire brand ambassadors too. "But the first priority is to consolidate presence to emerge as a frontline snacks company," he said.

In the last three months, Parle Products has ramped up distribution for its snacks business, come up with several local flavours and even changed the production process to increase its share in a market growing more than 20% a year. Parle Products dominates India's 12,000-crore biscuit market with a 45% share and is the country's second largest confectionery maker after Perfetti with a 15% share in the 2,500-crore market. Apart from snacks, Parle Products is also betting big on health foods segment as the next growth driver. After the success of Actifit Digestive Marie and Actifit Sugarfree Cream Cracker biscuits, it now plans to roll out more such products under the Actifit sub-brand.

JBT FoodTech nominated for the Gulfood Awards

BT FoodTech, formerly known as FMC FoodTech, is nominated for the Gulfood Awards with following products: In the “Best heavy equipment innovation” category for SuperAgi Today, sterilization is all about product quality and cost per unit produced. JBT FoodTech’s SuperAgi helps you meet the challenge! By integrating the spray pipes inside the rotating drum, the retort diameter has been reduced from 1800 mm to 1500 mm. As a result the amount of steel that has to be heated and cooled with every batch is drastically reduced. This results in significant reduction of steam, water and air consumption. And all this while maintaining the same holding capacity! SuperAgi’s innovative design (spray pipes mounted inside the rotating drum) eliminates any physical barriers between the product load and heating medium, which results in an even better heat distribution within the retort. In short: better quality products at a lower cost per unit produced! The SuperAgi is ideal for products that require end-over-end

agitation during sterilization. Due to its unique design, SuperAgi also allows to produce high quality product at lowest cost per unit produced in static or rocking mode. In the “Best environmental sustainability initiative” category CCM3 Insulating Ceramic Safety Coating is a great alternative to other safety and insulating materials to clad heated equipment. The latex-based radiant heat barrier can easily be sprayed on all types of industrial equipment, even while hot. It is water proof, class A fire-resistant, self-priming on non-ferrous metals and resistant to most acids. It is also a great solution for solving safety issues with hot surfaces. This amazing product with high tensile strength and elasticity can be applied to a wide range of industrial surfaces and equipment needing insulation: from food processing and freezing equipment, over industrial equipment buildings and storage tanks, to hydrostatic towers, rotary sterilizers and batch autoclave doors. Just a few of the great many benefits in comparison to normal fiberglass wool insulation: elimination of corrosion due to condensation formation, no removal needed for inspection of the

AgriBusiness & Food Industry March 2011

coated surface, ease of damage repair, good chemical resistance… The CCM3 ceramic coating can be applied to new and existing equipment. The product demonstrates our innovative approach and continuous search for advancement. Fiberglass wool has been the food industry’s safety insulation of choice for many years. Today, JBT FoodTech introduces an innovative alternative. VISIT JBT FOODTECH IN GULFOOD 2011 AT STAND S1 – C20. Website: www.jbtfoodtech.com

India’s coconut exports surge on poor Lankan output India is reaping the benefits of a slump in coconut exports from Sri Lanka. An unprecedented export demand from the Gulf and other Asian countries has led to the entry of more players into India’s export sector. “Sri Lanka has imposed a ban on the export of coconuts, possibly to control the local prices of the product. As a result, the global focus has shifted to Indian coconuts which are superior in quality,” said Kamlesh Shah, proprietor of the Mumbai-based agro commodities exporter Kunal Corporation, which has started exporting coconuts from this season. In fact, the Coconut Development Board (CDB) has received over 20 additions to its list of registered exporters. Clearly, major export houses engaged in the shipment of various commodities are

fact that the unusual demand and a poor production in major producing states such as Kerala have lifted the prices of coconut and its chief products, copra and coconut oil, to record highs.

finding coconut export a lucrative business, said a CDB official. Sri Lanka has been the main competitor to India in the export of coconut and its products. But exports from Lanka have been hit by a sharp shortfall in production. And Sri Lanka’s loss has turned out to be India’s gain.

“We have been sourcing coconuts at a rate of Rs 13.50 or more for a nut, which is at least Rs 4 to Rs 5 higher than the previous year,” pointed out Sajith, general manager of Fair Exports India, which supplies coconuts to the Lulu supermarkets in the Gulf countries. “We buy large coconuts weighing 500 gram or more and sell it in the shredded form for use in curries. We require over 1 crore nuts a year. Despite the close of the Pongal and Sabarimala pilgrimage season, we are finding it difficult,’’ he said.

Exporters have not been hampered by the

AgriBusiness & Food Industry March 2011

Corporate News

HUL to foray into fruit-based beverages market

industan Unilever will soon launch its first fruit-based drink under the Kissan brand to cash in on the increasingly health-conscious mindset of the Indian consumer. The entry of the country's largest consumer products firm will potentially shake up the fast-growing 1,500-crore fruit-based beverages market, currently dominated by Dabur, Parle Agro, PepsiCo and Coca-Cola. HUL will launch fruit-based drinks in tetrapaks under the Kissan brand name, two officials close to the development said. The 62-year-old Kissan brand is the market leader in all three categories it is present in: ketchups, jams and squashes. But fruit-based drinks is a new business for the 18,000-crore giant, which has more than 35 consumer brands mostly in food, personal care and home care segment. Its parent Unilever has fruit-based beverages only in a few markets, including

Brazil. Not all brand experts are convinced about the Hindustan Unilever's game plan. "Kissan is a brand associated with kids and no adult consumer would like to be seen with such a brand out of home," said Anand Halve, co-founder of brand consultancy firm Chlorophyll. "The tetrapak category is mainly driven out-of-home and HUL would face problems positioning it as an adult brand," he added. The 1,500 fruit-based beverages market in India is divided into three segments -fruit drinks, nectar and 100% juice -- and is getting increasingly competitive. Parle Agro's Frooti, Coca-Cola's Maaza and PepsiCo's Slice are the three major brands in the fruit drinks space, which is the largest chunk of the fruitbased beverages category. In the nectar

and 100% juice space, Dabur's Real brand controls half the market, while Pepsi's Tropicana has over 30% share. And all these four companies have been investing aggressively on new product launches and innovation to cash in on the increasing demand for healthy drinks. Carbonated drinks still remain the most popular non-alcoholic ready-to-drink beverages in India, but the two cola multinationals and other established players have been introducing newer variants and brands to expand fruit-based and other healthy beverages.

Tata Beverages to ink JV with Kerala Ayurveda

ata Global Beverages Ltd signed an agreement recently with Kerala Ayurveda Ltd to form a joint venture (JV)

for developing a range of beverages and food products based on native recipes for the global market. “The proposed joint venture will focus on developing beverage and food products based on Ayurvedic recipes, actives and formulations for the global market where benefits of the Indian system of medicine for wellness are recognised,” a company statement said. Both the companies will sign definitive agreements to set up the JV in the next few months and the transaction will be subject to statutory approvals. “The joint venture will not have conflict of interest with the existing arrangements of either party,” the statement added. The $1.5-billion Tata Group company has interests in beverages, tea and coffee and operates across 40 countries worldwide. Tata Tea, Tetley, Himalayan

AgriBusiness & Food Industry March 2011

Natural Mineral Water, Good Earth and Eight ’O Clock coffee are some of its regional and global beverage brands. Kerala Ayurveda, founded in 1945 by renowned Ayurved acharya K.G.K. Panicker at Aluva in the southern state,

has a chain of 30 treatment centres and clinics and three hospitals across India, besides a wellness resort in tech hub Bangalore. The Ayurveda firm also offers a range of Ayurvedic courses, treatments and healthcare services through five subsidiaries across the US.

AgriBusiness & Food Industry March 2011

Corporate News

Pepsi joins Rs12,000-cr biscuits market

lobal cola major PepsiCo now wants to battle it out in the Rs12,000-crore Indian biscuits market that is getting chock-a-block with new entrants. The American food and beverages maker, which launched Aliva baked crackers in 2009, will start test-marketing oats-based premium cookies under its Quaker brand soon, said two officials directly involved with the development.

PepsiCo India is among a slew of domestic and international companies rushing to the fastest-growing (faster than noodles and potato chips) processed food segment in the country. “The category will explode this decade,” said Nikhil Sen, biscuits industry veteran and MD of Bangalore-based biscuit maker Unibic India. American major Kraft Foods is expected to kick off its India foray with biscuits some time this year. Domestic company Marico too is reportedly planning a foray into the segment by acquiring Unibic India, a subsidiary of Unibic Australia and makers of ANZAC Oatmeal cookies and Bradman Chocolate Chip cookies. Last year, Glaxo Smithkline Consumer Healthcare extended its milk foods drink brand Horlicks to cream biscuits and cookies, while UK’s United Biscuits launched

McVities digestives biscuits in the country. Already, the two companies that dominate the Indian biscuit market — Parle Products and Britannia Industries — are facing stiff competition from ITC’s Sunfeast brand and smaller brands such as Priya Gold and Cremica. The per capita consumption of biscuits in India is said to be 2 kg a year, while its 8 kg in the US and 12 kg in the UK. “What’s unique to biscuits is that it’s perhaps the only packaged food product that has universal acceptance; biscuits start at a very affordable price and are easily available,” says Richa Arora, founder and chief strategy officer of consultancy firm Five by Six Consulting. While almost all biscuit companies have been pushing the Rs2, 5 and Rs10 price points through glucose and salt biscuits to capture volumes, most of them also have a presence in the premium segment because they can make more profit and the demand is on the rise.

