Biz deals worth Rs 100 cr likely at 3-day organic trade show

Amid growing demand for organic products, domestic and global companies are expected to clinch business deals to the tune of Rs 100 crore during the three-day international organic trade show here, starting November 10.

The international show 'Biofach India into Organic' is being organised by Germany's NuernbergMese India along with Bangalore-based International Competence Centre of Organic Agriculture (ICCOA).

"About Rs 51 crore worth of business was transacted during the last trade show held in Kochi in 2015. This time, we are expected about Rs 100 crore deals," ICCOA Executive Director Manoj Kumar Menon told PTI.

More deals are expected as there is higher participation of international buyers as well as domestic players having huge retail presence in India, he said.
 

Emphasising the need to provide a market for farmers to sell organic produce, Menon said: "Organic farming cannot be encouraged unless there is assured market. Adoption and certification is only the first step. Links with businesses to sell organic products at a premium and consistent buying support is essential to keep the farmer motivated."

Around 170 exhibitors, 11 state pavilions and 20 international buyers are expected to participate in this year's international trade show on organic products.

Stating that the market for organic produce in metros is growing fast, NurnbergMesse Managing Director Sonia Prashar said, "This is the reason why the eight edition of the trade show is being held here. The show will create more awareness among consumers about organic produce and provide a platform for retail marketing as also export."

In the last few years, more companies are participating in the show to capture wider market in the domestic retail space, which is yet to be tapped fully, she added.

Only organic products with a strict certification criteria are allowed in the show to ensure quality of the products on the display.

India, which has largest organic farmers in the world, produces organic produce worth Rs 11,000 crore but been able to market only half of it. The country sells Rs 1,000 crore worth produce in the domestic market, while Rs 5,000 crore worth of organic produce in the international market.