ICA ExpoCoop 2012 - MANCHESTER UK

IFFCO LOOKS FORWARD TO THE CO-OPERATIVE GATHERING AT ICA EXPO2012

2011-07-13T15:29:00.001+01:00

The Indian Farmers Fertiliser Co-operative Limited (IFFCO) is ready to participate in the third edition of ICA EXPO 2012 to be held from 31 October to 2 November, 2012 in Manchester, UK.

The United Nations has declared the year 2012 as International Year of Cooperatives. ICA EXPO is the most coveted and respected international co-operative trade show where cooperatives from around the world showcase the co-operative model of enterprise, the quality of co-operative products and services and share their strengths in various business fields.

ICA EXPO 2010

Apart from the first expo held in Lisbon in 2008, IFFCO also participated and co-hosted ICA Expo 2010 Bangalore, India on a large scale. “It was indeed a moment of pride for IFFCO to co-host such a significant international co-operative event where cooperatives from almost all sectors of the economy showcased their products and services. We are sure the forthcoming ICA Expo 2012 will further enhance significant cooperation among various cooperatives and provide an excellent platform for global cooperatives to expand their business worldwide”, explains Dr. Gopal Saxena, IFFCO Director of Cooperative Development.

IFFCO has spearheaded the Indian co-operative moment for 4 decades. By wielding the advantages of science, technology, and agriculture-centric diversification, the endeavour had fructified into sustained co-operation among farmers through the length and breadth of India ensuring an everlasting smile on the faces of Indian farmers and prosperity to proud nation.

The IFFCO effect endows better fertilizers, better harvests and better lifestyles by expanding the corporate spectrum auguring diverse prospects and thus narrowing the gap between technology and human effort to achieve the growth plan delineated in vision.

ICA EXPO 2010

The Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative Limited (IFFCO) is the world's leading processed fertilizer marketing company in the cooperative sector with a turnover of around $US 4.66 billion in the year 2010-11. It is a cooperative society wholly owned by its members with a vast marketing network of 40,000 cooperative societies reaching more than 55 million farmers in India.

Today, IFFCO has a total of 19 associates & subsidiaries under its fold covering various sectors like General Insurance, Power generation, Rural Telecom, SEZ and Mining, apart from its core business of fertilizers. IFFCO also has joint ventures outside India with Legend International- Australia, JIFCO- Jordan, KIT-Dubai, UAE, OMIFCO-Oman,UAE, ICS Senegal and recently added Growmax Agri Corp., Peru and Americas Petrogas Inc., Argentina.

In India, IFFCO controls IFFCO Power-ICPL, IFFCO Kisan SEZ, IFFCO Sanchar –IKSL, IFFCO Insurance-IFFCO-Tokio, Rural Development-CORDET, Forest Development-IFFDC, Community Service-KisanSeva Trust, IFFCO Foundation, IPL – Potash. At a global level IFFCO also has business agreements with Phoschem-USA, PhosAgro-Russia & Mosaic – USA.

Citadelle showcases its cooperative difference to win over the world’s food coops.

2011-06-16T09:52:00.000+01:00

CAPTION: Martin Plante, Citadelle Director of Sales, with Charles Gould, Director-General of the International Co-operative Alliance.

Last December 8 to 10, Citadelle set up its kiosk in Bangalore, India for an international trade show exclusively for cooperatives. An initiative of the International Co-operative Alliance (ICA), Expo Co-op was first held in 2008 in Portugal with the goal of promoting cooperative trade and to provide a window on cooperative organizations. Originating all over the world, participating coops can build awareness of their products among professionals in the business, discuss their individual situations and develop business connections with each other. Among participants in 2010 were over 120 coops from Asia, Europe, Africa and the Americas, mostly from the food sector, including the Co-operative Group, one of the world’s biggest consumer cooperatives with 6 million members.

Interviewed upon his return, Martin Plante, Citadelle’s director of sales, says he was quite pleased with this first experience. “The show was everything we expected. So much so, we’ve already booked our space for the next exposition – 2012 in Manchester England!”