Forget onions, a mango goes for Rs.600!

his year’s first Alphonso mango has fetched a record Rs.600, at the mango mahurat trading, almost 50% more than the last year’s opening price. The first four boxes of this delicate variety of the king of fruits were sold for Rs.7,000 each in Mumbai’s popular fruit and vegetables bazaar, the Crawford Market in January. Each box contained a dozen Alphonsos. In Pune, the first box of 40

Alphonsos was sold at an auction conducted by the Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC) for Rs.11,111. This would translate into a retail price of Rs.450 per mango. These prized first few boxes come two to three months ahead of the main season, which usually starts in April. The fruit grows from early flowering in the rainy season. The high mahurat price is paid in order to get publicity, said Nathsaheb Khaire, owner of PL Khaire and Sons, a grapes and mango trader based in Pune. The trader himself may not make much profit from the transaction. He may even have to sell those mangoes for a loss. Low supply has given a boost to the opening price this year. “Last year, we sold the first mangoes at Rs.4,500 a dozen. But this year, we have not got any early fruit from our orchards,” said Amar Desai, chief executive of the Pune-based Desai Bandhu Ambewale. Desai’s family owns orchards in Pawas in Ratnagiri district of Maharashtra and has been trading mangoes for the past 75 years.

AgriBusiness & Food Industry March 2011

The first mangoes usually go to politicians, film stars and the rich families in Mumbai, said Prakash Bang, a marketing professional who packs and door delivers mangoes under the brand name Bangoes. Yogesh Dhole, a fruit wholesaler and retailer in Crawford market, agreed with Bang. But it is only a matter of time before Alphonsos become affordable for the middle classes. The crop is expected to be good, though the season may be delayed by up to two months due to unseasonal rainfall, experts said. Alphonso arrivals will begin in March but the price will be Rs.2,0003,000 per dozen, Desai said. Wholesale fruit markets are also waiting for the king. While last year there was crop damage due to a heat wave in the first week of April, this year we expect the crop output to be much better in the period after mid-April because of better weather conditions currently, said Sanjay Narayan Pansare, director of APMC in Navi Mumbai.

AgriBusiness & Food Industry March 2011

Research News

Canola infant formulas support normal growth: Study

new study that reexamined data on the length and weight gain of infants indicates that infant formula containing canola oil supports normal growth. Canola is a form of rapeseed that is low in erucic acid and high in contains a high proportion of monounsaturated fatty-acids and low levels of saturated fats. According to the authors of the new study from Germany, this nutritional profile “facilitates the manufacture of infant formula with a fatty acid profile more similar to human milk”. In the US canola oil is not generally recognised as safe (GRAS) only in foods, edible fats and oils for non-infant consumption. This is because erucic acid has been associated with myocardial defects in some animal studies. In Europe, however, there is no restriction on the use of canola oil in infant formula, the authors point out. In finished products, however, erucic acid may not make up more than 1 per cent of

the total fat content. While canola-containing infant products have been used in studies to investigate the effects of the linoleic acid:alpha-linoleic acid ratio on visual function, Peter Rzehak and colleagues from Germany found little published data to compare the safety of formulas containing canola with those that did not. In order to assess the effects on growth, they re-analyzed data on infant weight and length from a prospective double-blind trial in full-term infants, known as the German Infant Nutritional Intervention (GINI) study. This involved some 2252 babies born in Munich. Data on the length and weight of babies that were fed canola formula and non-canola formula were compared in weeks 4-5, month 3-4, and month 6 to 7 after birth. The team found that although infants fed canola tended to be longer and heavier in general, no differences were seen in terms of weight gain or growth in any

AgriBusiness & Food Industry March 2011

of the three periods or across the whole period. “We conclude that infant formulas containing part of the lipid source as canola oil have no adverse effects on infant growth, neither in weight nor in length compared to feeding a formula without canola oil,” they wrote in a report to be published in the journal Clinical Nutrition. One limitation of the study, as mentioned, was that the stringent inclusion criteria meant that only 85 infants’ data could be included in the study. The babies had to be feeding on the respective formulas exclusively for the first 16 weeks of life. What is more, the formulas in the canola and non-canola groups were not the same. The researchers pointed out that any compositional aspects with a detrimental effect on growth would have been detected in overall growth effects of the formula.

Research News

Certain fruits and veggies can make you look attractive

s per researchers of a new study, looking attractive might not be such a tough task after all, because all one needs to do to look more attractive is to start eating lots of fresh fruits and vegetables, especially carrots and plums. These fruits and vegetables are not just good for one’s health in general but also provide skin with a healthy glow and color, which in turn makes the person, look attractive, revealed the study authors. While commenting on the study results, one of the researchers, Ian Stephen, said in his press statement that encouraging people to eat healthy is a tough job today, however, after this research’s findings, it might become a slightly more easier. "Telling people they might have a heart attack in 40 years' time if they don't eat more healthily is one thing. What we can do is say, ‘This is what you could look in a couple of months if you increased your fruit and vegetable intake’,” added Stephen. The research study was carried out by the researchers from the St. Andrews

University and Bristol University, UK, in collaboration with each other. To arrive at this amazing conclusion, researchers carried out an experiment, in which they tried to find out relationship between attractiveness and skin color. First, researchers recruited 40 volunteers and then the participants were told to rate faces of 51 Scottish Caucasian people for attractiveness and healthiness. Researchers found out that majority of participants rated people with yellow skin tone not just healthy but attractive too. After making this discovery, researchers tried to find out more about the diet of people, who were rated attractive and healthy, in the study. They found that these people mainly ate diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables, including carrots and plums in abundance, and that’s what provided their skin with slightly yellow hue. In short, including certain fruits and vegetables in one’s diet is primarily responsible for producing yellow twinge in skin.

Encouraging study findings Study researchers concluded in their report that by telling young adults, who love to munch on junk food these days, about this study’s findings, they can encourage to the consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables in their diet. However, one has to eat these fruits and vegetables for a certain amount of time before they start to yield results. The study findings are scheduled to appear in the March issue of the journal ‘Evolution and Human Behavior’.

AgriBusiness & Food Industry March 2011

Research News

Dairy products can prevent Type 2 diabetes

utting back on dairy products was the medical advice of the last two decades. It was recommended to stave off everything, from extra pounds to coronary heart disease. But recently, researchers are finding that maybe it was not such hot advice -- not for losing weight, not for heart disease, and now, not for those at risk for diabetes. Using the data from 3,736 persons in the Cardiovascular Health Study, who had been followed for 20 years, a team from the Harvard School of Public Health found how many of the subjects developed type 2 diabetes during that period. Using dietary information, stored in 1989, and blood samples stored in 1992, the researchers tracked the blood cholesterol, insulin and fatty acid levels of those who had developed diabetes and those who did not. The researchers found that the participants, who consumed high levels of a fatty acid from dairy, called transpalmitoleic acid, were at lower risk of

heart disease, overweight and diabetes during the 20 year study. Trans-palmitoleic acid, unlike the fatty acid our bodies manufacture (cis-palmitoleic acid), is not diminished by the presence of carbohydrates in our bodies. In fact, the participants with the highest levels of trans-palmitoleic acid were at three times less risk than those with the lowest amounts of the acid in their blood samples. Trans-palmitoleic acid is a naturally occurring trans-fat found in butter, milk, and cheese. It should not be confused with manufactured trans-fat used in vegetable oil and other processed foods, which have been linked to high risk for heart disease. Though more research is needed, particularly clinical trials, other studies have already indicated that dairy products are beneficial for weight loss and being

AgriBusiness & Food Industry March 2011

overweight is the biggest risk factor for type 2 diabetes. Dairy products have also been shown to be beneficial in reducing hypertension, and high blood pressure is a major contributor to heart disease. Besides, in animals, their natural cis-palmitoleic acid protects them from diabetes, and it is just possible that the trans-palmitoleic acid we drink or eat is fulfilling that biological role for humans.

