By Priya Raj
WMNC-Expo 2023 Wraps Up Successfully in Kolkata
We are thrilled to share the exciting highlights and achievements from our recently concluded annual event of World Mithai & Namkeen Convention – Expo 2023 held at Biswa Bangla Prangan, near Science City, Kolkata from 17th to 19th December.
The grand show was inaugurated by the hands of Dr. Shashi Panja, Cabinet Minister Industries, Commerce & Enterprises, West Bengal, in association with Mishti Udyog, West Bengal Industrial Development Corporation (WBIDC) and DCSSTR. This gathering was not just an event; it was an experience that left a lasting impact on all participants and set a new benchmark for excellence.
The ceremonial lighting of the lamp was carried out by the Chief Guest and FSNM members. Firoz H. Naqvi, the event organizer, delivered the introductory speech expressing gratitude to partners, exhibitors, FSNM members, and attendees for their unwavering support and active involvement.
He specifically thanked Mishti Udyog, the representative of West Bengal’s Mishti and Chanachur manufacturers, and the WBIDC for their guidance and assistance, contributing to the event’s stature as the biggest in its six-year history.
After Naqvi’s introductory remarks, Virendra Jain, President of FSMN, delivered a warm welcome speech. He extended invitations to all dignitaries, sponsors, exhibitors, and visitors, marking the commencement of the 6th edition of WMNC.
Dr. Shashi Panja delivered the keynote address, emphasizing the progress of the food and beverage industry. She promised to look into the issue of the inconsistent labelling of GST rates on food products and explore solutions to alleviate the shortage of skilled labour. Dr. Panja commended the thriving food industry, particularly the mithai and namkeen sector, expressing appreciation for the advancements in automation within food production.
Following the lamp lighting ceremony, Dhiman Das, the Managing Director of K.C. Das Pvt. Ltd., delivered the “Vote of Thanks”.
In this capacity, he expressed sincere appreciation to the Chief Guest, FSNM members, partners, exhibitors, and attendees for their invaluable contributions and presence at the event. Dhiman Das specifically highlighted notable collaborations and instances that significantly contributed to the success of the occasion.
The “Vote of Thanks” served as a formal conclusion to the event, offering gratitude for the collective efforts that made it a memorable and successful gathering.
Following keynote and Vote of Thanks, a ceremony ensued to honour the stalwarts in various categories. viz…
1. Life Time Achievement Award
2. Mithai Ratan Awards
• Sanjay Singhania – Haldiram Snacks Pvt. Ltd.,
• Dr. Baiju Mehta – Das Pendawala Foods Pvt. Ltd.
• Dr. Ashok Kumar Tyagi- Haldiram Snacks Pvt. Ltd.,
• Shashank Joshi- Parag Milk Foods,
• Dhiman Das- K.C. Das Pvt. Ltd.
3. Grand Master Award
• Vinay Dixit – Ridhaan Food Consultants Pvt. Ltd
• Dr. Sibabrat Sahu- Hira Sweets Manufacturing Pvt. Ltd.
4. Special Invites-Guest of Merit were:
• Prabhu Shanker Agarwal-CMD Haldiram Bhujiawala Ltd. (Prabhuji), Kolkata
• Rajesh Agarwal- CMD, Ganpati’s Rajesh, Kolkata
• Biman Bandyopadhyay- Speaker of the West Bengal Legislative Assembly
• Shri Shuvaprasanna–Eminent Artist and Renowned Activist
5. Guest of Honour was none other than:
Davendra Shah- Chairperson, Parag Milk Foods Ltd.
6. The Conqueror award was issued to Mishti Udyog for their grand contribution and relentless support extended for the success of the event.
7. The Chairperson-Epitome of Acumen awards for Mithai Competition were given to
• Virendra Jain
• Vikram Agarwal
The seminar: The Exchange of Knowledge
The seminar was a melting pot of ideas, where professionals from diverse backgrounds came together to share their perspectives. This exchange of ideas was not confined to the structured sessions but permeated every aspect of the event, creating an atmosphere conducive to innovation and intellectual exchange.
