Convenor’s message:           

Dr. Prabodh Halde

Startup India is a flagship initiative of the Government of India, intended to build a strong eco-system for nurturing innovation and Startups in the country.

Its been over a decade that startups* caught the attention when young vibrant minds started shunning the conventional jobs by pursuing out of the box ideas as their career choices. While many made big news but only a few succeeded. However, appetite for such startups* is only growing. Food startups* and online grocery has been catching the spotlight. While online grocery vertical is garnering its own share of ventures, food ordering and delivery is not far behind.

Past few years has seen an exponential growth in such startups* with increasing interest of investors. Also businesses from different niche have also decided to experiment in this lucrative business. JustDial and Uber too entered this segment with the launch of their food ordering and delivery services.

India Food Forum launches this maiden initiative aimed at supporting food startups* and to have open house discussions and debates about the challenges they face during their journey, innovation plans, investment and future plans.
As defined by the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP), Ministry of Commerce & Industry, GoI, a start-up company means a private company incorporated under the Companies Act, 2013 and recognised as a “start-up” in accordance with the notification issued by DIPP.

As Convenor of India FOOD STARTUPS AND INNOVATION CONVENTION & AWARDS, I invite all stakeholders of the Food & FMCG business in India to join the 1st mega confluence of Food Startups & support organisations on JANUARY 19, 2018 (FRIDAY ) Day 3 of India Food Forum. Here, you all can share innovations, ideas, achievements, emerging trends and learn from insights and experiences of others. The forum will also feature innovative food brands, retail concepts, and support systems providing an opportunity to showcase and demonstrate products and expertise.

Looking forward to a great start of this mega initiative to build a robust ecosystem for food start ups which will primarily be driven by innovation and technology. I shall be happy to receive suggestions from all stakeholders to improve on the convention agenda. Please click here to view the program.

Dr. Prabodh Halde
Convenor, India Food Startups & Innovation Convention and Awards
President – (AFSTI) The Association of Food Scientists and Technologists (India)
Head – Regulatory, Marico Ltd