AgriBusiness & Food Industry March 2011

Research News

Pomegranate juice found beneficial for dialysis patients

atients on hemodialysis who consumed pomegranate juice for 1 year developed significantly fewer infections compared with those who did not, showed the results of a single-centre placebo-controlled study. They also had significant reductions in markers of inflammation and protein oxidation, Dr. Batya Kristal said during a press briefing at the annual meeting of the American Society of Nephrology. "Antioxidant-rich pomegranate juice has been shown to improve the lipid profile in patients with diabetes, reduce blood pressure in patients with hypertension, and improve heart function in those with heart disease," said Dr. Kristal, a nephrologist with Western Galilee Hospital, Nahariya, Israel. She and her associates set out to study the use of pomegranate juice in hemodialysis patients "because they also suffer from oxidative stress, which is caused by excess production of free oxygen radicals in the face of low antioxidants," she said. "Free radicals are involved in the development of chronic diseases such as aging, coronary heart disease, and cancer. The damage of free radicals can be reduced by dietary intake of antioxidants." During

dialysis, she continued, the blood flow through the dialyzer enhances free radical release, which adds to the high levels of oxidative stress and inflammation. For the study, 101 dialysis patients were randomized to receive 3.38 ounces of pomegranate juice or placebo three times per week for 1 year. "The pomegranate juice and placebo bottles looked the same," Dr. Kristal said. "Even the taste was similar. Both patients and staff were blinded to its content." The researchers chose a commercial pomegranate juice manufactured in Turkey and marketed in Israel. She said the product was chosen because it had the highest concentration of polyphenols among 14 pomegranate juices tested. The studyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s primary end point was the change from baseline in markers of inflammation and protein oxidation, including neutrophil priming, interleukin-6, albumin, and oxygenized fibrinogen. The main secondary end point was the rate of hospitalization due to infections. After 1 year, patients in the pomegranate group had significant

AgriBusiness & Food Industry March 2011

reductions in neutrophil priming, oxidized fibrinogen, Il-6, and albumin, while those in the placebo group had no significant change in any of the markers. Dr. Kristal also reported that patients in the pomegranate group had a lower rate of infection-related hospitalization compared with patients in the placebo group (33 vs 55 per 1,000 patient-months, respectively), a difference that was not statistically significant. However, significantly fewer patients in the pomegranate group developed a second infection-related hospitalization compared with their counterparts in the placebo group (3 vs 18 per 1,000 patient-months, for a P value of .01). Since pomegranate juice contains a high amount of potassium, Dr. Kristal emphasized that its intake by dialysis patients should be monitored by a dietician and a nephrologist, to prevent potassium overload. She also noted that pomegranate juice may interfere with the metabolism of certain drugs.

Research News

Purple fruits and veggies protect brain cells

he world of natural science is rapidly painting a clear picture that helps us better understand the underlying mechanism behind devastating diseases including Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and multiple sclerosis. Researchers are revealing that these illnesses develop as a result of poor dietary and lifestyle choices and can be prevented by adopting a whole foods diet rich in raw, organic foods including plenty of purple colored fruits and vegetables. Excess iron in the blood is associated with an increased risk for heart disease and heart attack and new research now highlights the metal with a decline in brain health. The results of a study published in the journal, Archives of Toxicology, shows that the brain is particularly sensitive to unbound iron that crosses the blood-brain barrier to cause free radical damage as well as toxins known as hydroxyl radicals. In order to protect yourself from these damaging iron particles it’s necessary to ensure a healthy intake of binding nutrients known as iron chelators. Purple fruits and vegetables are a particularly potent source of compounds that bind tightly with iron to neutralize their effect on the brain. Blueberries, acai berries and green tea

have been cited as excellent foods that help protect the brain. This study underscores the importance of avoiding red meat as a source of unbound iron in the diet. Most of the iron in red meat is unbound and freely released into the blood where it can wreak havoc throughout the body. Conversely, vegetarian sources of iron such as leafy greens and spinach are tightly bound with fiber and do not elevate iron levels. The study author noted that the antioxidant effect of vitamin C is negated with high levels of unbound iron and is dramatically improved with a diet high in vegetables and fruits. Improve Brain Housekeeping A significant pathway that leads to declining brain health occurs when the normal cellular housekeeping cycle is disrupted in a process known as autophagy. Researchers from the USDA’s Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging have found that berry extracts can enhance the process in aging adults in part due to their powerful antioxidant properties. Anthocyanins in the skins of the berry protect against the pro-inflammatory agents including COX-2 and TNF-alpha. The

researchers conclude ‘”these results suggest that acai may contribute to ‘health span’ in aging, as it is able to combat some of the inflammatory and oxidative mediators of aging at the cellular level”. Acai berries can be consumed in their natural form, as a concentrated drink or as a supplemented extract. The purple compounds found in the skins of many fruits and vegetables are important to brain health as they are able to cross the critical blood-brain barrier. Extensive research demonstrates that these chemical structures help to reduce brain inflammation and bind with iron to protect sensitive brain cells. Be certain to include a variety of purple foods to naturally protect your brain and lower your risk from devastating diseases that threaten your ability to walk, learn, think and make new memories.

AgriBusiness & Food Industry March 2011

Profile

DHIMAN GROUP

Leading equipment manufacturer for confectionery products

himangroup is World’s leading equipment manufacturer for confectionery products and machines of mainly three Brands VIZ. LATINI (ESTD. 1938) HOHBERGER (ESTD.1926) AND DHIMAN (ESTD. 1944) with close to century in service of food processing & packaging systems. With state of art plants in India and USA and a warehouse in Canada dhimangroup fully geared to not only meet but exceed customer expectations. The plants are equipped with latest CAD/CAM

Amrinder S. Dhiman, C.E.O

system and a battery of CNC machines. Dhimangroup manufactures and supplies a wide variety of cooking and processing machines for the continuous production of fondant, fudge, caramel, toffee, crème, icings, pure sugar, hard candy, lollipops, starlight candy and other applications. Dhimangroup offers custom engineered equipment for turn-key projects. Some of prestigious customers include Bimbo, Cadbury, Kellogg’s, Kraft, HERSHEYS, Parle, Godiva, Nestle, Wrigley etc. We have our clients spread over more than 60 countries. When

required customers are provided with complete layout plan and assistance and training on product development in own Confectionery pilot plant situated at Nakodar. There is a separate division to cater to fast changing customers needs of machines not manufactured in India where we buy new and used machines from all over the world, re-furbished and adopted to customer specific needs in the field of Fruit Processing, Packaging, Chocolate, Confectionery and bakery industry.

AgriBusiness & Food Industry March 2011

Profile

Dhiman Systems (India) Ltd

Provides wide range of Lab. machinery for candy manufacturers

unjab-based Dhiman Systems (India) Ltd, with brand name DSIL, has developed wide range of Lab. machinery for R&D purpose and to assist the professional confectioner to set up their recipe formulations, take product trials, and raw material tests and other work which are not possible on large-scale production machinery. These machines are also useful for small scale manufacturers. All the machines are user-friendly with very low noise level. Maintenance and cleaning is very easy. All contact parts are made of stainless steel. The range of machines include-l Lab.Vacuum Batch Cooker Cap. 10 kgs./batch l Lab.SS Coating pan diameter 450mm (18") with heater and blower l Lab.Sugar Pulling machine capacity 5 kg/batch l Lab.Candy Forming 6" Plast-O-Plast spring type machine with Batch former Two stage rope sizer, Four way conveyor and electrical control panel capacity 1000 kg/shift l Lab.Cooling plate size 600 mm x 600 mm table top design l Lab.Rooler Candy Former/Chicklet Former l Lab.Mixer for gum capacity 5 kg/batch l Lab.Extruder for gum l Lab.Ball gum Forming machine l Lan.Toffee cutting machine, l Lab.Lollipop Forming machine

Lab.Batch Vacuum Cooker This cooker is capable of preparing a wide variety of confectionery masses such as hard candy, toffee and caramel. The machine comprises of cooking vessel with stirrer mechanism, which is driven through a geared motor. This is used for mixing the product during the cooking process. Temperature gauge is provided to check temperature of batch and vacuum gauge is provided for checking vacuum. The upper vessel is steam jacketed which provides the heat for the cooking process. The steam-jacketed vessel includes a steam pressure gauge. There is an easy to use hand wheel mechanism for releasing cooked batch into lower vacuum pan. After vacuum in lower pan, the material is discharged into cooling plate for mixing flavor and color in the batch. Lab.Coating Pan The laboratory coating pan is basically a stainless steel spherical fabrication mounted to a frame and driven through a geared motor. All the machine parts including the electrical control panel are mounted to a base plate. The Coating Pan is manufactured from stainless steel. The standard machine is supplied with a 450 mm diameter pan. Hot or cold air blowers can be provided as an optional extra if required. Lab.Pulling Machine The pulling machine has been designed for the aeration of many different types of confectionery masses such as hard candy, toffee and chewy sweets. It consists of a geared motor, which drives the two rotating pulling arms around a third fixed arm. The pulling arms are lined with teflon sleeves to prevent the product from sticking to them and to make cleaning easy.