The topic was “Latest Regulatory Aspects for Mithai & Namkeen Sector” with the esteemed industry leaders and experts taking the stage as eminent speakers, sharing their invaluable insights and contributing to the intellectual wealth of the gathering. They were:
• Sanjay Singhania – Haldiram Snacks Pvt. Ltd.,
• Dr. Baiju Mehta – Das Pendawala Foods Pvt. Ltd.
• Dr. Ashok Kumar Tyagi- Haldiram Snacks Pvt. Ltd.,
• Shashank Joshi- Parag Milk Foods Pvt. Ltd.,
• Vinay Dixit- Ridhaan Food Consultants Pvt. Ltd.,
• Dr. Sibabrat Sahu-Hira Sweets Manufacturing Pvt. Ltd.
Attendees had the chance to interact with like-minded professionals, laying the groundwork for collaborative efforts, partnerships, and lasting relationships.
Our sponsors were awarded too. Let’s have a glimpse over them:
Title Partner: Bikaji Foods International
Powered by: Keva Flavours
Platinum Partners were:
• Heat & Control Soth Asia Pvt. Ld.
• US Cranberries
• B.L.G. International Hing Pvt. Ltd. (The Most Innovative Award)
Gold Partners were:
• Shree Additives
• California Walnuts Commission
• Rajdhani Flour mills
• Vipin Agarwal, The Saffron Expert
• Avon Flavours
• Harilal Ventures Pvt. Ltd.
• Karishma Metal Industries Pvt. Ltd.
Silver Partners were:
• Kap Group
• Swani Enterprises
• Veripack Solutions India Pvt. Ltd.
• South African Apples & Pears
• Mukharochak
Special Award was offered to WBIDC as Syenrgetic Associate to them for their consistent support and assistance.
The Conqueror Award was given to Mishti Udyog for their relentess support and robust encouragement.
Esteemed Guest Of Merit were awardedto Prabhu Shankar Agarwal, Haldiram Bhujiawala Ltd. and Rajesh Agarwal. from Ganpati’s Rajesh.
Guest of Honour was awarded to Devendra Shah, Parag Milk Foods.
The show saw a diverse engagement as a multifaceted experience an event was not merely a gathering; but it was a hub of mithai and namkeen, offering attendees a fantastic arena that spanned insightful panel discussions to interactive workshops. This platform served as a dynamic space where participants delved into the latest industry trends, exchanged innovative ideas, and nurtured connections that extend beyond the event itself.
The event’s agenda included thought-provoking panel discussions led by industry experts. These sessions were designed to explore and analyse the current landscape, providing attendees with valuable insights and perspectives that are crucial for navigating the evolving trends in our industry.
The day one i.e., 17th December concluded with a grand musical gala night organized by Mishti Udyog where the executive members were felicitated by none other than Dhiman Das. The gala night was carried away with a beautiful voice of Ms. Jojo who entertained the crowd with non-stop singing.
Day -2, 18th December
Going beyond traditional presentations, our annual event hosted two interactive workshops. These hands-on sessions empowered participants to actively engage with the subject matter, fostering a practical understanding of key concepts. The workshops served as incubators for creativity and collaboration, encouraging participants to apply their newfound knowledge.
Our day started with the first workshop giving live cooking demo by Chef Varun Inamdar representing California Walnut Commission. Our special invites here were Robert Verloop, Executive Director / Chief Executive Officer & Ms. Pamela Graviet, VP Integrated Marketing of the company.
The second workshop of live cooking demo was presented by Chef Sabyasachi Gorai on behalf of South African Apples & Pears.
The third workshop with live cooking demo was given by Chef Neha Deepak Shah representing US Cranberries.
Attendees were presented with the opportunity to stay at the forefront of industry advancements. Whether through panel discussions or interactive workshops, our event facilitated a comprehensive exploration of the latest trends, ensuring that participants left with a deep understanding of the current state and future trajectory of our dynamic sector.
In a delightful addition to our annual event, we were excited to present the Mithai and Namkeen Competition, a segment that brought sweetness, creativity, and innovation to the forefront.
The Fierce Contests:
The Mithai Competition organized by FABBRI 1905 & KAP GROUP served as a captivating showcase of the industry’s talent, inviting participants to display their craftsmanship and culinary expertise. This event not only celebrated the rich heritage of traditional sweets but also provided a platform for the exploration of new flavours and techniques.
