The eagerly anticipated 2nd Edition of World Food India 2023, a global mega food event, is set to take place from November 3rd to November 5th, 2023, at Pragati Maidan in New Delhi. This grand event, organized by the Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI), promises to be a spectacular showcase of India's vast potential in the food processing sector.
Union Minister of State for Food Processing Industries and Jal Shakti, Prahlad Singh Patel, highlighted India's status as one of the world's fastest-growing economies and a hub of investment opportunities, particularly in the food processing sector. During a media briefing in New Delhi, he emphasized that World Food India 2023 is a dedicated effort to present the sector's immense potential to global stakeholders.
One distinctive feature of this event is its comprehensive, whole-of-the-Government collaborative approach. Eleven central Ministries/Departments and their associated autonomous bodies are actively participating, underscoring the extensive support the government is providing to boost the food processing industry. As of now, 23 States/Union Territories and exhibitors from 16 countries have already confirmed their participation in this grand event. More stakeholders are expected to come on board as the event draws closer.
Minister Patel also revealed that the event would witness substantial international representation, with approximately 10 overseas Ministerial and official delegations from various countries participating. To facilitate global business opportunities, a Reverse Buyer Seller Meet, in collaboration with the Department of Commerce and its associated commodity boards, is scheduled to take place during the event. This meeting is anticipated to host around 1,000 overseas buyers from more than 75 countries. In total, over 900 exhibitors are expected to participate.
Minhaj Alam, Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Food Processing Industries, shared details about the event's layout and arrangements. The exhibition will span multiple halls and open spaces at Pragati Maidan and Bharat Mandapam, ensuring a conducive environment for exhibitions, B2B (business-to-business), B2G (business-to-government), and G2G (government-to-government) meetings and collaborations.
The second edition of World Food India 2023 will be inaugurated by the Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, at the iconic Bharat Mandapam in Pragati Maidan on November 3rd. The event will also feature the valedictory address by the Hon'ble President, Draupadi Murmu, on November 5th. In a testament to its international scope, the Netherlands will be the 'Partner Country' for this edition, while Japan and Vietnam are designated as 'Focus Countries.'
For food enthusiasts and industry professionals, the experiential Food Street curated by Celebrity Chef Ranveer Brar is sure to be a highlight. This attraction, spanning three zones, will feature a sustainable food theatre with a focus on Shree Anna or millets, regional cuisine pavilions representing various parts of India, street food, and dishes from the royal culinary heritage of India. A particularly exciting endeavor is the attempt to set a Guinness World Record for the longest dosa. Sixty to eighty chefs will collaborate to create a millet dosa exceeding 100 feet in length, showcasing their dedication and culinary skill.
In celebration of the International Year of Millets 2023, an astounding installation comprising 50,000 tetra-pack containers of millet beverages will be created and distributed to underprivileged children. In addition to these culinary delights, the expected 75,000 visitors over the three days will be treated to cultural programs, including dance and musical performances.
With its impressive scope and the commitment of the government, the event is poised to be a significant driver of growth in India's food processing sector.