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Lab.Candy plant Lab.Candy plant is a table size machine consisting of Candy forming spring type 6" die machine with Batch former Two stage rope sizer, Four way conveyor and Panel Board. Capacity of the machine is 1000 kg / shift of 8 hrs. Total process of producing candy is performed in the table size plant. Once candy mass is cooled and mixed properly it is then transferred to the Batch former. The thick uniform mass produced is fed into the rope sizer to form a uniform rope of the required size. This rope is then fed into the candy forming machines where candies are formed in required shape, size and weight. The formed Candies are discharged on the cooling conveyor which cools them so that they may be wrapped and packed further. Lab Mixer and Extruder for Bubblegum Lab.Mixing machine is a mixer specially designed to produce uniform mixing, blending & kneading of highly viscous, thick materials. The tangential action of mixing and kneading is thoroughly obtained by two â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Zâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; shaped kneading blades, which rotates very accurately at different speed towards each other causing the product to be transferred from one blade to the other. The mixing action is a combination of bulk movement, stretching, folding, dividing, and recombining of the material. The shearing & tearing action of the material against blades and the side walls causes size reduction of the solids. Close clearance is maintained between the blades & the walls resulting in a perfectly homogeneous mix. A heater is provided to the body for easy mixing of gum mass. Extruder is used for extruding the chewy gum masses. The entire machine is made of stainless steel. A heater is provided under the body for easy extruding of gum material. The extruded rope size can be adjusted by changing final die from which rope comes out. Website: www.dsilgroup.com

Profile

Privasia Trading

Offers unparalleled service

rivasia Trading has sales and service relationship with some of the most prominent names in the India Food Service Industry and is committed to helping them succeed in the industry and in satisfying consumer appetites. Privasia Trading is committed to delivering branded products that provide consistency and exceptional value at all quality levels. All our products and brands conform to the most

stringent standards of food safety, sanitation and consistency. Our Locations: Dedicated warehousing in Mumbai, Bangalore and New Delhi, and an expanding network of stockists spanning Calcutta to Chennai. A dedicated fleet of vehicles provides doorstep delivery to our customers with a goal of dispatching goods to our customers within a maximum of 24 hours from receipt of their order. Our regional marketing offices are located in Mumbai (Maharashtra), Bangalore

(Karnataka) and Gurgaon (Haryana). Our Business: Privasia Trading operates in one of the most basic of industries â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the distribution of food and related products and services to restaurants, caterers, hotels, club, hospitals, schools, ships and airlines â&#x20AC;&#x201C; wherever a meal is prepared away from home. Our Vision: To become Indiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leading Food Service Supplier by consistently offering unparalleled levels of quality, value and services across the country. n

AgriBusiness & Food Industry March 2011

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AgriBusiness & Food Industry March 2011

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Chaman Lal Setia Exports Ltd.

The landmarks of Maharani

Vijay Setia, Director

Rajeev Setia, Director

t is a story that has been told and retold many a time. It is a link to the past and a bridge to the future. Through its long journey, Chaman Lal Setia Exports LTD. has gone past numerous milestones becoming a global food giant. And it looks forward with hope and glory to scale greater heights and continue touching the world with that special authentic taste of India. It all started as a small rice milling business, Father Mr. Chaman Lal and two sons Mr. Vijay and Mr. Rajeev Setia joined hands to bring the best variety of rice, the Basmati Rice, to the people of India. And to differentiate their basmati rice from other variety of rice available in the market, they gave a name to it – Maharani, the name that meant the Queen, which depicted the best variety of rice available to people. It was all small scale until a point when they realized the importance of maintaining consistency in the high quality basmati rice they wanted to bring to the people. This was the time when their small rice milling business took a big step and they set up their Big rice plant in Amritsar, India. This big step gave them a strong foothold in the industry and gradually people among trade and also the ones who used to consume it, started forming high opinions about Maharani Basmati Rice. Gradually the brand started becoming a premium brand of basmati rice available to people in the market. Around this time, with the wave of liberalisation, came opportunities of interaction with overseas clientele. As the business grew bigger, this small rice milling business started becoming a part of the mainstream of Rice Exports from India. By around this time, this small rice milling business grew even bigger and it was no more a small business. This was the time when this business got converted

into a big enterprise. More people joined hands with the Setia and sons around the same time this enterprise got its first name - “Chaman Lal and Sons” (This enterprise was later renamed as “Chaman Lal Setia Exports Ltd”). In the same year, the company established its second rice milling plant at Karnal, a place 110 km from Delhi, India. As the company grew bigger, the disadvantages of operating in an unorganized industry started cropping up. To protect itself from such environments, the company started firming its back-end. First, among all was resetting the entire distribution network. For the first time in the history of rice industry, the company introduced a concept of “exclusive distribution”. Under this program, all the distributors committed their network solely to the company and promised not to sell any other products available in the market. Second, was to import state of the art plant and machineries. Through revamping the machineries, the company started maintaining a bench mark of quality at the plant level and ultimately at the industry level as well. The third big step the company took was in 1996 when for the first time it introduced Packaged Basmati Rice of 1kg & 5kg to make it possible for consumers to buy the Maharani products directly from shops. Around this time, the company took another big step. For the first time in the rice industry, a commodity was not just looked at as a ‘commodity’, but as a ‘brand’. This was the time when the company started advertising its product – Maharani. This was the time when the brand started looking beyond just one product in its portfolio. The brand realized that consumers had different taste and different likings of basmati rice. Depending on their

Ankit Setia, Director

AgriBusiness & Food Industry March 2011

Sankesh Setia, Director

lifestyle they lived and budget they had in hand, the brand came out with its first extension – Maharani’s Begum Basmati Rice. Post this extension, the brand was further extended itself into different kinds of Basmati Rice priced at different levels. The years of innovations, Mr. Vijay Setia (Company’s Director) and (President of All India Rice Exporter's Association) and his team started innovating and creating new products. Research & Technology Proprietary Processing Tech: Company has several technologies developed in-house that help generate has broken, uniform color (for Parboiled), immediate palatability, no foul smell. Environment: The company is inclined to adopt techniques and measures to eliminate pollutants. In this context, the company has developed an indigenous technique of clarifying waste parboiling water and adoption of cleaner fuels and combustion techniques. Besides, the company propagates the use of Biopesticides for controlling infestation in stocks. Research & Patents : Couple of companies research works are under patent. Besides the company has improved in-house on processing techniques to give uniform product quality & lesser broken. Energy efficiencies are achieved by reduced steam & power consumption. Hygiene: Company standards with respect to hygiene are absolute with a zero failure rate. Accreditation: Company is accredited as an ISO 9001:2008 & HACCP company. A Trading House Recognized by Govt. of India. for excellence in exports. VISION We are proud to source our specialties from the acclaimed geographical areas of India, where the best crops are grown. These harvests are exquisitely processed and prepared to bring out the matchless authentic taste, aroma as well as flavour. Then the offerings are packaged in such a way that the rich and authentic Indian flavor stays intact for consumers to relish, across the globe. E-mail: begum@futurerice.com

AgriBusiness & Food Industry March 2011

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AgriBusiness & Food Industry March 2011

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Deva Singh Sham Singh Maintaining an impeccable reputation for consistent quality Deva Singh Sham Singh (DSSS) is one of India’s oldest and reputed companies, incorporated in 1920 and receiving the country’s 817th registered R S Chatha trademark. Managing Partner This familyowned company has an international reputation for milling and exporting the finest Indian traditional basmati rice. Indian traditional basmati rice is grown at the foothills of the Himalayan Mountains in the geographical region of Punjab, Haryana and Uttarakhand. The climate and soil, unique to this region of the Indian subcontinent, are essential to the cultivation of this particular grain. Recognised as a gourmet food product, basmati rice is arguably the most flavored and aromatic variety of this international dietary staple. Deva Singh Sham Singh is one of the largest exporters of Indian traditional basmati rice, holding a significant market share in over 15 countries worldwide. The company operates two state-ofthe-art processing plants and a modern research laboratory, with an installed capacity of milling over 12 MT per hour. Constant upgrading of equipment to reflect technological advancement has solidified their position as a leader in this field. In addition to paddy cleaning, drying, parboiling, milling, polishing and grading machines, Buhler and Satake Sortexes for color sorting and state of the art LOMA metal detectors are part of the integrated processing lines. The finished product is then packaged on-site in a variety of consumer packaging.

Company’s management philosophy is to integrate family tradition with international technical advances to ensure that DSSS continues to supply the highest quality products to the consumers worldwide. Besides being certified for ISO 9001-2000 and HACCP, DSSS has recently been certified for ISO 22000-2005 and PAS-220-2008 by Intertek – Semko certification, Sweden. DSSS has also started processing Organic Basmati rice after getting one of their processing facility certified for Organic processing. Under the recognized 817-Elephant brand DSSS has long supplied rice to the large Indian and Middle-Eastern ethnic markets in the United States, Canada, Australia, Europe and Middle East. DSSS has been a presence in the U.S. and Canadian markets since 1978, with the 817-Elephant trademark having been registered in these countries in 1984. Since that time DSSS has maintained an impeccable reputation for consistent quality and an unblemished record of FDA approval. Over the years it has responded to the increasing demand from mainstream consumers and now supplies basmati rice to several large Grocery and Cash & Carry chains. These include Giant, Safeway, AP and Wegmans in the United States and Loblaws, Walmart and Sobey’s in Canada. Through their distributor in Canada DSSS supplies Basmati rice to Uncle Ben’s in Houston, Texas and to EFFEM Foods (a subsidiary of Uncle Ben’s) in Ontario, Canada. The company also sells rice directly to GOYA Foods in the U.S. 817-Elephant basmati rice was also supplied to Costco Foods in Montreal, Quebec in 5kg bags from 1996-1977. Basmati rice under the DSSS Butterfly brand is also sold in the Canadian market; an application to register this trademark in the U.S. is currently in process. For the past ninety years Deva Singh Sham Singh has built upon its extensive experience and resources to diversify

AgriBusiness & Food Industry March 2011

and improve its operations. Combining technological advancements with strict standards of quality has allowed them to retain the impeccable reputation of their food product while expanding to meet changing consumer demands. DSSS is dedicated to upholding its tradition of excellence and remaining the premier exporter of basmati rice worldwide. The company’s worldwide dealer network covers Australia, Austria, Bahrain, Canada, Cyprus, israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, New Zealand, Saudi Arabia, Israel, Palestine, U.A.E., U.K. and the U.S.A. Over the years, DSSS has received numerous awards from various national bodies paying testimony to their dedication to quality, and their outstanding performance in the international market. Among the awards accorded to the company in recent years are the President of India National Award, the State Export Awards, the State Productivity Awards and the APEDA Awards. The Company has the distinction of being recognized as an Export House by the Government of India.

