Retailers from Russia, Gulf keen to partner Indian food exporters

Companies from Russia and Gulf countries are keen to partner with Indian food producers and exporters of spices, rice, meat and packed ethnic food, commerce and industry minister Suresh Prabhu said on Wednesday.

Ahead of the two day mega international food and beverage trade show ‘Indus Food', the minister said that such a trade show is a way of doubling farmers’ income and getting a better price for their produce.

Retail chains from Russia and gulf countries like Oman, UAE and Iran are participating in the show where Indian retail chains like Patanjali, ITC and KRBL will also showcase their products.

“We want to get better prices for farmers in the overseas market. This is the best way of doubling farmers’ income,” he said.

The show is the largest buyer seller meet with the whole gamut of agricultural products being showcased for the first time.

While the meet will showcase 12 food segments including cereals, fruit and vegetables, oil seeds, dried fruit, spices, processed food and seafood, the commodities of high interest are spices, rice, meat products and Indian ethnic food such as namkeens.

“We want to improve our value added exports and not only export raw materials only,” said an official in the know.

Over 400 exhibitors including representations from over 12 states are expected to participate in the show.

The government expects to do business worth $1.5-2.5 billion through the show which is happening at such a large scale for the first time.