Innovation is the key for setting international quality benchmarks in spice farming and trade, according to Suresh Narayanan, Chairman and Managing Director, Nestle India.

Inaugurating the second edition of the International Spice Conference here, he said that disruptive innovation in the only way forward for sustainable growth in the sector.

The theme for the three-day event itself is ‘21st century Spice Industry: Disrupt or be Disrupted.’

“We must innovate also on connectivity to achieve a robust supply chain and set suitable benchmarks to conquer international markets and reclaim the Spice Route with all its splendour and charm.”

The All India Spices Exporters Forum (AISEF), which represents 80 per cent of exporters, is hosting the event in association with the Cochin Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Narayanan recalled that a voyage to India was considered as an exhilarating journey to the spice capital of the world for taste, trade and prosperity. “The country retains repute as the largest producer, exporter and consumer of spices. Times and benchmarks have changed but we cannot lose out in cultivation and trade.”

The sector needs disruption in terms of introducing innovative ways of cultivation, addressing quality concerns, and meeting parameters to remain internationally competitive.

The market is signalling a growing need to embrace scientific technology in production and quality enhancement even as food and beverages, medicine and cosmetics, hold huge opportunities, he added.

Vinayak Narain, President, American Spice Trade Association, presided over the inaugural event.

Anil Jain, Vice-Chairman & CEO, Jain Irrigation Systems, delivered the theme address.

Among those who spoke were Prakash Namboodiri, Chairman AISEF; J Janakiraman, Assistant Director-General, Indian Council of Agricultural Research; and Shaji Varghese, President, The Cochin Chamber of Commerce and Industry.