Kerala showcased its potential in the food, ready-to-eat, and food tech sectors to investors and entrepreneurs at the ‘Investor Conclave’ organized by the Kerala State Industrial Corporation (KSIDC) in Dubai on Wednesday, coinciding with Gulfood 2024.
The Kerala Pavilion at Gulfood 2024, one of the world’s largest food and beverage events, is attracting global policymakers and industry leaders during the five-day expo held at the World Trade Centre, which began on Monday.
The “Invest Kerala” event held at the Ritz Carlton Dubai highlighted the strengths and opportunities within the state’s food and food technology sector. These sectors have been prioritized by the Kerala government for increased inward investments and development.
Suman Billa IAS, Principal Secretary (Industries and NORKA), provided a comprehensive overview of the state’s food ecosystem.
“Today, Kerala has an impressive infrastructure dedicated to food processing, including five state-of-the-art food processing parks, two mega food parks & upcoming mini food parks. The state is also home to a spices park, underscoring its rich heritage in spice cultivation,” he said.
“These facilities serve as hubs of innovation and efficiency, facilitating seamless transformation of raw materials into value-added products. With its fertile land and conducive climate, the state is a powerhouse of agricultural production. We are encouraged by the response to the Investor Conclave and will support investors in their entrepreneurial journey in Kerala’s food and food tech sector.”
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Welcoming the investors, S Harikishore, Managing Director of KSIDC and Director of the Department of Industries & Commerce, expressed the aim of the Investor Conclave to attract foreign investment into Kerala’s rapidly growing food sector. Additionally, it seeks to inspire entrepreneurs from the Gulf region to establish flourishing businesses within the state.
“The Kerala state government is committed to creating an enabling environment for both domestic and foreign investors to engage in the food-based ecosystem,” he said.
“From easy access to raw materials to a well-established network of manufacturing facilities, the state offers an ecosystem ripe for investment. Further, the state’s cosmopolitan outlook and extensive international market provide ample opportunities for growth and expansion,” he added.
Sunjay Sudhir, Ambassador of India to the UAE, and Saleh Abdullah Lootah, Chairman of the Food & Beverage Manufacturing Business Group in the UAE, also addressed the guests.
The Kerala co-exhibitors at the Kerala pavilion at Gulfood 2024, including Beecraft Honey, Cremberie Yoghurt, Foo Foods, Glenview Tea, Global Natural Food Processing Company, Harrisons Malayalam, Malabar Natural Foods, Manjilas Food Tech, Nasfood Exim, Pavizham Rice, Protech Organo, and Veliyath Food Products, were given the chance to engage with potential investors who attended the Investors Conclave.
Leveraging a set of reforms complementing the Kerala State Industrial Policy 2023, Kerala’s food ecosystem has experienced substantial growth in its sunrise sectors. Presently, Kerala plays a pivotal role in India’s agricultural landscape, boasting a dominant position in various sectors. It holds sway over 97 percent of India’s pepper production, 70 percent of cocoa output, and holds substantial shares in coffee, cashew, coconut, and seafood processing industries.
Furthermore, Kerala boasts a strong ecosystem of research and development institutions focused on the food sector. Institutions like the Central Institute of Fisheries Technology, Central Tuber Crops Research Institute, and Kerala Agricultural University are instrumental in nurturing innovation and achieving excellence in the field.
With these established systems, the state is positioned to emerge as a prominent player in the food processing sector, both domestically and globally.
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