FoodTech Kerala expo showcases innovation in food processing and packaging

Kochi: "We never knew that powders of dried vegetables like carrot and beetroot were available in India, and this is a good means to introduce them to people," said George and Philomena, elderly couple from Vennala who visited the 16th edition of FoodTech Kerala exhibition, which began at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium Ground in the city on Thursday.

Being state's premier exhibition of food processing and packaging technology, one of the standout features of this year's edition was the 104 stalls under Pradhan Mantri Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFME) scheme, showcasing a diverse range of innovative products and services from Kerala's own food processing entrepreneurs. The diversity on display in the exhibition reflected Kerala's rich food heritage, including spices, pickles, traditional snacks, seafood products, ready-to-eat coconut chips and nutritional packs manufactured from regional produce. Ripe mango pickle and mushroom pickles were among the standout products.

"We are receiving a great response from visitors, who are awed by the variety of jackfruit products. This is a great platform to bring the goodness of jackfruit to the wider populace," said Vijay Kumar from Golden Jack stall.

Organized by Cruz Expos, a Kochi-based professional B2B event organizer, the three-day-long exhibition is supported by department of industries, ministry of food processing industry (MFPOI), Kerala Bureau of Industrial Promotion (KBIP) and Kerala Agricultural University (KAU).

Officially inaugurating the expo, industries minister P Rajeeve emphasized govt's commitment to supporting MSMEs and startups in the sector. "Three years ago, Kerala's achievement in PMFME was 57% and we were in 12th position. Now, it has increased to 102% and Kerala is in 1st position," he said.

HotelTech Kerala, state's premier exhibition for hospitality sector, focused on HORECA (hotels, resorts, restaurants and catering) sector, ran alongside FoodTech Kerala, with over 100 exhibitors displaying linen and furnishings, hotel and kitchen equipment.

Seminars by academic and industry experts marked the second half of the day's events. GM Conclave and Purchase Managers Meet, sponsored by Pune Gas, will be the highlight on Day 2 of HotelTech Kerala 2025.

Kerala Barista Workshop (KBW), a five-day intensive workshop conducted by Coffee Board, Bengaluru, is also being held at Chavara Institute, Kochi, from May 20 to 24.