The Hindu Business Line : French food industry team in talks with Bengal cos

AN eight-member French food industry delegation is now in a B2B dialogue with several West Bengal-based agro-food manufacturers, producers and consulting companies/agents, including the likes of Mother Dairy, for joint ventures and other trade opportunities.

The team is led by ADEPTA, which is France's association for development international trade in agrifood products and technologies. Among the companies involved in business talks are names such as Keventer Agro, Bengal Nestor's, Pasteur, Bharat Kernel, and Rasoi.

ADEPTA brings together over 200 companies throughout France. With support from the French Ministry of Agriculture, Food, Fisheries and Rural Affairs, it annually organises some 40 promotional events in 30-odd countries.

Making a presentation on the French Agriculture and Food-Processing industry and Indo-French agri-food industry and cooperation, at a seminar here on Saturday organised by Indian Chamber of Commerce, Mr D. Saint Vincent of ADEPTA said that French companies already had a presence in north India in sectors like milk production and frozen vegetables.

Describing France as traditionally strong in the dairy products sector, he said this sector accounted for almost 50 per cent of the country's total exports, providing livelihood to a large section of the population.

Pointing out that the companies involved were mainly in the small and medium sector, he said that foodgrains, dairy development and sugar were three important industries. He put France's annual agri-exports at $28 billion (Rs 1,26,000 crore), two-thirds of which go to EU countries. Imports are placed at $20 billion.

A major export item in the export basket was the famous French wines, accounting for some 20 per cent. Dairy products, wines and spirits lead the export basket.

Mr S.S. Ahuja, Principal Secretary, Department of Food-processing & Horticulture, Government of West Bengal, said that as suggested by a recent McKinsey study, the State Government was looking for joint venture opportunities in fresh fruits & vegetables, fisheries and rice, admittedly the State's areas of strength. He said the State was uniquely placed with six distinctly different agro-climatic zones, giving it that cutting edge advantage in the agri-horticulture sector. He said Bengal has the agri-potential to emerge as a major `food power' in Asia by 2010.

Seeking French collaboration in processing of fruits like litchies and pineapples, Mr Ahuja said the State was also a producer of grapes, which may be considered for wine making. There is need to exploit the potential for wines, with French cooperation, he pointed out.

Mr S. Das, Secretary, Department of Animal Resources & Dairy Development, Government of West Bengal, said the State, though a major producer of milk at 10 million litres per day out of a national production of 250 million litres per day, was still a milk-deficit State.

Earlier, welcoming the French delegation, Mr Mahendra Jalan, chairman of Agro & Food Processing Committee of ICC, said the possible areas of agri-collaboration with French companies were many.

Article E-Mail :: Comment :: Syndication :: Printer Friendly Page

Stories in this Section
SAT Presiding Oficer takes charge

Oil-for-gas deal — India to give 4-month ultimatum to Iran

Singapore, India trade pact talks make `progress'

Tyre dealers urge Govt to ignore makers' plea

Kerala revises licence fee for bars

ESPN-Star extends pact with FA Premier League

BITS project makes learning virtual

French food industry team in talks with Bengal cos

Private cos too attract FDI slice

IIM-B students get 354 placement offers

`Raise educational standards to retain competitive edge'

Convergence meet for streamlining policy framework

`Untapped potential in sports goods exports'