Country participation clear success:

Anuga Fair generates US $ 2 m initial orders for Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka's participation at the recently concluded international 'Anuga Trade Fair' was a 'clear success'. Most orders for Sri Lanka were seen from European and Eastern European countries with European supermarket chains making direct inquiries on Sri Lankan products. And many Sri Lankan food and beverage exporters are looking forward to take part in the 2013 Anuga Fair too, said Industry and Commerce Minister Rishad Bathiudeen. Minister Bathiudeen was speaking upon his return from Anuga Trade Fair in Cologne, Germany.

"Thirteen Sri Lankan firms took part in this year's Anuga. I believe this number will increase in the 2013 Anuga Fair," Minister Bathiudeen said. Speaking on the launch of Pure Ceylon Cinnamon, Minister Bathiudeen said: "European press had many interesting questions on Cinnamon and its origin during our press conference. Most of them realised the difference between cinnamon and cassia clearly on that occasion," Minister Bathiudeen added.

"Our initial estimates show that we have collected US $ two million of confirmed orders at the conclusion of Anuga Trade Fair" said Export Development Board Chairman and CEO Janaka Ratnayaka who joined Minister Bathiudeen in Cologne. "Orders for much higher amounts are also now under negotiation," Ratnayaka added.

Anuga Trade Fair is the world's most important trading platform for food and beverages and this year's fair had more than 155,000 trade visitors from 180 countries with 6,596 product suppliers coming from 100 countries. Held once in every two years, it combines 10 F&B trade trends and this year's fair, which is the 31st in its series, was organised by Koelnmesse GmbH, and ended on 12 October in Cologne, Germany.

The 13 companies who took part in the Anuga Trade Fair were Renuka Group, Consolidated Business Systems, G P de Silva & Sons Intl, Expolanka, S A Silva & Sons Lanka, Adamexpo, CIC Holdings, Ceylon Fresh Teas, Orient Trading, Ishana Spice Exports, Asia Teas, and Food & Nature Ltd.

"Almost all products on display at Sri Lanka Pavilion drew positive response from the visitors but Pure Ceylon Cinnamon, desiccated coconuts, value added Pure Ceylon Tea and organic products drew the 'strongest demand'," Ratnayaka added.