WSO hosts conference on spices’ supply chain

The World Spice Organisation (WSO)’s Chairman, Ramkumar Menon said that ensuring the safety of our spices is not only a responsibility but a commitment towards building a resilient and sustainable future for our farmers and consumers alike. Ramkumar commented this during the first day of the third edition of the National Spices Conference 2024, which was dedicated to the theme ‘Sustainable Spices Supply Chain - Way Forward.’ The event  took place at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Ahmedabad.

The World Spice Organisation (WSO) is a non-profit technical partner of the All-India Spices Exporters Forum (AISEF). At the conference, Hemalatha, Secretary Spices Board, presented the keynote address, focusing on the strategic initiatives and marketing practices that ensure the safety and quality of spices in the global market. She emphasised, "Food safety is non-negotiable in the spice industry. Our marketing strategies must reflect our commitment to delivering safe and high-quality spices to consumers worldwide."

Prakash Namboodiri, Commercial Director, AB Mauri India and Business Committee Head of NSC 2024 set the context for the event. He said, “The spice industry plays a vital role in the global food economy, and this conference provides an invaluable opportunity to share insights, build farmer partnerships, and drive progress toward a more sustainable and prosperous future for all the stakeholders.”

KS Thyagarajan, Head Corporate Affairs, PI Industries shed light on the integral role of food-safe practices in achieving the ambitious goal of doubling farmers' income. He stated, "Safety is not just a regulatory requirement; it is a pathway to prosperity for our farmers. This conference provides a platform to align our efforts towards this common goal."

The day proceeded with four in-depth sessions covering the most pressing aspects of sustainability and food safety in the spice industry. The event drew participants from all major stakeholder groups in the spice sector, including farmers, traders, exporters, laboratory representatives, machinery manufacturers, agri-input companies, and digital solution providers.

The conference concluded on 16th November with sessions dedicated to the latest trends in the spice industry, followed by a marketing session designed to connect producers directly with processors through a structured farmer-buyer interface. The National Spice Conference 2024 promises to foster meaningful dialogue and partnerships, building a sustainable future for the Indian spice sector and strengthening its role on the global stage.