18 Dec 2019|Noida | E-2 Audi
Industry Experts emphasize upon Growth Opportunities for Start-ups in Food Industry during one day National Conference ‘AMIFOST 2019’ at Amity University
![]()
To abreast the students about the research & developments in food science and technology and assessing the future of food processing industry, Amity Institute of Food and Technology (AIFT) organized a National Conference AMIFOST 2019 on “Functional Foods - Research, Innovations & Challenges” at University Campus Noida.
The objective of the conference was to deliberate upon innovations in technology for value added food products and practices. Furthermore, understanding the National and International regulations in Functional foods & Nutraceuticals. The conference aimed to promote research and development in Nutraceuticals, by means of exchanging technical information, with special reference to traditional functional foods.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. (Prof.) Balvinder Shukla, Vice- Chancellor, Amity University Uttar Pradesh said that in today’s time, people are getting health conscious and seeking solace in functional foods for maintaining the healthy lifestyle. She shared that many researchers are analyzing the nutritional value and impact of variety of functional foods to bring out a revolutionary change in food industry. Dr. Shukla urged to create synergy between educational institutions, research organizations and industry for eradicating the food issues in the country and world, at large.
Sharing his views, Dr. Saurabh Arora, Executive Director, Arbor Pharmaceauticals Pvt Ltd. talked on ‘Functional Foods- a golden opportunity’ and said that the market for functional foods is growing at 17% per annum in India. He apprised that five years back, there was lot of ambiguity over regulations, however with changing times, India has created a supportive regulatory environment through FSSAI which has drawn a wide framework for innovation with new products, new presentations, novel technologies and industry- academia collaboration. Dr. Arora called upon budding professionals to explore the opportunities for start-ups in food industry and remarked that entrepreneurs can start their venture with small budget and there are many investors in market who are ready to invest in a good and novel idea. “Digital amplification has also helped in growth of the food industry.” he pointed out.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. A K Tyagi, Executive Director, Haldiram Snacks Pvt Ltd mentioned that consumers today have become health conscious but don’t want to compromise on the taste. It is a challenge for industry to develop food which is healthy, hygienic and delicious in as well. He informed the concept of functional food was introduced by japan in 1980 which has now become a trend all over the world. Dr. Tyagi extended an invite to Amity for a collaboration in the area of research and academia for a systematic growth of industry and cater to the needs of society.
The conference witnessed the participation of Scientists, Researchers, Entrepreneurs, Academicians, Chemists, Dietitians, Nutritionists, Engineers, Technologists from across the country who discussed about the latest scientific advances in the field of Food Science, Technology and Nutritional Science that will help to shape current and future challenges in food research.
During the day, technical sessions were conducted wherein keynote speakers including Dr. Neerja Hajela, Head – Science and Regulatory Affairs, Yakult Danone India Pvt. Ltd; Dr.(Mrs.) Charanjit Kaur, Principal Scientist, Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) , New Delhi; Dr. Shalini Sehgal, Director (QA/ Nutrition & Fortification), Food Safety & Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), New Delhi; Dr. T.N. Lakhanpal, Professor Emeritus, Dept. of Biosciences, HP University, Simla and Dr. Orla Flannery, Senior Lecturer, Manchester Metropolitan University, U.K amongst others shared their views pertaining to the theme.