Food & Beverage News: F&B Specials - Kargil Equipments makes its first time entry at Aahar

Kargil Equipments is making its maiden presence at Aahar Chennai 2009 International Food Fair. The company is confident that the event will generate the much needed exposure and response. The premier international exhibition for food items, food processing equipment, and hotel & restaurant equipment, organised by the India Trade Promotion Organization (ITPO) at the Chennai Trade Center (CTC), is being held on August 27 - 29, 2009, at Chennai.

Bangalore-based Kargil is known for its range of kitchen equipment which covers preparation-cooking serving, cleaning-washing and refrigeration products for hospitality industry and large industrial canteens. The company which manufactures and markets the entire product range in the country has a major presence in the southern region. It is also firming up its plan to enter Middle East shortly.

The company has garnered its expertise in planning, custom designing, manufacturing, installing, commissioning and after sales support. Its client base extends to well-known companies across software biotech and industrial canteens.

"We have participated in exhibitions in the past. But at Aahar, ours is a first time entry. Such events have been ideal platforms for enquires," Oommen Matthew, partner, Kargil Equipments told F&B News.

The company which started operations in 2000 has a full- fledged manufacturing plant at the Peenya Industrial Area in Bangalore. There is also a research and development wing which focuses on new designs to increase convenience of the food preparation and cleaning operations. Its team has 45 personnel and most of them are engaged in production jobs.

In 2007-08, the company invested around Rs 40 lakh and now there are no further infusion of funds as the only focus now is on consolidation of operations.

The key strengths of the company are its ability to provide complete solutions for large scale kitchen operations and can extend expertise from concept to commissioning, stated Matthews.

Although the range of kitchen equipment has been in great demand, the recessionary phase did witness a dip in the business but it has been slowly picking up. However, a visible trend is for low cost and investment for absolute necessary equipment. Unlike the past, there is no intention for customers to go in for any extravagance or indulgence, pointed out Matthews.

"Among the key issues faced by the sector is the need for reduction in the 12.5 per cent Value Added Tax (VAT) to around 4 per cent," he said.

The hospitality industry is the key driver of the market for kitchen equipment. This is supported by a large base of restaurants and industrial canteens. The market has a large presence of players but the competition is healthy. There is room for all players both in the organised and unorganised sector to generate business and succeed, said Matthews.