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On 2nd anniversary, FIFI holds function, touches $200 m in buying power
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Friday, 23 December, 2011, 08 : 00 AM [IST]
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Our Bureau, Mumbai
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The New Delhi-based Forum of Indian Food Importers (FIFI) turned two recently, and a function was held at the ITC Sheraton in the national capital to celebrate the occasion. The chief guest at the event was V N Gaur, CEO, Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).
At the function, Amit Lohani, convener, FIFI, announced that the body had touched the $200 million-mark in terms of buying power, but clarified that it had no specific target as far as buying power was concerned.
However, he said, “Our main objective is to identify true entrepreneurs with several years of experience and vast knowledge of the food and beverage industry in India, which is very dynamic.”
He added that FIFI – whose members contribute over 800 brands from over 50 countries to India’s retail portfolio – would like to nurture the expertise of these industry veterans and impart the same to its members and others in the trade.
Apart from the event, Lohani spoke to FnB News on a variety of topics, such as the body’s role, objectives, expectations and challenges.
When asked what FIFI’s long- and short-term goals were, he said, “We are looking at creating awareness about the international gourmet industry and will be talking to major retailers such as Nature’s Basket and SPAR India to hold promotions with the members of FIFI.”
He added, “FIFI is currently in talks with the FSSAI. We expect them to include FIFI on their advisory panels.”
The main challenges FIFI has faced since its inception in 2009 are the rigidity of the prevalent food laws in India and, of course, the high customs tariffs. Inter-state taxation, border laws and non-tariff barriers are other issues the body has to deal with.
Lohani, in response to a question on how he plans to overcome these issues, said, “FIFI is in close deliberations with FSSAI and a number of international trade bodies such as Food Export USA, the Southern United States Trade Association (SUSTA), Food from Spain, New Zealand Trade, etc.”
At the national level, FIFI acts as a “united front” and deliberates with various government bodies, business forums and trade commissions.
At these forums, the body has brought forth a number of critical issues which the industry faces. These issues include increased levels of regulation in the form of quality, documentation, demands for variety and innovation, low profit margins, shelf life management, etc.
He appeared confident that these talks would prove a step in the right direction and help create the right atmosphere with India’s ministry of commerce and industry.
He was categorical about the role of FIFI. “We encourage and help our members in the food and beverage industry to promote their products in the international markets,” and added, “It is the members who create new food categories and benchmarks, not us.”
The body also liaises with various government agencies and undertakes reviews of food labelling laws and import policy regulations. This, to an extent, helps reduce the burden on food importers. However, care is taken not to compromise on the revenue due to the government and the health of the consumers.
These reviews, if done periodically, would benefit both the industry and the country because the industry would grow manifold and that would lead to an improved gross domestic product (GDP).
Just prior to signing off, he revealed that the biggest imports markets for the Indian food industry are south-east Asia, the Middle-East and the European Union.
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