AgriBusiness & Food Industry March 2011

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AgriBusiness & Food Industry March 2011

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AgriBusiness & Food Industry March 2011

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AgriBusiness & Food Industry March 2011

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R.P. Basmati Rice Ltd. Uses most modern techniques for milling and processing “Every Success story starts with big dreams. Successful entrepreneur possess an attitude of openness and faith that you can have what you want if Rajpal Singal, CEO, R P Basmati Rice Ltd you can simply envision it as the first step on the path of action to acquiring it.” R.P. Basmati Rice Ltd today has reached its zenith of success and sits pretty on the pinnacle of achievement in its chosen field: export of Agro-Based Products. The range of the Agro-Based Products that R.P. Basmati exports includes rice, spices, guar gum, pulses, and pickles. R.P. Group is one of the largest rice exporters from India with its collection centre and procurement offices spread across key markets in India. At R.P. Basmati, rice is a longstanding passion, a commitment to serve our consumers by providing them with hygienic, good quality Rice through constant innovation. We meticulously strive towards perfection and purity of each grain, so that your every meal is the finest, in flavour and aroma. We produce a white variety of rice to cater the needs of clientele spread across the globe. One of the leading brands of aromatic long grain Basmati Rice all over the Middle East is Mulberry. Available as white and parboiled Mulberry caters to the complete market with all types of rice. The white basmati has varieties for all types from everyday basmati rice to rice for special occasion and events. Apart from Traditional Basmati Rice (Namasteyjee) which is the main brand of our company, we are also concentrating on Pusa Basmati Rice and 1121 Basmati Rice and in this range we

have launched series of brands that is Nazma, Olympus, Excel Basmati Rice, Mulberry, Salam Namastey. Infrastructure & Machinery Quality and innovation have been the key features that drive our business. At R.P. Basmati, the most modern techniques are used at the milling and processing stages to ensure the perfection of each grain. We have been continuously upgrading the vast knowledge capital and technology to keep in tunes with the ever growing and demanding market needs at the global level. The plants are equipped with state of the art machinery sourced from Buhler of Germany, Korea, and England.Present Infrastructure is consist of various “fully Integrated, 100% Automated Rice Milling, Parboiling, Processing & Packaging Units. Export capability of the company is ably supported by its experienced management and in continuous research & Development, which enabled to produce qualitative products with a wide range in its product profile . Our Presence Launched in 1986, R.P. Basmati has been a global player. We have been exporting to key markets in Middle East, Europe, Africa and Australia. This company is having substantial growth every year since it was established in 1998 having fully computerized network with wellequipped techno-commercial personnel for excellent export performance. The organization is labour and export oriented giving employment to rural female workers and work to their doorstep. Think Global, Act Local R.P. Basmati has emerged as a leader in the specialty rice category and is perhaps the most important among the principles who made a big difference in

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the quality of life of its farm suppliers. R.P. Basmati provides consumers with new choice by offering a rare collection of rice that is the high value alternative to commodity and other standard rice currently available from domestic growers. R.P. Basmati is unique player with versatility in business practices and local understanding of the region, but also a global player that focuses to satisfy all its customers with taste and its benchmark quality rice. Our Company has been rated as SE 1B by CRISIL LTD. Achievements At the end of one decade R.P. Basmati is today A Star Export House, a status that is conferred upon an exporting house by ministry of commerce. Several other awards to come close on the heels of this committed status. The Company received Bronze and Silver trophies from FIEO in the year 2003-04 & 2004-05, Excellence in exports award and many others. In continuation to the above awards, R.P.BRL has now received one more Niryat Shree “Certificate of Excellence” in the category ‘Agriculture and Plantation Products’ for the year 2008-09. Today this ISO 9001-2008 organization has taken massive strides in the field of export of Agro-Based products. In fact at R.P. Basmati the strategy is to encompass everything from agri-processing to final shipment. With determination and full enthusiasm among the team of R.P. Basmati the best is yet to come. Future Plans Our future expansion plan comprise of investment in infrastructure automation and modernization, which includes setting up new grading and sorting units, installing better fumigation systems and increasing storage facility, to name a few. We are also planning to set up a Solar Power Based equipment’s in our unit.

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AgriBusiness & Food Industry March 2011

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Heat and Control

Traditional Indian snacks emerging in global markets

ver some 60 years Heat and Control has developed industry leading technology in the snacks industry that has enhanced the quality and taste as well as significantly improved efficiency and sustainability. Recent Heat and Control innovations for the Indian snack market have resulted in fryer development specifically for Namkeen snacks using the HeatWaveTM frying system. The HeatWave has been extremely successful in processing legume snacks such as Green and Yellow Peas, Chickpeas, Moong Dal, Boondi and Peanuts as well as extrude snacks such as Bhujia. To date legume based snacks have been the mainstay for the Indian snack market and whether it is for the perceived or real benefits this type of snack offers, there has been a global awareness and movement towards legume based snacks. The growth in popularity could be due to a perception that legume snacks are a better alternative because of the nutrient content and minimal processing, as compared to snacks such as corn / tortilla chips and extruded pellet snacks. Also, the taste texture and eating experience of legume snacks might be considered â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;exoticâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; and therefore more desirable. Other factors that may influence legume use is the availability and cost of the raw product and processing set-up costs. Heat and Control's HeatWave frying system cooks with curtains of oil for the highest product quality product

and lowest system oil volume of any continuous fryer. Ideal for legumes and nuts (coated or uncoated), freshly filtered and heated oil enters HeatWave in multiple, gently flowing curtains. Only enough oil is used to enrobe foods, quickly transferring heat by dissipating the insulating layer of steam that inhibits heat transfer in submersion fryers. This helps retain product integrity and reduces fines in the oil. Heat and Control offers the most

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efficient snack machinery and services for growing and expanding snack processing. Heat and Control provides access to world class systems to enable efficient snack processing including fryers, oil heaters, oil filtration, seasoning applicators, conveyors and product distribution systems, training, and technical support and after sales service. E-mail: info@heatandcontrol.com Web.: www.heatandcontrol.com.

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M. K. Overseas

Stands for quality & safety from the farm to fork

M K overseas has been exporting products to south east Asian countries, CIS countries, Fare East and traditional markets in the Middle East. The major importing countries includes Angola, Bahrain, Egypt, Georgia, Iraq, Jordan, Malaysia, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, UAE, Vietnam, West Africa, Yemen. The company has a state – of –the – art integrated Abattoir is a HACCP and ISO : 9000 certified unit. It houses a world – class German slaughter line from BASSNS a rendering plant, a well equipped laboratory for in-house quality control, an effluent treatment plant and a beautiful landscape within it’s boundaries. The livestock is sourced from the state of Punjab, which is one the leading state of India in agriculture and animal husbandry. As a result the region offers the best livestock sources from this state, brought up on natural pastures and fodder. The animals are free from hormonal treatment and produce clean goods quality meat. The Abattoir has a lairage which can accommodate about 3000 buffaloes and

about 1500 are slaughtered everyday. Before slaughter each buffalo is subjected to anti-mortem examination by qualified veterinarians authorized by the Animal Husbandry Department of the State Government. The slaughtering is done strictly as per the Islamic method of Halal. The slaughtered animals are then subjected to rigorous post mortem examination by qualified veterinarians authorized by the Animal Husbandry Department of the State Government. Major lymph nodes are inspected and the carcasses are then cut into two equal portions vertically and chilled at 2 Degree Celsius 24 hours till the PH drops below 6. Air-conditioned de-boning, fresh packing and frozen packing facilities have been built where a temperature of 12 Degree Celsius is ensured during various stages of these processes. Disinfected stainless steel knives are used for de-boning. The workers are trained to handle the meat hygienically at all stages to insured that a good product is produced. Once the de-

