The Kerala State Industrial Corporation (KSIDC) held an investor meet in Dubai, where it presented the state’s potential in the food, ready-to-eat and foodtech sector before investors and entrepreneurs from the region, as well as around the world.
The Investor Conclave, coinciding with the ongoing Gulfood 2024, was aimed to attract foreign investment in Kerala’s high-growth food sector, as well as inspire entrepreneurs from the Gulf region to build flourishing businesses in the state.
The event showcased the strengths and opportunities in the state’s food and foodtech sector, identified as a priority sector by the Kerala government for further inward investments and development.
“Kerala has an impressive infrastructure dedicated to food processing, including five state-of-the-art food processing parks, two mega food parks and upcoming mini food parks. The state is also home to a spices park, underscoring its rich heritage in spice cultivation,” said Suman Billa, Principal Secretary (Industries and NORKA), Kerala.
“These facilities serve as hubs of innovation and efficiency, facilitating seamless transformation of raw materials into value-added products. With its fertile land and conducive climate, the state is a powerhouse of agricultural production,” he told prospective investors.
Bhalla said the department was encouraged by the response to the Investor Conclave and will support investors in their entrepreneurial journey in Kerala’s food and foodtech sector.
S Harikishore, Managing Director, KSIDC and Director, Department of Industries and Commerce, Kerala, said the state government is committed to creating an enabling environment for both domestic and foreign investors to engage in the food-based ecosystem.
“From easy access to raw materials to a well-established network of manufacturing facilities, the state offers an ecosystem ripe for investment.
“Further, the state’s cosmopolitan outlook and extensive international market provide ample opportunities for growth and expansion,” he said.
Sunjay Sudhir, Ambassador of India to the UAE and Saleh Abdullah Lootah, Chairman, Food and Beverage Manufacturing Business Group, UAE, also addressed guests at the investor meet.
Kerala’s food ecosystem has benefited from a series of reforms that build on the Kerala State Industrial Policy 2023, providing a much-needed impetus to the sunrise sectors.
Currently, the state contributes significantly to India’s agricultural output, accounting for 97 percent of India’s pepper, 70 percent of cocoa, and substantial shares in coffee, cashew, coconut, and seafood processing.
Kerala also has a robust ecosystem of research and development institutions dedicated to the food sector, including the Central Institute of Fisheries Technology and the Central Tuber Crops Research Institute.
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