Kochi, Jan. 20
Representatives of nearly 40 nations will participate in the 10 th World Spice Congress scheduled to be held in New Delhi during February 3 to 5. The theme is “Global Concerns – India's response.”

In spite of the recession, the congress has elicited good response with around 150 international delegates and over 250 Indian delegates participating in the event, said Mr V.J. Kurien, Chairman, Spices Board. Emerging food safety concerns, constantly evolving regulations, global GAP, Indian spice industry progress are the key discussion points in the Congress, a bi-annual event organised jointly by the Board and the All India Spices Exporters Forum.

The maximum number of delegates is from the US. Many of the countries participating in the conference are major markets for Indian spices and spices products while some are major suppliers to the Indian spice industry. Business session

 

Business session The business session of the Congress is in two parts. The first session is on Global Agricultural Concerns and India. This will be followed by detailed presentations on food processing reforms in India; how an Indian company in health and functional foods has addressed quality requirements; development of good agricultural practices for spices and a microscopic presentation of good agricultural practices. The business session on the second day is titled Food Safety and Spices: An open discussion, amongst all stakeholders and focuses on the constantly changing food safety regulations in three major processed food consuming markets and its impact on spices.

The Congress will also have speakers from European Food Standards Authority, US FDA and Food Control Authority from South Africa.

The business sessions are structured to create awareness and promote open and interactive discussions amongst the participants and the presenters. The exhibition showcasing the various companies in the Indian spice industry will ensure information exchange and business development.