The 39th edition of Aahar, the B2B international food and hospitality fair and one of India’s largest culinary shows, held in Delhi’s Pragati Maidan in March, had emerging Indian brands showcasing their culinary products and packaging innovations. What was new was the addition of the entire first floor, comprising halls 4,5, and 6, dedicated to packaging providers — many of them chanting the sustainability mantra. The exhibition hosted a variety of packaging providers in the food and beverage segments.
Flexible packaging was the most common thread with the displays including compostable flexible packaging for chocolates, energy bars, and other single-product packs such as center-filled cookies.
Flexible packaging is still the most used packaging form in India. Photo PSAPaper-based packaging in plate ware and cutleries also made a big impression. Throughout the several exhibition halls, Packaging South Asia witnessed many companies giving away free samples for tasting in a small paper tray without any coating.
Tin and glass-based containers were omnipresent. Tin was utilized by many candy, wafer, and cookie makers complemented by an inner air-tight closure significantly reducing the OTR (oxygen transmission rate). Several start-ups launched canned beverages in indigenized flavors and energy drinks. While beautifully glass bottles embroidered with tactile decoration stood out on the shelves at several stands, premium beverage and syrup makers displayed their entire range of SKUs.
Compostable flexible packaging for chocolates, energy bars, and other single-product packs. Photo PSAUnlike other food trade shows that focus heavily on exports, Aahar was more centered on the growth of domestic providers. A large segment was dedicated to the HoReCa (hotel, restaurant, café and catering) segment.
With a strong focus on aspects such as food safety standards, advanced production techniques, and environmentally sustainable practices, the exhibition provided an opportunity for Indian buyers, retailers, and food service professionals to explore the versatility of Indian cuisine.
Thematically, the biggest number of exhibitors were from the bakery, ready-to-cook, and beverage providers. Apart from business expansion and promotion of MSMEs, the show offered an opportunity for companies to reconfigure their supply chains, and logistics, and expand their outreach.
Organized by the India Trade Promotion Organisation with support from the Union Ministry of Food Processing Industries, the Agriculture and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority, and other institutions — the show highlighted the potential of the Indian hospitality sector with technologies, products, and services for domestic and international buyers.
Paper-based plateware and cutlery providers had a strong attendance. Photo PSAAahar highlighted many Point of sale (POS) systems, and QR codes, with innovative stands such as Bikano’s stand featuring a ‘tapri’ (tea stall), enhancing the interaction with visitors at a familiar and informal destination. Apart from mascots to engage with visitors, several exhibitors displayed their QR codes for information sharing. Some featured interactive games, especially in the nutraceutical segments.
The bigger show seemingly attracted more visitors than previous editions. Despite the massive size of Pragati Maidan, the built-up halls were not able to accommodate the exhibitors or visitors without additional hangars outside.
