Indo American Chamber of Commerce hosts FMCG expo

Mumbai: US Consul General Angus Simmons and film personality Urmila Matondkar inaugurated the first of its kind products exposition of fast moving consumer goods (FMCG), called AmFest, in Mumbai.

Organised by the Indo American Chamber of Commerce (IACC), will provide unique opportunities to small and medium American enterprises to showcase their products in India.

Speaking at the event, Farokh T. Balsara, regional president, WIC and partner, Ernst & Young said, "The opening of the Indian consumer market to global products has provided more confidence to global manufacturers to target India. AmFest is one such opportunity for these manufacturers to have deeper understanding of Indian markets and trade dynamics. We hope that AmFest will pave the way through discussions for collaboration opportunities, franchising and distribution arrangements for American companies, thus enabling their easier foray in Indian markets."

Brian Brown, managing director Citigroup Global Markets India Pvt. Ltd and chairman, Amfest Committee said, "IACC believes that this is an ideal time for American companies to tap into the ever growing Indian market directly. And by bringing American consumer goods closer to the Indian people, AmFest hopes to bridge the gap of trade and commerce thereby creating more productive commercial ties between the two economies. This will be an opportunity to test the waters first hand and experience the magic of India."

For AmFest 2004, is more specifically focused on segments like food & beverages, beauty care, and consumer products. Additionally, a seminar focused on ''Trade Insights'', featuring basic rules for business, tax structures, the Indian demographic profile, and other relevant information were led by experts from various sectors of industry. Apart from display of American products and services, AmFest''s key highlights were a Food Fest, Wine Fest, Film Fest and the Paper Show.

Some of the companies participating in AmFest are Madera Food, US Soybean Association, SUSTA, Hersheys, Tobasco, Sun Maid Growers of California, Blue Diamond , California Prune Board, Kellogg, Pillsbury, etc.

The Indo-American Chamber of Commerce (IACC) today is India''s only bi-lateral Chamber, which focuses on promoting trade, highlighting opportunities and acting as a catalyst for developing business relations between India and the U S.