In addition to exposing a large number of visitors and exhibitors from all over the world to maple syrup, Citadelle’s representative was able to meet several potential business partners in person as well as promote an initiative he holds close to his heart.

Affirming our cooperative difference

Citadelle’s first foray into the exposition field happened to fit with one of its underlying strategies, namely to conquer cooperative markets by promoting the cooperative difference.

“Food coops serve 100 million families world wide,” says Plante. “We took advantage of this opportunity to talk about the cooperative and reach these customers.”

Citadelle’s presence at the show also stems from the much broader goal of contributing to the development of coop-to-coop business on a global scale,” confides Plante, who had the opportunity to have a long conversation on the subject with the ICA’s new Director-General, Charles Gould.

Plante’s recent trip to India only served to intensify his fervour to the concept of co-operative identification through the 100% coop seal. Invited off the cuff to present this subject during the Expo Co-op, he elicited enormous interest from an audience essentially made up of representatives of the International Cooperative Alliance’s Asia-Pacific sector. “The ICA needs concrete achievements to demonstrate the dynamism of inter-cooperative commerce,” he says with enthusiasm. “The success of our strategy among food cooperatives would be a lovely example.”

But his bigger dream is to see the day where grocery stores would have a cooperative food section, at least in food cooperatives, like those that already exist for fair trade foods. With less than a year before the international year of the cooperative, one can only dream of the day...

The International Co-operative Alliance (ICA) invites everyone to celebrate the International Year of Co-operatives at ICAExpo 2012

2011-05-23T12:49:00.000+01:00

The United Nations has proclaimed 2012 as the International Year of Co-operatives.

Aiming at increasing public awareness about co-operatives and their contributions to socio-economic development, the ICA is organizing international events which will raise the profile of co-operatives within international institutions in particular and attract international media attention.

ICA Expo, the global co-operative business trade fair is one of the ICA initiatives for the year and promises to be one of the main celebrations. With the close collaboration of the Co-operative Group, the ICA is calling all co-operatives to join us to present the quality and excellence of co-operative products as well as promote co-operative enterprise around the world.

ICAExpo 2012 will provide the co-operative movement with the opportunity to show the benefits of a co-operative economy guided with values of self-help, self-responsibility, democracy, equality, equity and solidarity, honesty, openness, social responsibility and caring for others.

The trade fair will help promote the importance of this successful business model which serves their members and communities. Co-operatives are trading enterprises that produce quality products and services and provide these at affordable prices.

Trade and entrepreneurial activities ensure that co-operatives can undertake their purpose to meet their common economic, social and cultural needs and aspirations. They draw attention to the fact that co-operatives are competitive enterprises operating locally as well as on the international market. ICA Expo facilitates contacts, exchange of information, partnerships and provides trade related capacity building.

To host the event, the ICA has decided that there is no better place than Manchester, UK - the birthplace of the co-operative movement. The trade fair will be held from 31^st October to 2^nd November, 2012.

The ICA has approved several large-scale events to be held during the ICAExpo week to maximize cross-promotional opportunities.

The Co-operative Group – UK , the largest co-operatively owned consumer organization in the world, has partnered with ICAExpo to offer exhibitors a state-of-the-art exhibition which promises to be a landmark for the co-operative sector.

So don’t miss this unique opportunity and join us now!

ICAEXPO 2010 - Photos from India

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Online Blog visitor free invitation

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Please print the free pass and return the duly filled form to the ICA ExpoCoop registration desk.

http://www.icaexpo.coop/imagens/invitation.pdf

The global co-operative movement is getting ready for the biggest trade event promoted by the International Co-operative Alliance.

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ICA ExpoCoop 2010, the second international trade fair for the global co-operative movement, will be held from 08-10 December, at K.T.P.O. Trade Centre Bangalore, India.

Co-operatives from many countries such as Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, China, Czech Republic, England, Georgia, Korea, India, Iran, Japan, Malaysia, Mauritius, Nigeria, Poland, Portugal, Russia, South Africa, Sri Lanka, East Timor, UK and the U.S.A., will join the hosted country to showcase exclusive co-operative products and services and increase their import/export opportunities. They will benefit from significant business opportunities offered by the market today.

