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Profoods/Propack launched:
Processed food exports steadily increasing
Exports from the Sri Lankan processed food sector have increased by
31.7% in comparison to 2009. Sri Lanka is looking at biotechnology and
even eco-farming to expand the processed food sector and Sri Lanka's
packaging sector is also growing in size similar to tea or coconut
sectors, says Industry and Commerce Minister Rishad Bathiudeen.
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Minister Bathiudeen with Sri Lanka Food Processors’
Association President Rohantha De Fonseka. Picture by Saliya
Rupasinghe |
Addressing 10th "Profoods Propack 2011" annual exhibition launch,
conducted by the Industry and Commerce Ministry he said that the food
industry is one of the fastest growing and most diverse manufacturing
sectors in Sri Lanka. "Sri Lanka's growing food and beverage industry
sector has more than 4,400 establishments with more than 132,000 people
engaged in it. It has an estimated average annual output around Rs 365
billion as of 2008 and is growing rapidly," he said.
Exports from the processed food industry last year stood at US $
62.21 million and this was a considerable increase of 31.7 percent in
comparison to 2009. This sector has been growing steadily throughout the
last decade at an average rate of 10%.
The processed food sector achieved its growth from two directions
that is from exports and through local market expansion.
Profoods Propack launched in 2001 has been the main platform to
showcase Sri Lanka's processed foods and the innovative Sri Lankan
packaging options to the local and international consumers and
investors. It will be held from August 26 to 28 at the Sirimavo
Bandaranaike Hall of BMICH, Colombo 7.
"This sector does not use any raw material imports for value addition
and almost all produce exported are directly from Sri Lanka itself.
Therefore, this will become a key sector in our exports in future," the
minister said.
The forthcoming international exhibition of food processing,
packaging and agribusiness will showcase Sri Lanka's complete food
supply chain, among others.
This year's event will have over 300 stalls and will highlight food
supply chains, opportunities for investors, traders and consumers and
will help the visitors to see first-hand of the emergent opportunities
in this promising industry.
This year's event will also showcase many overseas companies
participating especially from the SAARC region. |
