Union Minister Piyush Goyal Calls for Spice Industry Revival at World Spice Congress 2023
Navi Mumbai, September 15, 2023 – Union Minister for Commerce & Industry, Piyush Goyal, delivered a compelling address at the World Spice Congress 2023, urging stakeholders in the spice industry to unite and reinvigorate India’s position as a global spice leader. In his keynote speech, Minister Goyal emphasized the cultural and economic significance of spices in India, stating that they not only resonate throughout the country but also reflect its rich cultural heritage and trading prowess.
“The story of Indian spices should be talked about and written about all over the world,” remarked Minister Goyal, highlighting the need to restore the global reputation of Indian spices. He called for a collaborative effort to achieve an ambitious target of $10 billion in spice exports by 2030, a substantial increase from the current $4 billion. Minister Goyal stressed the importance of value addition to exports and encouraged the industry to work together with focused energies to capture new markets and expand existing ones.
Furthermore, Minister Goyal proposed leveraging the 35 million people of Indian origin residing worldwide as brand ambassadors to promote increased consumption of Indian spices globally. He emphasized the importance of supporting farmers for adequate spice production and creating certified brand value for Indian spices.
Minister Goyal also congratulated the Spices Board for conducting the Spice Congress after a seven-year hiatus and called for a world-class spice industry exposition, symposium, and conference in Delhi in 2024 to showcase India’s capabilities to the world.
During the congress, Minister Goyal noted the relevance of the event coinciding with India’s presidency of the G20 and the launch of the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor, which he likened to the historic Spice Route. He concluded his speech by envisioning India as the preferred source of spices globally and urged all stakeholders to work together to spice up the world of commerce and exports.
The World Spice Congress 2023, attended by over 1000 delegates from India and across the world, featured product launches, business discussions, and tech talks. The event also included a cookery show and an experience zone, offering participants a holistic sensory experience related to spices.
About World Spice Congress (WSC): The World Spice Congress is a global platform that discusses and deliberates on the concerns and considerations of the spice sector. Organized by the Spices Board under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India, and supported by various trade and export forums, WSC addresses topics such as trade, sustainability, quality, food safety, and the future prospects of the spice industry.
About Spice Board India: The Spices Board, under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India, is the primary organization responsible for the development and worldwide promotion of Indian spices. The board plays a pivotal role in connecting Indian spice exporters with importers abroad and has been dedicated to ensuring the excellence of Indian spices through quality and hygiene initiatives.