ICA ExpoCoop's professional visitors will have a wide selection of competitive products and services from which to choose. Agricultural, consumer, worker and service co-operatives (health, energy, and others), organisations supporting co-operatives, and suppliers of goods and services for the co-operative sector will demonstrate the financial and competitive advantages of co-operative products on which supermarkets, tourism (hotel and restaurant), distributors and wholesalers, traders who specialize in food and beverage, importers exporters as well as government entities, rely.

Exhibitors will showcase products that respect co-operative values and the co-operative difference. at thesame time as marketing the co-operative advantage in the international market place.

Buyers are attracted by the diversity of cooperative products.

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The ICA ExpoCoop 2010 already counts on the presence of exhibitors who will bring a variety of products and services. The intention of the fair is to multiply the cooperative business around the world.
ICA ExpoCo-op 2010 has already confirmed the presence of exhibitors who will bring a variety of products and services. The fair intends to increase the co-operative business around the world.
Here are some of the products you will find at ICAExpo Co-op:
Sweet peanut in bars, sweet in straw, banana paste, guava jelly, preserves, jellies, lollipop, sweets in bars, crackling, cereal bars, granola, honey, cashew nut, tinned dry tomatoes, tinned garlic, pepper, pepper jelly, pepper sauce, seasonings, crystallized sugar, apple vinegar, tinned dry tomatoes with mushrooms, chutney, liqueurs, coffee, rum, honey, cotton, cocoon silk, material products, garment, socks, bags, cases, black tea, green tea, woolong tea, hard wares, mushrooms, hawk thorn, garlic, fruits, vegetables, organic
food, chinese collagraphy and paintings, fish, fertilizer and farm chemicals, recyclable material, cashew nuts, dried chilies, ginger, garlic, yam flour, cassava flour, beads, textiles & garments, kaolin, gems as well as banking and insurance services.

IFFCO and India are waiting for you

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India is the largest democracy in the world where co-operatives operate in every village. There is almost no sector left untouched by the co-operative movement in India. It is indeed a moment of pride for the Indian Farmers Fertiliser Co-operative Organisation of India (IFFCO) to host such a significant international co-operative event in the country.

ICA ExpoCoop 2010 is a real opportunity to showcase co-operative achievements, growth, and most of all, to highlight the importance of co-operatives in the Global Economy.

Shri S K Jakhar
IFFCO Chairman and ICA Board Member

A word to new visitors at ICA ExpoCoop

2010-10-19T09:42:00.000+01:00

Founded in 1895, the International Co-operative Alliance (ICA) is a non- governmental association that represents the co-operative sector throughout the world. ICA has 248 member organisations from 92 countries active in all sectors of the economy and brings together nearly 800 million individuals around the globe.

ICA ExpoCoop 2010 is the ICA official tradeshow. Following the success of the first EXPO in Lisbon 2008, ICA ExpoCoop 2010 is one of the best ways of highlighting the cooperative movement's unique business model of social justice and commercial success. It is the perfect opportunity to underline the sixth principle of Co-operation among Co-operatives.

ICA ExpoCoop 2010 will be held at KTPO Bangalore Trade Center, India, from 8 to 10 of December and will have the presence of leading co-operatives from more than 60 countries participating as both exhibitors and visitors.

The tradeshow is the largest co-operative trade fair at the global level to promote and develop co-operative trade opportunities. ICA ExpoCoop 2010 will provide co-operatives with a unique opportunity to showcase co-operative products and services to a large and diverse market.

Co-operatives will be able to showcase their values, achievements, importance and growth; and above all, highlight how much of a player the co-operative movement is in the global economy.

At ICA ExpoCoop 2010 you will find visitors and exhibitors from all sectors: agricultural, consumer, production, services, as well as government agencies and Ministries, co-operative organizations from around the world and co-operative suppliers of goods and services.