Chaudhary Mohd. Kamil Qureshi, Chairman boning process is complete the meat is then packed in food grade poly bags and sent for freezing at about -40 Degree Celsius for 12 hours in blast freezers or to the plate freezers for instant freezing. After freezing each unit is packed in a carton and shrink – wraped without using any metal packing material. Each carton is subjected to metal detection through a metal detector. The packed meat is then stored at a temperature of -18 Degree Celsius till it is finally loaded for exports. The total capacity of the cold storage is about 3000 tons. The product is dispatched to several destinations of the importing countries in refer containers via sea as well as aerial routes in a manner that the quality is ensured all along the chain. MK Overseas has achieved a lot over the years. It has emerged as India's leading buffalo meat exporter to South East Asian countries. Its meat importing countries are growing rapidly. It has won a number of awards for emerging as the leading exporter of buffalo meat. E-mail: mko.group@gmail.com Web.: www.mkoverseas.in

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Anmol Bakers Pvt. Ltd. Retains a fast growth rate of 20%

olkata-based Anmol Bakers Pvt. Ltd. has been involved in biscuit manufacturing & marketing activities for the last one decade. Over the years, it has greatly increased its product range and selective market penetration in north & central Indian states. With a concerted team effort of the marketing & production team, it has been able to establish a niche position of a company with high quality commitment to its products, consumers, fair business practices, towards its employees and associates. Anmol's manufacturing facilities include ultra modern plants, for manufacturing of a wide variety of biscuits, at Kolkata, Greater Noida & Ghaziabad. Shortly another manufacturing unit will be commissioned at Hazipur in Bihar. The present combined manufacturing capacity of the company is 11,000 MT per month. CORPORATE OBJECTIVES Manufacturing of quality biscuits & their marketing in India & overseas; Expansion of product range to cater to the aspiration of a diverse segment of consumers; Appropriate research & development back-up to achieve highest grade of quality protocol & continuously keep in pace with the changing needs of the consumers; Development of human skills and resources to take care of future management needs; Building up a clean and ethical organizational culture and ensuring high standards of safety, hygiene & environment protection; and Development of programmes to relate the company's activities to social needs. QUALITY ASSURANCE Our manufacturing operations are

supported by well equipped Quality Control and Assurance laboratory with exhaustive procedures to monitor quality from raw material to dispatch. The company has been awarded ISO 22000:2005 certification and accordingly carries out periodical reviews of manufacturing procedures, packing, storage & transport by ongoing training of personnel at all levels. PRODUCT RANGE Anmol has a wide product range on offer, comprising 21 varieties & 54 SKUs to cater to the needs of diverse segments of consumers. The company has the distinction to introduce some exclusive varieties in the country, like DREAM LITE & LEMON MAZZA. It consistently endeavors to review & modify its product portfolio to match with the changing aspiration of its consumers. The range of YUMMY cream biscuits, available in five different flavours, has been the consumers' choice in many markets for over a decade. The range of salty biscuits, including SNACKLES & SIX BIX, and other variants like BUTTER BAKE, BUTTER KAJU & 2-IN-1 are also very popular among the consumers. SALES & SERVICES Anmol's marketing team efforts are tremendous by any standard. The future marketing is, however, passing into the hands of hardcore management warriors, who know how to apply principles of marketing right from planning to day to day operations. Knowledge of demand forecasting, selling, creating competitive barriers, managing information & reporting, motivating & developing the sales force, implementing marketing audit and quality up gradation is most

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Mr. Gobind Ram Choudhary, Managing Director

essential for our managers. Marketing today is fast converting into relationship marketing. This requires change in attitude, open & positive mindset which is activity focused and training will be used to achieve these objectives. The company has a well-defined and exhaustive sales management systems and procedures. These need to be streamlined and strongly implemented at all levels professionally & without discrimination or prejudice. Anmol distributes its products in 10 states, located in north & central part of India, through a network of 55 depots, super stockists, distributors and retailers. The company is also in modern trade segment & also exporting its selected products to a few Middle East countries. Our field force, equipped with samples, sales promotion material, product & market knowledge constantly educate the network on hygienic storage, proper display & transportation. Regular training programmes are conducted for sales personnel to upgrade their knowledge & intellect. The company is in the process of commissioning a supply chain management portal & through an online connectivity with depots, it plans to come more closer to the consumers. The industry growth is about 12% in volumes but we have to do better, retaining the pace of growth of around 20%. Such a challenge goes beyond personal constraints and is the playing field for persons desiring to do unusual things, willing to undertake new positions, willing to change attitude, willing to shed their ego and train themselves to become more productive & professional. Such are the people who will grow with us.

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Nazeer Industries

Supplies wide range of fruit processing machineries A Nazeer, MD

azeer Industries is one of the leading manufacturers of fruit processing equipments. We authorized to manufacture and produce to other national companies all over India. We provide chemical plants, fruit canning plants, aseptic plants for their new projects, projects expansion and regular maintenance. Nazeer Industries has proved its efficiency in design and manufacture of fruit processing equipments, developing its technology and becoming nationalwide leader in this sector. We are supplies regularly to them with competitive rate and superior quality of the products. With a team of young, vibrant and highly qualified engineers having experience in designing the machine components and manufacturing technology, we are well equipped to support our entire customer requirements. Nazeer Industries has innovative designs integrating our own products --fruit washer, tip cutting belt conveyor, feeding screw conveyor, de-stoner, pulper cum finisher and different types of tanks-- developed for the fruit processing industry, which will substantially improve the productivity and the final quality of the products processed. Fruit Washer: The fruit washing machine consists of stainless steel flume, input pipe, spray pipe, air pipe and idler wheel used in multi fruit production line manufacturing process. Tip Cutting Belt Conveyor: Tip cutting belt conveyor is made completely with SS304 according to AISI quality materials. After washing the fruits in different conditions,

it comes and falls on the food grade nylon belt in the tip cutting belt conveyor. Here the washed fruits are dressing tip cutting, trimming, slice cutting are done. The unwanted waste is transferred to the outside through the bottom screw conveyor. It is available in different widths and lengths. Feeding Screw Conveyor: Screw conveyors are used for horizontal or structured (inclined) conveying of granular products in processing plants. Feeding screw conveyor is used for transferred the fruit, after dressing, trimming, cutting the fruits and feeding to the De-stoner uniformly. De-Stoner: De-stoner has capacity to handle 5 tonnes of whole mango. The machine is mainly designed to take whole mango fruits. Over Head Filling Tank: Filling tanks are widely used in different industries for storing primary or end products. Our filling tanks are specially designed to ensure hygiene of products by maintaining sterile environment. The stored product in the tank remains free from the contamination before pulp and juice filled through the filling line. These machines have an excellent finish and are easy to clean. Crates: Crates are in round shape and handle will be provided for lifting purpose. The filled cans are arranged properly in the crates and it is transferred to retorts and cooling purpose. Retorts: Retorts can be used for reprocessing after filling the pulp and juice. Sealed cans are dipped into the hot water at 850C and

kept it around 15 to 20 minutes. These cans are catch the temperature -200C and also loose seaming will be tied. Empty Can Sterilizer: Empty can sterilizer is used before filling washing sterilizer empty can with steam and water to kill the enzyme. Wastage Collection Tank: The wastage screw conveyor transfers the entire waste into the wastage collection tank. The tank is fabricated with 3mm thick S.S. Sheet. The tank is square in shape with a size of 10x10x15(height) feet. The complete waste is stored in this tank, after that at once stored in this tank, after that at once it is transferred to outside of the plant. Different types of Tanks: Pulp mixing tanks (collection tanks) are widely used in different industries for storing end products. These tanks are used for collecting solid, semi solid and liquid fruit pulp and juice and juice. These tanks can be fabricated from stainless steel based on the application of the tank. Our range of pulp mixing tanks can be supplied in different shapes and sizes as per the requirement of the customers. We offer industrial storage tank, which are designed for safety under wind and seismic conditions and optimized for rugged construction as these tanks minimize evaporation loss. Other machineries: Inspection Belt Conveyor; Pulp Collection Tanks: 500 Lts, 1KL (1000 Lts) Rectangle Tanks, 1KL Tanks, 2KL Tanks, 3KL Tanks, 5KL Tanks, 6KL Tanks & 10KL Tanks; Cutting Tables; Pulper Cum Finisher; Single Stage Pulpers; Pre-Heater; Kettles; Spyro Pack (Pasteuriser); Trolleys; Reforming Tables; Wastage Screw Conveyor; Empty Can Sterilizer; and Body Beader. E-mail: nazeerindustries_ctr@yahoo.com

