Millets and various Indian food products featured prominently at the ‘World Food Moscow’ – an international autumn food exhibition that was held at the Russian capital.
From 17 to 20 September, Moscow was home to the annual World Food Moscow. This year, the show brought together about a thousand producers from 39 countries. The event was held in Crocus Expo International Exhibition Center, Moscow from 19 to 22 September 2023.
WorldFood Moscow is an industry platform that brings together professionals and experts of the food industry. The platform witnessed the convergence of food manufacturers, related service providers and buyers from retail, wholesale, and catering, as well as food and beverage distributors and exporters from all over the world.
Companies presented their products and services to around thirty thousand visitors. Some of them have been on the market for a long time, while others are making their first steps in the industry. Such events are the best way for them to make themselves known.
Thematic sectors of the exhibition cover all product categories, which allows buyers to form a comprehensive product matrix in just 4 days that meet the most current consumer demand. As part of the WorldFood Moscow 2023 business program, more than 50 events were held at four venues concurrently.
Russia is considered to be one of the important markets for the export of agro and processed food products. Indian food products are already hugely popular, not just amongst the large ethnic population settled in the country but also in local communities.
Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) has been participating in the event for many years, where tremendous opportunities exist for enhancing bilateral trade, investment, joint ventures and strategic partnerships for Indian food products.
The Indian pavilion at the World Food Moscow event witnessed a spectacular showcase of India’s culinary richness and agricultural prowess. This showcase was the result of a collaborative effort between several prominent Indian trade and export organizations, including the Trade Promotion Council of India (TPCI), the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), the Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA), and the Indian Oilseeds and Produce Export Promotion Council (IOPEPC).
The grand inauguration of the India Pavilion was a momentous occasion, graced by the presence of His Excellency Pavan Kapoor, the Honorable Ambassador of India to Russia. Ambassador Kapoor’s role in officially opening the pavilion underscored the strategic importance of India’s participation in this global food and beverage industry exhibition. It symbolized India’s commitment to strengthening trade relations with Russia and the broader international community.
Joining Ambassador Kapoor at the inauguration ceremony was Manish Chadha, Joint Secretary of the Department of Commerce (DoC), representing the Indian government. His presence emphasized the government’s active role in facilitating and promoting Indian exports, particularly in the food sector.
Further adding to the significance of the event were Abhishek Dev, Chairman of APEDA, and Mohit Singla, Chairman of TPCI. Both gentlemen are influential figures in organizations dedicated to promoting and regulating India’s agricultural and food exports. Their presence highlighted the collaborative effort between the government and industry in boosting India’s exports and forging new trade partnerships.
As part of the International Year of Millets (IYM) 2023 – which has been declared by the United Nations at the behest of the Indian government – the Indian Embassy in Moscow is also organised ‘Millet Food Competition 2023’ in collaboration with Overseas Bihar Association (OBA) on September 23.
Indian products like basmati rice, groundnuts, gherkins, fresh/dried vegetables, fruit juices and pulp, ready-to-eat food/curries, honey, spices and herbs, chutneys, pickles, organic products and other processed food items have been in great demand, even during the past editions of the World Food Moscow.
Sixteen countries presented their products and services in the format of national pavilions: the Middle East, Brazil, Egypt, India, China, Malaysia, Pakistan, Peru, Thailand, Tunisia, Turkey, South Africa, South Korea, and Sri Lanka.
