Koelnmesse explores opportunities in food and beverage industry in Sri Lanka

From left : Koelnmesse India Group Director Sameer Mithia, Koelnmesse India Managing Director Milind Dixit, Delegation of German Industry and Commerce (AHK) in Sri Lanka Chief Delegate Marie Antonia von Schönburg, Sri Lanka Export Development Board Chairman Dr. Kingsley Bernard and AHK Head of Corporate Affairs and Export Promotions Malintha Gajanayake - Pix by Upul Abayasekara 

• Some of the notable trade fairs hosted by Koelnmesse include Anuga for food and agriculture industry, Anuga FoodTec for agricultural technologies and Spoga+Gafa for the gardening and horticulture industry

 High ranking representatives from Koelnmesse India, a leading international trade fair and exhibition centre based in Cologne, Germany, visited Sri Lanka from 8 to 18 May.

Led by Managing Director Milind Dixit, the Koelnmesse India delegation met with representatives of the Delegation of German Industry and Commerce in Sri Lanka (AHK Sri Lanka) to explore potential opportunities across various sectors in the country.

The purpose of their visit was to delve into potential partnerships and collaborations in key sectors of Sri Lanka’s economy, including food and beverage, agriculture, horticulture, rubber industry, and bakery industry.

During their visit, AHK Sri Lanka facilitated several meetings with Sri Lankan agencies, associations and stakeholders, including Export Development Board, Industrial Development Board, Coconut Development Authority, Food Processors Association to discuss potential synergies and opportunities. Additionally, AHK Sri Lanka engaged with exhibition venue operators to explore the feasibility of organising Koelnmesse trade fairs in Sri Lanka.

Moreover, an exclusive cocktail event was organised on 9 May, which brought together key players from the industries in Sri Lanka, providing a platform for networking and idea exchange.

Dixit remarked: “Our visit to Sri Lanka has been incredibly insightful, thanks to the collaboration with AHK Sri Lanka. Together, we have explored the vast potential of the food and beverage industry and other key sectors in the country. AHK Sri Lanka’s efforts in facilitating meetings and fostering partnerships have been instrumental in our mission to capitalise on business opportunities in Sri Lanka. We look forward to contributing to the growth and development of industries in the country.”

Koelnmesse, which celebrates its 100th anniversary this year, is globally renowned for hosting around 80 trade fairs and over 2,000 conferences annually, solidifying its position as one of the largest trade fair organisers in the European Union. Some of the notable trade fairs hosted by Koelnmesse include Anuga for the food and agriculture industry, Anuga FoodTec for agricultural technologies, Spoga+Gafa for the gardening and horticulture industry, ISM for confectioneries, and Tire Cologne for the tyre industry.

AHK Sri Lanka Chief Delegate Marie Antonia von Schönburg said: “Our collaboration with Koelnmesse has been immensely fruitful, enabling us to delve into the diverse opportunities present in Sri Lanka’s food and beverage industry and other key sectors. Through facilitating meetings and fostering partnerships, AHK Sri Lanka is proud to have played a pivotal role in enhancing business prospects and promoting growth. We remain committed to further strengthening our partnership with Koelnmesse and contributing to the development of businesses in Sri Lanka and Germany.”

Pic by Upul Abayasekara