Hosted Buyer Programme is open

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If you are a top buyer and purchasing agent, registration for the ICAExpo 2010 Hosted Buyer Programme is now open.
Maximise your business opportunities and join us now. Selected hosted buyers will benefit from complimentary travel, accommodation, food and transfers.
For more information on how to apply for the programme, please write to: ica@icaexpo.coop

ICA ExpoCoop successful participation at ICA-AP Regional Assembly

2010-09-17T15:09:00.000+01:00

The ICA-AP Regional Assembly, which was held in Beijing, China from 1 – 6 September 2010 marked the completion of 50 years of ICA in Asia-Pacific region. There was no better way to promote ICA ExpoCoop 2010 than to participate in such event to create more awareness of the most influential global exhibition for the co-operative sector as well as give maximum visibility to the event in the biggest region of the world.

The 9th Regional Assembly of the ICA set a dynamic platform for the ICA ExpoCoop team to inform delegates of the tradeshow, provide exhibitors with details regarding their participation in the Expo as well as encourage ICA Asian members to showcase their products and services in the event and enjoy an abundance of trading opportunities among co-operatives as well as leading non-cooperative buyers and suppliers.

Already over 80% of space has been sold and the result at the regional assembly was overwhelming with numerous enquiries from co-operatives across the continent. So far, the strongest participation in ICA ExpoCoop 2010 comes from the Asian Continent, as illustrated in the graphic.

However, the ICA ExpoCoop team will continue to inform and invite co-operative members from around the world to participate in the event.

Iain Macdonald joins Expo team

2010-09-17T15:06:00.000+01:00

Following his recent retirement as Director General of the International Co-operative Alliance, Iain Macdonald has agreed to act as the co-operative consultant to the organisers of ICA ExpoCoop 2010 in Bangalore, India. Iain brings many years of experience of working with and knowledge of co-operative businesses at a global level.

Always a firm believer in the idea of a regular global co-operative trade fair, Iain will be encouraging co-operatives from across the world to participate in Bangalore in December. "I am delighted that we have already sold nearly 80% of the space in Bangalore but I am determined that we reach 100%!" said Iain, adding "Showcasing co-operative enterprise in this way is not just good for co-operative to co-operative trade, but also greatly increases the visibility and success of the co-operative model of business to the outside world"

Bangalore is also a stepping stone to the next ICA ExpoCoop in Manchester, UK in 2012 and Iain Macdonald considers that holding EXPO in the birthplace of Co-operation during the UN's International Year of Co-operatives is a sure recipe for success.

Making the case for ".coop" as your website address

2010-08-16T12:17:00.000+01:00

Cooperatives are often small scale and members of cooperative societies rarely think about their online presence. Even if they opt for an online presence, the thought process tends to go towards buying a cheap and generic ".com" or ".org" site. Even if they are large businesses, they want to be careful stewards of the co-op’s financial resources. But is this really the right decision for your cooperative no matter what your size?

Why is it important to think beyond the “regular” name for your co-op’s website? Why is vertical branding important for cooperatives? Today anyone can register a ".com" or ".org" as long as the name is available. Everyone knows that there are millions of questionable sites that use these domain names. Is that kind of name the right home for your cooperative’s online identity?

".coop" is a special purpose domain that is customized for cooperatives. For an immediate branding boost, there is almost nothing as effective as putting ".coop" after your website address - your users immediately notice your new brand! The very fact that each and every ".coop" domain name is authenticated as belonging to a cooperative society provides a tremendous boost of confidence for Internet users worldwide and to your existing members and customers. They know they are going to a business on the Internet that they can trust based on mutually held values and principles.

GoodLuck Internet Services (www.GoodLuckDomain.in) has been very involved in promoting cooperatives in South East Asia since its inception in 2004. Partnerships with local cooperatives and personalized service have provided a global Internet presence to many local cooperatives. And as an accredited ".coop" registrar, GoodLuck Domains is able to offer this valuable domain name to its customers around the world.

