Indian companies showcase food security solutions at Gulfood 2021

Dubai - India was Dubai’s top food trade partner in 2020, official figures showed

Indian food and beverage companies at the Gulfood 2021 exhibition are showcasing a host of solutions that will aid the UAE in its food security initiatives.

Over 150 exhibitors from India are taking part in the show this year, spread across the seven sectors of the show. Trade officials are welcoming visitors to experience ‘the Exquisite Flavours of India’, as the representatives highlight the very best of Indian products ranging from pulses, grains, processed food, and meat, to dairy, and oils.

“We are delighted to see the participation of over 150 Indian companies at Gulfood 2021,” said Dr Aman Puri, the consul general of India in Dubai and the Northern Emirates. “India is a reliable partner in the UAE’s food security and the UAE-India Food Corridor Project is likely to triple the food exports from India over the next 2-3 years.”

According to official figures, when it comes to the Dubai market specifically, India stands as the emirate’s top food trade partner in 2020, with food products imported from the Asian country accounting for 19 per cent of all food imports.

FarmLink Basmati, the flagship basmati rice brand of Desai AgriFoods, an India-based food producer and exporter, is showcasing its aromatic basmati rice, along with other rice products at the event. The FarmLink rice team is displaying its latest rice mill facility in Karnal, in the heart of India’s basmati region of Haryana and Punjab.

Commenting on FarmLink Basmati’s first participation in Gulfood 2021, Marco Klinge, CEO of Desai AgriFoods, said: “Indian basmati rice is one of the most preferred rice variants globally. Our strong footprint in India and other growing rice hubs, our robust supply chain, and the complete traceability of our products to farm level give us an edge over the competition when it comes to consistent, reliable supply of high-quality rice. With ever-increasing demand for premium quality rice in Asia, Middle East and Europe, we are sure Gulfood 2021 is the best platform for us to reach out to our target customer base and help us extend our product offerings to new territories.”

Dr. Pablo Erat, co-founder and deputy CEO of Innoterra Group, whose mission is to transform the food ecosystem to sustainably provide people with safe and nutritious food products,” said: “We are one of the largest exporters of fresh produce and non-perishable goods from India with a clear and strong focus on the Middle East.”

In 30 years’ time, he said that the world will need to produce 70 per cent more food than today to feed humankind. In this context, food security is a critical topic and experts see a clear need for ramping up sustainable production of high-quality food and building robust, integrated global supply chains.

“For the Middle East market, South Asia, and India in particular, we have successfully positioned ourselves as committed partners assuring food security,” he said. “Our close collaboration with and investments in the farming community in multiple sourcing regions and our fully integrated and traceable supply chains make us ideally positioned to serve the needs of the markets in the Middle East. Our premium brand Happy Fruits is already delighting consumers in the region.”

rohma@khaleejtimes.com