Assocham's FMCG SUMMIT discusses 'Issues and Challenges' of the Sector

Assocham, India had organized an FMCG SUMMIT to discuss the 'Issues and Opportunities' in the sector. The event was held at Hotel Royal Plaza, New Delhi August 06, 2015. The Chief Guest on the occasion was Shri Ram Vilas Paswan, Hon'ble Union Minister for Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, Govt. of India. The Minister highlighted the need of speedy redressal of the industries' grievances along with the importance of modern technologies and innovations in the sector to match the evolving needs. Paswan also stressed the need of maintaining quality standards in the food sector, and thus credibility among the customers. Public perception should no way be underestimated. On the Industry side, he said it necessary to have a single body attending to related issues and clearances from various ministries and government departments in the food sector. In a refreshing diversion from usual practice of having representation primarily from the industry, the academia found a brilliant representation in Prof. Dr. Uday Salunkhe. Salunkhe, Group Director, Welingkar Institute of Management Development and Research. Welingkar, Mumbai has recently acquired an autonomous status - a significant milestone for any educational institute. He spoke on, how academia can fast track the growth of the sector. Known for his passion and belief in the power of youth, laced with a creative and innovative mindset, Salunkhe suggested setting up innovation labs in B-schools. According to him, if we zero in on around 200-300 top B-schools of the country and give them the infrastructure innovation needs, in form of labs and experts to mentor, students can learn in simulated market conditions, it would ensure a smooth talent supply to the sector. Underlining the importance of academia - industry connect, he suggested a provision from which both, professionals and students stand to gain. He believes, it will create industry-relevant talent and defuse the employability gap. Speaking further on the significance of the academia he said, "Government projects and plans can deliver faster results if the students are given meaningful participation and supported with appropriate guidance. Education, in its new avatar has to be the catalyst in nation-building and it can very effectively do that if well aligned with national projects and aspirations. The ongoing Kumbhathon at Nasik is a live example of how students can help the administration. Dr. Salunkhe's words were well received by all present. The highlight of the event was the release of a knowledge paper, capturing the challenges and opportunities of the sector. The dignitaries present on the occasion included Shri Siraj Chaudhry - Chairman, Cargill India Pvt. Ltd, Shri Vijay Sardana - Head- Food Security Initiative & Agri Business, United Phosphorous Group, Shri C S Jog - Executive Director, Resurgent India Limited and Shri Uday Wig -Co-Chairman, FMCG Brand Promotion and Anti Smuggling Committee, ASSOCHAM. In the second session of the day, a panel comprising Dr. V. K. Gupta - Professor, IMT Ghaziabad, Mr. Narender Singh - Dunar Foods Ltd, Mr. Akhilesh Kapoor - TACT India Pvt. Ltd., Mr. Vikas Jain - PMV Nutrient Products Pvt. Ltd., Mr. Vijay Sardana - United Phosphorous Group and Mr. P K Gupta - Cafe Buddy's Food Pvt. Ltd. discussed the ways to advance the growth of the industry. The session was chaired by Mr. B N Dixit, Director, Legal Metrology, Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Govt. of India