GoodLuck Domain’s trained staff understands the challenges a small cooperative organization goes through in being visible and available on the Internet. After all, no cooperative can really afford to not be online, yet it is difficult to break through the clutter of .COM and .ORG sites that advertise in categories similar to the cooperative. Having a ".Coop" name ensures better recognition everywhere!

Are you thinking about or planning to have a booth at the ICA Expo? You can get a special discount on your booth rate if you own a ".coop" name! To be eligible for this discount, register a ".coop" name now! For a limited time, ICA Expo exhibitors can get a FREE ".coop" name for the first year. Other services such as email are available at a nominal fee with your ".coop" name.
Let your cooperative stand out from the clutter!

Get your ".coop" domain and your ICA Expo booth and stop by and see us at the ".COOP" booth at the expo!

Contact GoodLuck Domain:India +91 44 4270 8283
Outside India +1 215 321 1088
Want to learn more about using ".coop"? Visit www.coop!

Meghalaya Co-operatives feature diverse products at ICA ExpoCoop 2010

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Meghalaya Co-operatives proudly represent about 1,339 member societies including 179 Primary Agricultural Co-operative Societies (PACS) with 1,690 members in the state of Meghalaya. It is nestled in the lap of the Himalayan foot hills in the Northeastern part of India and shares international borders with China, Bangladesh, Bhutan and Nepal. It is no surprise that these co-operatives represent a highly distinct flavour of India.

A land of breathtaking natural beauty which abounds in sylvan hills, evergreen forests, abundant natural resources, beautiful waterfalls, orchids and butterflies, 11% of the Meghalayan land is under cultivation and about 80% of the population earns their living from agrarian activities. As such, they are directly and indirectly dependent on agriculture. The State also abounds in horticultural products that range from oranges, pineapple and banana to jack fruit and carambola. Cashew nut is also grown in abundance in parts of the Garo Hills Region. With a very rich and ancient weaving heritage, activities like sericulture, weaving and handicraft are also very popular. Colorful indigenous weaves, organic dyes and distinct patterns characterize the handicraft products of the Meghalaya Co-operatives.

Meghalaya comprises seven districts. At ICA ExpoCoop 2010 Meghalaya Co-operatives will showcase a wide range of products produced by various Co-operatives from these different districts while also highlighting the distinctiveness of each region. Come and meet Meghalaya Co-operatives in ICA ExpoCoop 2010 at booth C5-8 and discover exclusive high quality co-operative products from this part of India!

CO-OPERATIVES – A NEW WORLD FOR A NEW CONSUMER

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From 8 to 10 December 2010, Bangalore, India will host the biggest event for the co-operative sector with focus on co-operative food and beverages.

The tradeshow will feature a new consumer, a new client: The co-operatives from around the world which will showcase the quality of co-operative products and also share how co-operative values and principles can prove to be an excellent basis for good business partnerships. In times of economic crisis, the co-operative movement's unique business model of social justice and commercial success offers the perfect business opportunity and assures financial recovery around the world.

“By participating in ICA ExpoCoop you will be preparing your enterprise for a new economic sector. Running ahead is fundamental to enable your company to achieve this goal.” , affirms Luiz Branco, president of ICA ExpoCoop.

Co-operatives have been proving to boost not only economic development but also economic and political democracy as they will interact with private suppliers during the event.
“The exhibitor will have the opportunity to supply technology as well as packaging and processing equipments for co-operative food and beverages”, adds Luiz Branco.

Co-operatives offer Fair Trade and consume millions of dollars in products, services and technology only in the food and beverage sectors.

ICA ExpoCoop is the International Co-operative Alliance (ICA) official tradeshow. The ICA unites and represents 90 countries. ICA ExpoCoop offers a unique and exclusive opportunity to open up and increase new markets to the co-operative sector and maximizes sales potential for co-operative products.

Indicators show that Asian economy is expected to grow by 4,5%

2010-07-14T12:44:00.000+01:00

According to the Asian Development Bank (ADB), economy in most developing Asian countries is expected to exceed expectations and grow by 4,5% in 2010.