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Profile

Britto Seafoods Exports

Leading the seafood revolution

ritto Seafoods Exports Pvt Ltd, a family-run firm, is a name to reckon with in the Indian seafood landscape. Britto has been making winning strides in production and export of a variety of seafood products since its inception way back in 1979. With an in-depth knowledge of the process value chain and access to some of the best talents, tools and technologies available in the globe, the company has earned a high reputation as being ‘customer-focused’ and ‘trust worthy’ among its clients across the world. The main ingredients of a successful seafood company are knowledge, service and credibility and for over 30 years, we have built our reputation in all the three. Our integrated operation enables us to provide the best comprehensive seafood products and services to our customers around the globe. By combining the tremendous accumulated expertise and three decades of experience, Britto is committed to expanding the company's businesses and thereby our stand in the international market would grow to reach greater heights. Britto remains to be the ‘top-of-themind’ choice for a host of clients across the world for its unmatched ability to provide widest range of seafood products and comprehensive services. In the ‘success-filled’ journey spanning over 3 decades, Britto has established worldclass benchmarks of quality excellence, robust adherence to processes, wide range of products, cutting-edge technology and enduring client relationships. Being a customer-focused company, Britto offers products covering all the 4 major seafood product categories: LIVE SEAFOOD The company has a strong presence in the live seafood exports. It is India's first exporter of live lobster & live Whelk / Baigai varieties. Live products of international

Head Office Britto Seafood Exports Pvt Ltd C. Albin Michael (Director) 0091-9444001130 No: 4/1, Balakrishnan Street, Tondiarpet, Chennai - 600081. Tel: +91-44-25911997 / 854

quality standards are exported through its subsidiary Coastline Fisheries. FRESH CHILLED SEAFOOD Britto is among the oldest and largest exporters of chilled seafood products, offering widest range to a host of national & international customers consistently. Be it the Sashimi Tuna to Tokyo, head-on sea tiger prawns to Brussels, Mahi Mahi whole to Miami, King fish to Taipei, Britto sets the trend for quality & consistency. FROZEN SEAFOOD The company has carved a niche as a leading exporter of exhaustive range of frozen seafood in India. Its newly built EU approved factory, located at Tuticorin, has two blast freezers with a capacity to handle 15 tonnes of finished products per day. READY-TO-EAT (VALUE ADDED) PRODUCTS Britto is the first company to produce & export ready-to-eat seafood products in retort pouch in India. In India, ‘BritteJustEat’ has become a household name among the traditional and elite community. The company has an exclusive tie up

with ‘Subway’ for supplying processed Tuna. Subway is the world’s largest submarine sandwich brand with a presence across 90 countries. Britto has been credited as the preferred seafood supplier by some of the finest world-class hotels such as The Oberoi, The Leela Palace, The Taj Group, ITC Group and Le Meridien. Britto has time-honoured presence in the US, UK, Japan, most countries in the EU, Middle East, Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, Taiwan, Australia, among other locations in the world. Backed by its core expertise, accumulated experience and unmatched service standards, the company is keen to widen its professional horizons by making available its products in many countries and scale new heights in the international seafood market. Vision of the company is: l To evolve as a global leader in the seafood industry l To develop a robust, scalable and most efficient seafood supply chain Email: brittoseafoodexports@gmail.com Web: www.brittoseafoodexports.com

Factory Address C-1 Part, SIPCOT Industrial Complex Tuticorin - 628 008, India. Tele: +91-461-2341318 / 418

Europe Office 22 Ullswater Crescent Coulsdon, Surrey, CR5 2HR, UK Tel:+44 (0) 203 3728 437

For Chilled Seafoods: Agnello Fernando (Director) 0091-9841412057

For Ready to Eat Seafoods A.Christian Fernando (Director) 0091-9443122054

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Sri Varsha Food Products

Caters to ever changing demands of its customers

ri Varsha Food Products India Limited engaged in real estate from 1996 and it successfully completed more than 200 crores turnover.Also engaged in the granites from 2006 with a turnover 6 crores per annum. Having agriculture forms more than 400 acres of different crops. The Varsha Food Products has set up canning facility in the year 2004 and now expanding and facility to process tropical fruit pulps packed in aseptic bag in drum. The company set up its manufacturing base at Tirupati which is well connected air, railways and road. Which is very idle for fruit belt around 50Kms radius.The factory is built on a 10 Acre plot. Fully covered Finished godowns of area 40000 sq.ft. and semi finished godowns about 15000 sq.ft. 250000 sq.ft. area of Ripening chambers and 30000sq. ft of Ripening Shed(natural) for Fruit storage 12000 sq.ft area of Main Process

Building 4000 sq.ft area of Administrative Building. We have a team of experts having indepth knowledge of market dynamics, enabling us to cater with the ever increasing and changing demands of our customers. Due to the hard work of our experienced workforce, we have been able to maintain our quality and reliability standards and have gained global appreciation as well. Our unit of quality analyst continuously checks out the quality of the agro products being exported to assure we deliver only qualitative and fresh products to our clients. Warehousing We have a spacious and wellmaintained warehouse spread in 40000 sq.ft and semi finished godowns about 15000 sq.ft. They are invested with all the necessary equipments needed for safe packing of our fruit pulps and

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concentrates. The surroundings of our warehouse are kept clean so as to provide our customers with 100% hygienic fruit products. www.srivarsha.com

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List of Participants at the APEDA Pavilion in Gulfood 2011 Amira Foods (India) Ltd. Mr. Karan A Chanana Products: Basmati rice, long grain rice, palm oil, soya extract, rapeseed meal etc. E-mail: amirafoods@amirafoods.com Allanasons Ltd. Mr. D. B. Sabharwall Products: Halal Frozen Boneless Buffalo Meat, Chilled Vacuum Packed Buffalo Meat, Frozen / Chilled Lamb Carcasses, Aseptic / Frozen Mango & Guava Puree, Coffee, Spices and Pet Foods. E-mail: dbsabharwall@allana.com R. P. Basmati Rice Ltd. Mr. Anuj Singal, Mr. Bharat Singal Products: Basmati Rice (1121 Basmati Rice, Pusa Basmati Rice, Traditional Basmati Rice, Long Grain Basmati Rice, Sugandha Rice, Mulberry, Namasteyjee) Spices (Guargum, Fenugreek). E-mail: rpbasmati@hotmail.com Holista Tranzworld Ltd. Mr. Nirranjan Khan, Mr. Sivalingam Products: Desiccated Coconut, Coconut Milk, Coconut Cream Powder. E-mail: enquiries@vvdgold.in Sarveshwar Overseas Mr. Rohit Gupta Products: Traditional Basmati rice, 1121 Basmati rice, Pusa Basmati Rice, Sharbati Rice, PR11 Rice etc. E-mail: rohit.gupta@sarveshwarrice.com Parekh Enterprise Mr. Hiten Parekh Products: Food Colors, Flavours, Essential oils, Oleoresins. E-mail: aksh31@gmail.com Goel International Pvt. Ltd. Mr. Vijay Goel Products: Galaxy Basmati Rice, Shabnam Basmati Rice, Gulistha Parboiled Rice, Tarawadi king Basmati Rice, Har-Pal Long Grain, Rehana Long Grain. E-mail: info@goelrice.net Monaal Beverages Mr. Ravindra S Bisht Products: A range of healthy and delicious RTS juices like Mango, Lemon, Litchi, Orange, Guava, Pineapple, Buransh (Rhododenron), Lemon Mint and Lemon Ginger available in 200ml, 300ml, 500 ml and 1 ltr pet bottles. E-mail: monnalbeverages@gmail.com Morarka Organic Food Pvt. Ltd. Mr. Mukesh Gupta Products: Organic Food (whole, crushed, powder & processed), Organic Fresh Fruits & vegetables, Organic Cotton (raw & finished products), Organic Wellness (life style products) and Organic Bio Tech (agricultural inputs). E-mail: info@morarkamail.com Shakti Impex Mr. Rajiv Goyal & Maj. C. J. Lamba Products: Pure Indian Honey in bulk packs and Consume packs. E-mail: info@shaktihoney.com Keventer Agro Ltd. Mr. C. J. Chhabra Products: Fruit pulp & Concentrates, Cashew Nut, Sesame Seeds, Chickpeas, Spices, Bakery