Highlights:
The FABBRI Mithai Competition was chaired by Virendra Jain, President FSNM, Owner Kadimi Sweets Pvt. Ltd. & Vikram Agarwal, Greendot Health foods Pvt. Ltd (Cornitos).
Expert Judging Panel: A panel of esteemed judges, comprising industry experts and connoisseurs, evaluated the entries based on taste, presentation, and creativity.
The Just Jury included:
Shashank Joshi-Parag Milk Foods
Hitesh Tripathi- Tech4 Serve Food Consultants
Chef Varun Bajaj- Innovative Chefs Space Solutions
Creative Presentations: At the onset, the participants dazzled the audience with their imaginative and visually appealing presentations, turning traditional mithai and namkeen into works of art. There were about 30 plus entrants for the mithai competition each striving to be the winner.
Innovative Flavours: The competition featured a diverse range of flavours, from timeless classics to bold and inventive combinations, highlighting the industry’s commitment to innovation.
Interactive Experience: Attendees had the opportunity to engage with participants, learning about the inspiration behind each creation and gaining insights into the evolving landscape of mithai and namkeen.
Winners and Recognition:
The Mithai Competition concluded with the announcement of winners, recognizing outstanding achievements in various categories. The competition not only celebrated individual excellence but also fostered a sense of camaraderie within the industry.
The WINNER
The competition was intense, with participants giving their all, resulting in a nail-biting contest that concluded in a tie.
1. Amit Goel from Bansal Foods (CHERRY BLOSSOM)
Sunil Dutt Kathuria,
Om Sweets Pvt. Ltd. (PINK ROSE MILK CAKE LADOO) emerged as co-winners for their outstanding entries.
2. The First Runner Up
Divya Arora, Kesar Sweets (BERRY BLOSSOM)
3. The Second Runner Up Nirmal Sharma, Shiv Shakti Sweets & Snacks (Rose Basket)
Beyond the competition itself, this event served as a catalyst for networking and collaboration. Participants, judges, and attendees had the chance to connect, exchange ideas, and explore potential partnerships, creating a sense of community within the mithai and namkeen sector.
The KEVA Flavours Namkeen Competition event witnessed yet another competition of snacks and namkeen. KEVA Flavours had organized this competition show with 20 entrants.
The winners were decided by KEVA Flavours themselves.
The WINNER:
Nirmal Sharma- Shiv Shakti Sweets & Snacks (Peri Peri
Seasoning in Shahi Mixture)
The First Runner Up:
Anup Agarwal-Bansal Group-(Punjabi Tadka Seasoning in Millets)
The Second Runner Up:
Harshil Anadkat: Pavan Foods
(Chatpata Masala Seasoning in Kachori)
The success of the Namkeen Competition has set a precedent for future events. As we reflect on the creativity and innovation witnessed, we are inspired to continue providing platforms that showcase and elevate the diverse talents within our industry.
Thank you to all participants, judges, and attendees for making the Mithai and Namkeen Competition a sweet and savoury success at our annual event.
The same day there was an interactive session by Shaishav Mittal, Director, Lovely Sweets (Lovely Bake Studios) discussing the topic “How to run your retail showroom on autopilot”.
The event showcased excellence by conferring six BEST STALL awards to recognize outstanding participants. Despite the commendable efforts and positions displayed by numerous others, the challenging selection process compelled us to narrow down our choices to just six deserving recipients.
As we reflect on the success of this annual event, we are already gearing up for the future. Your feedback and enthusiasm have fuelled our commitment to delivering even more impactful and enriching experiences in the coming years.
We express our gratitude to everyone who played a role in making this event a triumph. Stay tuned for more updates, and we look forward to welcoming you again at our future endeavours.
The Final Words:
This three-day event effortlessly integrated more than 5,500 members from every corner of the mithai and namkeen industry countrywide, with an astonishing turnout of over 20,000 individuals under a single roof. With 300 stalls, the event not only provided a strong networking platform, but it also set a new standard for industry excellence.
In collaboration with the MISHTI UDYOG – Sweets & Savouries Entrepreneurs’ Association of Bengal, and a special associate – West Bengal Industrial development corporation (WBIDC), WMNC extends a warm and collective gratitude to all partners, stakeholders, exhibitors, participants, attendees in the event.
Thank you for being a part of our journey!