Kerala Pavilion at Dubai’s GulFood set to showcase state’s culinary delights

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Kerala, known for its rich culinary heritage, is gearing up to display its leading brands on the global stage at GulFood 2024, one of the world’s premier food and beverage sourcing events. The five-day extravaganza, commencing on Monday at the Dubai World Trade Centre, promises to attract policymakers and industry titans from across the globe.

The Kerala Pavilion, orchestrated by the Kerala State Industrial Development Corporation Limited (KSIDC), will be stationed at Z-CP22 – Zabeel Plaza, marking the state’s presence at the 19th edition of GulFood 2024.

This dynamic platform will spotlight the burgeoning opportunities within Kerala’s vibrant food sector. Among the esteemed co-exhibitors at the pavilion are some of Kerala’s notable success stories, including Beecraft Honey, Cremberie Yoghurt, Foo Foods, Glenview Tea, Global Natural Food Processing Company, Harrisons Malayalam, Malabar Natural Foods, Manjilas Food Tech, Nasfood Exim, Pavizham Rice, Protech Organo, and Veliyath Food Products.

In conjunction with the exhibition, KSIDC is organising an investor conclave, themed “Kerala – the Spice Capital of India,” scheduled for 7 pm on Wednesday at the Ritz Carlton Dubai. Distinguished figures set to grace the event include H.E. Sunjay Sudhir, Ambassador of India to the United Arab Emirates (UAE); Saleh Abdullah Lootah, Chairman, Food & Beverage Manufacturing Business Group, UAE; Suman Billa, Principal Secretary (Industries and NORKA); and S Harikishore, MD, KSIDC and Director, Industries and Commerce, Kerala.

“The investor meet will delve into the myriad opportunities present in Kerala’s food sector, with a particular focus on spices, seafood processing, ready-to-eat food products, coconut, and jackfruit,” remarked Shri Harikishore.

Highlighting the state’s commitment to fostering growth in the food industry, he emphasised, “With food and food tech being prioritised as sunrise sectors for development, the government is dedicated to creating an enabling environment that attracts both domestic and foreign investors to participate in Kerala’s thriving food ecosystem.”

Under the Industrial Policy 2023, Kerala has unveiled a series of fiscal incentives aimed at bolstering the sunrise sectors. The state’s agricultural prowess is evident, contributing significantly to India’s output with 97 per cent of pepper, 70 per cent of cocoa, and substantial shares in coffee, cashew, coconut, and seafood processing.