Ingredients, Pickles & Jams, Candies, Branded Tea. E-mail: exports@keventer.com ADF Foods Ltd. Mr. Vishal Gautam Products: Ashoka Brand (Pickles, Ready to Eat, Frozen Parathas, Bread and Vegetables), Aeroplane and Camel (Pickles & Curry Powder) Khansaama Brand (Frozen Dal Puri, Rotis) E-mail: info@adf-foods.com Shri Vishnu Eatables (I) Ltd. Mr. Vishnu Mittal, Mr. Kushal Mittal, Mr. Nihar Mittal & Mr. Hitesh Mittal Products: Rice, Wheat Flour, Spices & General Foodstuff. E-mail: indiantreat.in@gmail.com Jadli Foods India Pvt. Ltd. Mr. R.N. Jadli Products: Alphonse Mango Pulp, Totapuri Mango Pulp, Guava Pulp, Tamarind Concentrate, Pickles, Jam, Sauce, Tutty Fruity, Garlic & Ginger Paste, Condiments. E-mail: info@jadlifoods.net Unicorn Pickles Pvt. Ltd. Mr. Sanjay Sanghani Products: Gherkins / Pickles Cucumbers / Dehydrated Onion and Pickles Onion / Pickled Mixed Vegetables / Cherry Tomatoes / Curry Paste / Spices / Chutney / Hot and Sweet Peppers. E-mail: mail@unipick.in Aggarwal Impex Ms. Sangeeta Aggarwal Products: India Kabuli Chick Peas, Lentils, Wheat, Sugar, Spices, Ground Nuts, Sesame Seed, Cashew, Maize, Millet, Sorghum and Basmati Rice, Golden Dry Raisins, Dals, Peas, etc. E-mail: agarwal@vsnl.com Tastel Fine Food P. Ltd. Mr. Namesh Vahi Products: Our assortment is of Indian Food includes Ambient, chilled, and Frozen Food Range. E-mail: info@tastel.co.in Dharamveer Exports Mr. T. S. Ahluwalia Products: Indian Basmati Rice, Walnuts, Sesame Seeds & Other Oil Seeds, Mango & Guava Pulp, Spices, Bird & Animal Feed Products (Millet, Maize, Sorghum, Soya meal, etc.) E-mail: export@indikagold.com Nova Impex Mr. Naresh K Hirani & Mr. Yogendra D Thakker Products: Whole Spices, Ground Spices and Blended Spices. E-mail: novaimpex@gmail.com Haldiram Foods Ms Ketki Products: Ethnic Snacks & Sweets, Papad, Vermicelli, Pasta, Tri-D, Squashes and Syrups. E-mail: mopleez.mumbai@haldirams.com Veetee Fine Food Ms Rachita Mittal Products: Ready to eat curries and rice, Ready to cook rice mixes, Raw Basmati rice, Brown rice. E-mail: information@veetee.com Shri Ambica International Food Company Pvt. Ltd. Mr. Parveen Goel Products: Traditional Basmati Rice & Long Grain 1121

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Basmati Rice. These are processed and tested under stringent quality control measures to meet the world’s best standards for fragrance, taste, texture and nutritional values. E-mail: info@saifcogroup.com Chamanlal Setia Exports Ltd. Mr. Rajeev Setia & Mr. Ankit Setia Products: Rice (Maharani Rice Suitable for Diabetics, Begum Pesticide Free Rice, Begum Quick Cooking Healthy Brown Rice) E-mail: begum@futurerice.com Green Village Agro Ltd. Mr. Ashok Gupta, Mr. Anish Gupta & Mr. Karan Garg Products: All kind of Rice, Wheat & Wheat products, Sorghum, Bajra, Pulses, Spices, Dry Fruits E-mail: info@greenvillageagros.com Raghunath Agro Mr. Aditya Arora Products: Sona Basmati Rice, Surbhi Basmati Rice, Uphar Basmati Rice, Raghuvesh Basmati Rice. E-mail: raghunath@raghunathagro.com R. H. Agro Overseas Mr. Manu P. S Chawla Products: Include the ‘Complete Basket’ of Indian Traditional, Hybrid and Long Grain Rice(s):Traditional Basmati, Pusa Basmati, Indian Super Basmati, 1121, Sharbati among others. And our facilities are completely geared up to process these in ‘All Forms’ :- White/Raw, Brown/Cargo, Parboiled and Steamed. E-mail: pritisharma@rhagro.com Al-khair Exports Pvt. Ltd. Mr. Mohd. Suhail Products: India Rice, Organic Basmati Rice, Brown Alkhair Rice, Wheat Grains, Parboiled Basmati Rice, Long Grain Rice, Short Grain Rice, Pulses, Long Grain Parboiled Rice, Long Grain Skills Rice. E-mail: alkhairexports@hotmail.com Anupam International Mr. Anupam Khemka Products: Triple refine free flow iodised salt, Coarse Salt (uncrushed Salt), Crushed Salt, Washed Crushed Salt (refine Salt), Table Salt, Cystal Salt, Common Salt, Customise Packaging in 500 gms or 1 kg pouch, Bulk Packaging of 50 kg or 25 kgs and 20 kgs. E-mail: pritisharma@rhagro.com Fiza Exports Mr. Abdul Wajid Shaikh Products: We are offering a wide range of buffalo and sheep meat products, chicken eggs etc. E-mail: fizaexports@yahoo.co.in Kanwal Foods & Spices (I) Pvt. Ltd. Mr. Farooq Amin & Mr. Abdul Rashid Chadinoo Products: Pickles, Honey, Spices and Health Infusions. E-mail: kanwals@ndb.vsnl.net.in NNS Online Pvt. Ltd. Mr. Rajesh Gupta Product: National News Service, Business Star, Vyapar Kesari, Vaish Sansar etc. E-mail: nnsonline@nnsonline.com

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'Aeroplane Rice' plans to cater to every global consumer . . . Rahul Suri, Joint MD, Amir Chand Jagdish Kumar (Exports) Ltd.

Rahul Suri has consolidated his company by setting up a state-of-the-art plant in Amritsar that is going to produce 300 tonnes of rice per day.

he world itself is a testimony to the power of youth. The youth are agents of change, a change that is for the better. The youth symbolises a new beginning, a new vigour, enhanced enthusiasm, and a force to reckon with. Rahul Suri is one such driving force. Rahul is the Joint Managing Director of Amir Chand Jagdish Kumar (Exports) Ltd. Having a rich experience of 16 years, radical views and pragmatic approach, he helps to augment the growth of the company. He administers the exports, marketing and R&D of the company and have plans to take the brand 'Aeroplane

Rahul Suri (right) with an international buyer at SIAL Food 2010, Paris

Rice' to every global consumer. He has consolidated his company by setting up a state-of-the-art plant in Amritsar that is going to produce 300 tonnes of rice per day. But amidst the joy of accomplishing so much success, he has a few genuine grievances, including the ban on exports of non-Basmati rice. The ban was imposed to curb inflation due to fear of shortage of food supply. While agreeing that for a country the size of India, food security concerns must be addressed, he feels that the actions to address the problem should be based more on reality and logic

rather than on political rhetoric. After all, we do export Basmati rice, because it is a high price premium cereal, used more by the affluent class than by the general population. Why the same logic cannot be used for superior Non-Basmati rice at the current MEP is a question which needs serious consideration. Allowing superior Non-Basmati export will help the farmers fetch a higher price, which they are currently being deprived of, because of the ban on its export. Now, the buffer stock of rice is overflowing in the FCI godowns and the grain is turning rancid due to lack of appropriate storage and warehousing

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Rahul Suri, Joint MD, Amir Chand Jagdish Kumar (Exports) Ltd.

facilities. Rahul feels that the international market to which Basmati rice is exported requires Non-Basmati varieties, too. The ban is causing India to lose its product recall and the void is being filled by the competing countries. The solution, according to him, is to allow the export of superior quality non-Basmati rice without any delay at current minimum export price. Like all young men, Rahul believes in prosperity for all. He strongly feels that the rice industry needs to make joint efforts with considerable cohesiveness, to mitigate its problems, even as the various players fight in the marketplace. He laments that the players do not participate much in making collective decisions, for the betterment of the industry and trade as a whole. To him, 'One and One make Eleven', and the mantra for success would be the feeling of, 'Let us grow, rather than let me grow'. While lauding AIREA's efforts to bring the rice industry together, he feels that more has to be done in this direction. He nitpicked at the government for imposing service tax on activities related to exports, as ultimately the amount collected as tax is generally refunded, but much later after thorough scrutiny. The process ignites ambiguity. The amount of money and time invested in the whole process of scrutiny is by and large far more than the possible revenue leakage, which can be plugged by better tax administration and enforcement, rather than by first collecting the tax and

then refunding it. The procedure being followed now encumbers the further growth of rice exports. The government could use its acumen and vigilance in case of tax evasion, rather than scrutinising the exports by blocking a huge sum in the name of service tax. He also wonders why the DEPB benefits have been withdrawn by the government. He articulates that as different states impose different rates of taxes, the farmers face difficulties in getting the value they perceive. A standard Goods and Service Tax (GST) is, therefore, the immediate need of the hour. According to him, the government and industry should work on better and scientific methods of crop estimation. The process of crop assessment, currently in vogue, is prone to erroneous estimates as it is not based on perfect data of acreage and yield. Correct crop estimation is essential not only for the industry and exporters but also the farmers, as it is these figures which have a bearing on the prices. Scientific methods of crop estimation, like satellite imaging, are now in vogue, and have been designed to get a near accurate estimate of crops.

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He shared his views on the much hyped Free Market Access. According to him, Free Market Access can be allowed between countries only if the peasants from both the countries receive the same amount of benefit. For example, US being one of the developed countries, can bear the luxury of providing a large, subsidy to its farmers on a specific crop, but India on the other hand cannot do so. So, if there is a Free Market Access, the Indian farmer should get the same subsidies as his counterpart. There is a need to strike a balance in India between the protection of the right of farmers and the consumers. But beneath this strong set of views and extremely busy life, Suri has a flair for gaming. He unwinds himself with the play station and grooves into the gaming world. The 36-year old magnate leads a joyful life with his wife and son. He loves travelling and reading top-notch management books. Among the movies, it is Harry Potter that excites him. The Indian rice industry looks up to Rahul Suri and soon the world will, too. n

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