ADB latest reports indicate the same 5,1% economy growth in the Asian pacific sub region, which includes China, South Korea, Taiwan and Hong Kong.

Overall, recent data reinforces ADB’s impression that economy in developing is stronger than expected.

A note from Iran Chamber of Commerce (ICC) Secretary General, Mr. Hossein Rahmaninia

2010-06-30T16:59:00.000+01:00

ICA ExpoCoop, the global trade show for the co-operative movement along with other co-operative events can help implement one of the seven co-operative principles, which is “co-operation among co-operatives”.

In fact, ICA Expo can showcase how much of a player co-operatives can be in the global market and the advantages of the co-operative model of enterprise. At ICA ExpoCoop, co-operatives from different sectors and countries can introduce and share experiences and achievements and get visibility to this model of economic activity, all at the same time and place.

Iran Central Chamber of Cooperatives (ICC) is a non-governmental representative of the Iranian co-operative sector. It holds a unique legal situation in the Iranian national macro-economic decision-making and decision-taking. It also provides official services to help co-operatives issue commercial cards, certificates of origin and international visas.

One of ICC’s main activities is to hold national and international exhibitions in some target countries.

The growing economic activities in Iran and the advantages of its wide range of co-operative products can provide suitable conditions for joint investments for co-operatives from different sectors such as “Housing”, “Conversion Industries” and “Hypermarkets”, among others. We are sure ICA ExpoCoop 2010 will offer exhibitors significant commercial opportunities business achievements.

We wish a peaceful and safe world together with bliss and success to the organizers of ICA ExpoCoop 2010 and all those who make efforts to improve people’s lives in the world, especially through the co-operative movement.

Hossein Rahmaninia

Secretary General

Iran Central Chamber of Cooperatives (ICC)

Dame Pauline Green (ICA President) talk about ICA ExpoCoop

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Mr. Paul Hazen talk about the ICA ExpoCoop 2010

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Portugal aims to increase market at ICA ExpoCoop 2010

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Portuguese co-operatives have confirmed their participation in ICAExpo 2010 and promise to showcase high quality wine and olive oil, among other co-operative products. The two main Portuguese co-operative organizations are working along with their member societies to bring a high number of selected products to India.

The positive results of ICAExpo 2008 were decisive to consolidate participations in 2010. Many co-operatives are currently studying the Asian consumer habits to display products which are adequate to local needs.

Despite the significant opportunities provided by the Asian market, Portuguese co-operatives are aware that international buyers from all continents around the world will also be present in ICAExpo 2010. For this reason, they are getting ready to showcase excellent quality co-operative products and repeat the success of ICAExpo 2008.

Already 70% of floor space has been sold. ICAExpo has confirmed the presence of 29 organizations from various countries. They are:

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Akwa Ibom Savings and Loans Cooperative Association - Nigeria
All China Federation - China
Birjand Softdrink - Iran
Central Co-operative Union - Bulgaria
Citadelle Maple Syrup Producers Cooperative - Canada
Cooperatives Development Unit South Africa - South Africa
Cooperative Federations of Meghalaya - India
Fenadegas - Portugal
IFFCO - India
International Cooperative Allience - Switzerland
Iran Central Chamber of Cooperative - Iran
Ja-Zenchu - Japan
Mezinarodni Kooperativni Univerzita - Czech Republic
Minister Coop. Society Comission Malasya - Malasya
National Cooperative Union of India - India
Nano Agro-Science Cooperatives - India
National Cooperative Council of Sri Lanka - Sri Lanka
National Directory of Cooperatives - Timor Leste
National Agricultural Cooperatives Federation in Korea - Korea
OCB - Organization Cooperatives of Brazil - Brazil
The Haryana State Co-operative Supply & Mkt. Federation - India
The Economical and Social Development Center - Palestine
Union of Cooperatives Iberia - Georgia
Uninorte - Portugal

Bio Pavilion

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Spain Pavilion

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A driving force of the world economy, the Asian continent offers opportunities for co-operative products.

