Food processors industry employs over 600,000 people
Sri Lanka’s Processors Association employs over 600,000 people and is connected to farming communities around the country. The sector represent all national brands manufactured in Sri Lanka and indirectly support over four million people depending on agricultural livelihood.
“We are committed to developing the processed and beverage food industry by supporting policy development, technology and marketing,” said Nishan Perera, President Sri Lanka Food Processors Association at a media briefing held at the Waters Edge Battaramulla at the launch of the Profood -ProPack and Ag-Biz last week. He said the processed food industry is becoming a booming industry in Sri Lanka and is noted for its quality standards. Processed food industry when developed further can be a top money spinner earning valuable foreign exchange to the country. Meanwhile the ProFood -Pro PackAg-Biz Expo will be held on August 5-7 at the BMICH in Colombo after a lapse of two years following the COVID-19 pandemic.
The exhibition is organised by the Sri Lanka’s Food Processors Association with professional partner – Lanka Exhibition and Conference Services (Pvt) (LECS). The exhibition is supported and endorsed by the Ministry of Industries. More than 300 stalls have been allocated for local and foreign nationals which is the biggest event in the calendar. The exhibition scheduled to be held within a span of span of three days is set to attract a large audience. The event will be a platform to interact with prospective buyers where new technology can be used in the country. Over 40 companies from India are expected to participate at this year’s event. This is expected to attract stakeholders from many South East Asian countries as well. The Ministry of Industries will sponsor the SME and the Micro Sector at this event. The highlight at this event will be the Street Food Fiesta and the Cooking Studio will take on all three days of the expo.
Meanwhile a website on Pro-food Pro-Pack &Ad Biz2022 was launched for the benefit of the public.
Secretary to the Ministry of Industries Retd. General Daya Ratnayaka making the keynote speech said that having an exhibition at this juncture is not an easy task considering difficulties facing the country at present. Food manufacturing industry is taking a leadership when considering registration of large industries the ministry is receiving at present.
“Food manufacturing is close to my heart since as a young man I grew food before joining the army. While serving in the army in the North during the war I got soldiers involved in growing food on abandoned land. We were able to supply 40 per cent of fresh food to the military and elsewhere,” he added.
Chairman, National Agri Business Council Mario de Alwis said two decades ago they realised creating a brand for the value chain platform for local Agri -Business to promote their products. There was a need to build a relationship with packaging, machinery and everything else that is connected to the value chain of farmers. There are 1.7 million farmers who cultivate below two acres of land. “It is our responsibility to see the food and the packaging industry and the value chain does not collapse,” he added.
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