Lanka food exports recover!

• ProFood-ProPack & Agribiz ’15 mega event announced in Colombo
• Processed food exports recover, then rise by 14%!
• Our packaging exports at $74 Mn-Rishad
• ‘Thanks for government’s support’-Food Industry
• ‘Farm to the Table concept’-Agribiz

Sri Lanka’s food processing industry stands above the country’s apparel sector when it comes to value addition while the processed food exports too have recovered from its 2013 decline, posting 14% surge as revealed on 24 February–and the mega event Pro Food-Pro Pack & Agribiz ’15 is announced in Colombo amidst praise for government’s on-going support to the industry. “The processed food industry, despite lower export revenues, is the largest of industries in Sri Lanka in terms of input and output values by industry as well as value addition! In both these factors processed food industry stands even above our apparel sector” announced Rishad Bathiudeen (Minister of Industry and Commerce of Sri Lanka) on 24 February in Colombo.

Minister Bathiudeen was addressing the launch event of ‘Pro Food Pro Pack & AgriBiz 2015’ event at Cinnamon Lake Hotel on 25 February. The unique exhibition –a three exhibitions in one event taking scheduled from 21-23 August at BMICH-is jointly organized by Sri Lanka Food Processors’ Association, Lanka Exhibition and Conference Services and National Agri Business Council and supported by Minister Bathiudeen’s Industry and Commerce Ministry. Over the years, it has grown to an international scale event in Colombo, with special pavilions by Indian and Chinese exhibitors becoming a fixed item. Foreign exhibitors from China, India, Malaysia and some Middle East countries will take part at this year’s event with 300 companies from 20 countries being scheduled. Industry leaders and top companies from sectors of processed food, packaging and agri-business were present on the 24 February evening event.

“The processed food industry, despite lower export revenues, is the largest of industries in Sri Lanka in terms of Input and output values by industry as well as value addition! In both these factors processed food industry stands even above our apparel sector.  About 850 Lankan establishments with more than 25 workers each are employing 100000 persons and are producing about four billion dollars of processed food annually in Sri Lanka.  They are also increasing their share of our exports as well. In fact today I am pleased to inform you that our processed food exports having experienced a decline in 2013 recovered last year and even posted a positive growth. In that in 2014 our exports of food, feed, beverages and tobacco totalled $317 Mn which is an increase of 14% from 2013’s US $278 Mn. The Packaging industry sits at the centre of most of our exports as well as local and international marketing and branding of Lankan products. According to the Export Development Board our direct packaging exports are almost equal to our footwear and leather exports. In 2013 our direct packaging exports stood at $74 million.  200 Lankan companies are directly involved in this sector. The main sub sector is corrugated packaging for transports. 20 companies supply to the other sub sector which is flexible packaging and which includes plastic packaging. I also note of the Agribiz exhibition our latest addition to this series from last year. This event helps our agro producers to take note of modern trends in their sector as well as to network. My Ministry is keen on giving continuous support to develop this sector. This year also my Ministry has taken steps to organize a special pavilion to accommodate micro small and medium industries.”

The food processing industry lauded praise on the government for the continued support given to them. Mrs. Sunanda Weerasinghe (President, Sri Lanka Food Processors Association) announced: “A very big thank you to Minister Bathiudeen and his Ministry staff for being the greatest strength of the event over the years. As a result it has now become a sought after event by local and international industry exhibitors.”

Aruna Weerakoon (Chairman, National Agribusiness Council) addressing the event said: “Most of us await this event with great anticipation for us to interact with consumers, competition and latest technology. Thanks to this mega event many of us have been able to grow over the years, and we keep coming back. The concept of Farm to the Table opens new horizons to the consumers and helps them to make an informed decision on their food habits. The products on display for University students also adds a new dimension. More importantly showcasing the up and coming talent is an important aspect here and new technology unseen in Sri Lanka for the industry to learn from at a very affordable cost only at this event.”

At the evening event, stressing on Public Private Partnership, Minister Bathiudeen also gave away sponsorship awards to nine leading corporates-Delmege Forsyth, Maliban Biscuit Manufactories, Nikini Automation, Zenra Tea, Alli Company, CMC Engineering Export GmbH, Serendib Flour Mills, Sanasa Insurance Company and Sharp Print Expo.