Sentinel Exhibitions Asia Pvt Ltd (SEA), a part of the Mumbai-based Sentinel Media Group, and Alex Events, an event execution company (also based in Mumbai) are co-organising World Tea & Coffee Expo (WTCE) 2013 at the Bombay Exhibition Centre from February 15-17, 2013. It is the only trade show dedicated to the two beverages.
It has the support of the Tea Board of India, the apex body for India's tea sector (which has been set up under the auspices of the Department of Commerce, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India). The expo, which will feature all leading players in the tea and coffee trade and become a platform to showcase new products and technologies, makes its debut this year.
Over 100 exhibitors from all over the world are likely to participate in the event. These include tea and coffee manufacturers; tea gardens and coffee estates; tea and coffee wholesalers and dealers; exporters and importers; raw material suppliers and manufacturers; machinery manufacturers and packaging companies; chain stores/franchisors; fine chocolate and gourmet mint manufacturers; processors and processing machinery manufacturers, tea and coffee vending machine manufacturers; flavoured beverage manufacturers and manufacturers of equipment and appliances.
Tea and coffee are among the most popular beverages, consumed both in India and around the world. The top two tea producing nations - China and India, collectively produce about 60 per cent of the total global tea output. India is the second-largest tea producer and consumer after China, and fourth largest tea exporter after Kenya, China, and Sri Lanka.
Coffee is primarily grown in the southern part of India. The country exports more than two-thirds of its coffee output. Recently, coffee too has become very popular amongst the Indian youth, thanks to entry of new Indian and overseas chains like Barista, Café Coffee Day (CCD), Costa Coffee, Gloria Jeans and others.
With domestic coffee outlets set to increase manifold over the next three years, in addition to the foray of global players such as Starbucks and Dunkin' Donuts, the coffee industry is likely to witness healthy growth in future.
WTCE 2013 will serve as a platform for international companies to seek market expansion and branding prospects in India. In other words, the event will not only act as the sourcing platform for Indian companies, but also as a marketing avenue for international buyers. It will facilitate striking of deals, joint ventures and signing of major contracts. In view of the uniqueness of the show, it is expected to be attended by over 10,000 trade buyers and general visitors.
There shall also be buyer-seller meets and seminars to enable entrepreneurs to access latest developments in trade and technologies in the international markets. The show is also supported by eminent associations like India-China Chamber of Commerce & Industry and Small and Medium Business Development Chamber of India.
