Kolkata: The 11th Edition of South Asia’s only ice cream show, the ‘Indian Ice Cream Congress & Expo’ (IICE 2023), was inaugurated by Dr. Shashi Panja, Minister for Industries, Commerce & Enterprises and Department of Women & Child Development and Social Welfare, Government of West Bengal in Kolkata on Wednesday.
The Expo will be held from September 13th to 15th, 2023 at Milan Mela, marking a remarkable three-day event and bringing together national and international players in the ice cream industry.
Rajesh Gandhi, MD, Vadilal Industries Ltd & Chairman of IICMA emphasized on the significance of IICE as a platform for ice cream companies seeking to modernize their business operations, explore new technologies and discover innovative ideas.
Sudhir Shah, MD of Scoops Ice Cream & President of IICMA highlighted the rapid growth of the Indian ice cream industry and attributed this growth to improving cold chain infrastructure, rising disposable income, and evolving lifestyles in India.
Ashish Nahar, Director of Fun India Dairy & Joint Secretary of IICMA pointed out that the rising consumer demand for innovative ice cream products could attract dairy manufacturers looking to diversify their portfolios. He emphasized the role of IICE in facilitating the growth of the Indian ice cream industry and helping it compete with Western countries in terms of technology.
IICE attracted approximately 150 exhibitors, over 1,000 ice cream manufacturers and industry players, and 20,000 visitors from across India and around the world.
The exhibitors included freezing and handling machine providers, packaging companies, equipment suppliers, cone manufacturers, food ingredient producers, cold chain specialists, consultancy services, traders, and raw material suppliers.