Text and Pic by Jude Denzil Pathiraja

Pro Food, Pro Pack & Ag-biz 2022, Sri Lanka’s only comprehensive food, agriculture and packaging exhibition will open its doors to the general public and trade visitors from Aug 5 to 7 for the 19th consecutive year at the BMICH Exhibition Center, Colombo, it was announced on Thursday.

The exhibition is organized by the Sri Lanka Food Processors Association together with Lanka Exhibition and Conference Services (Pvt) Ltd (LECS). The exhibition is supported and endorsed by the Ministry of Industries.

Secretary to the Ministry of Industries Gen Daya Ratnayake guest of honour of the Thursday’s event said that the exhibition is expected to provide a unique and comprehensive platform for the discovery and introduction of food processing, engineering and packaging services among a host of other benefits for both visitors and the stall holders.

Outgoing President of the Sri Lanka Food Processors’ Association (SLFPA) Nishan Perera said that more than 200 stalls have been allocated for the local and foreign exhibitor. Pro Food, Pro Pack & Ag-biz 2022 is the biggest event in the country in relation to the food, beverage, packaging and agriculture sector.

SLFPA President elect Delano Dias said that the exhibition has witnessed an evolutionary increase over the decades will be held under the theme “farm to the fork” denoting the entire chain of the food industry. Which includes the revolve around farms, to the processing, packaging, transport and finally, consumption.

The expo could not be held for the past two years due to the global pandemic. The organizers this year have taken a decision to organize the expo under strict health regulations and conditions. No one will be allowed to enter the premises without a mask and temperature check.

The exhibition and consumer fair scheduled to be held within a span of three days, will attract a large audience. The event is a platform to interact with prospective buyers and also understand the new technology that is being used for the sector. Moreover, the event will feature all facets of the food and beverage industry and will include intricate details and the meticulous processes that are required, to make food products available to the consumer. The National Agri Business Council join hands with the organizers to provide an insight to the agri business sector and Industry.

The event is renowned for providing a unique and comprehensive platform for the discovery and introduction of food processing, engineering and packaging services among a host of other benefits for both visitors and the stall holders.

This year’s expo has a separate pavilion from the largest global player in the region, India. Over 40 companies from India will participate at this year’s event. The event is set to attract stakeholders from many South East Asian countries as well. The Ministry of Industries will sponsor the SME and micro sector entities pavilion. The Organizing committee has taken a very good initiative by providing a special pavilion for University students to display their innovation.

A highlight at this year’s event will be the Street Food Fiesta and Cooking Studio. The street food fiesta and cooking studio will take place on all three days of the expo. The event has been earmarked as ‘a must attend’ throughout the entirety of its existence.