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According to international analysts, Asia will remain on the rise during world crisis and most of the countries in that region will keep a reasonable level of growth this year.

The current Asian growth rates are higher than any other continent and they will continue to expand rapidly. Considered the industry of the world, the continent concentrates 60% of the planet’s population divided into 50 countries with different cultures and an endless consumer potential.

This wide scene of market possibilities is becoming a giant in the world economy thanks to technology, competence and hard work. Access to this interesting market is a big challenge all co-operatives from around the world. ICAExpo 2010 will provide the opportunity to bring these two markets together.

320 buyers registered at ICA ExpoCoop 2010.

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Aiming at bringing positive business results to co-operatives, ICAExpo is registering big buyers to be present in Bangalore-India. There are currently more than 320 interested buyers wishing to participate in the event due to their commercial interest in co-operative products.

“We are encouraging exhibitors to send us as soon as possible a list of products they will showcase so that we can organize better business meetings for them during the event”, say Luiz Branco, president of the tradeshow.

More than 8,000 visitors and buyers are expected at ICAExpo 2010. The highlight of the tradeshow will be meetings between exhibitors and potential buyers during the Business Rounds.

The programme aims at increasing sales and business opportunities. Registrations are available only until 30 June.

“We have almost 80% of floor space sold and expect a business flow of over 100 million dollars, adds Luiz Branco”.

Coffee consumption on the rise in India

2010-05-11T11:14:00.000+01:00

India has traditionally been a tea drinking nation but the popularity of coffee shops has increased with the expansion of the middle class.

Domestic consumption of coffee shows a steady increase, according to a market research study initiated and sponsored by the Coffee Board of India and conducted in association with Mumbai-based Market Probe and Research International. From being a traditional beverage consumed mainly in South India, coffee now has a national presence, consumed in several forms and retail formats.

The findings of the research study based on fieldwork conducted in 2003, builds on a 2001 survey, and provides analysis of the domestic consumer market at a crucial phase of its evolution.

It provides some interesting insights of coffee consumption in India. For example, in 2003 total coffee consumption was estimated at 70,300 MT, with an urban-rural divide of 70% and 30% respectively. It also confirmed that the Indian market has been attracting big coffee brands such as Coffee Day and Italian Lavazza, as well as coffee export countries such as Brazil.

Significant opportunities for coffee producers to develop relationships with India exist today and will no doubt increase. Not only is coffee consumption increasing, but there are opportunities for Indian coffee imports to be re-exported as instant coffee.

Under the Indian 100% Export Oriented Unit (EOU) scheme whose aim is to boost exports by creating additional production capacity, coffee imports pay no duty as long as they are processed in India and a value added tariff for exports of instant coffee are levied. This dynamic policy initiative has increased export opportunities and has been attracting international coffee producers interested in selling coffee to India.•

Co-operatives from East Timor present their products at ICA ExpoCoop 2010

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East Timor achieved independence in 2002 and has since then increasingly becoming an exporter of products such as plants, furniture, coffee, gold and jewelry, soap, organic vegetables as well as coconut oil and salt.

Co-operatives from East Timor have had a crucial role in restoring the country’s economy and civil society. The co-operative movement has become East Timor’s largest private sector employer and exporter, making up the most important income generating activity in the country outside the public sector. It is also an important employer of women in the capital city Dili; women work hand-sorting and grading the coffee beans. Positive results from these co-operative efforts are also seen in East Timor’s countryside.

East-Timorese co-operatives will participate in ICA ExpoCoop and showcase organic products as well as their famous hand-made cloth weaving and textiles. Their high quality co-operative products are already reaching demanding markets in USA, Europe and Japan.•

Citadelle, Maple Syrup Producers Co-operative features 100% Co-op products to ICA Expo 2010.

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Proudly representing more than one third of the maple producers in the province of Quebec in Canada, the Citadelle Maple Syrup Producers Co-operative collects, processes and markets a wide variety of maple products. Together, its members have become the world’s leading producers of quality maple products. Building on its international reputation, the co-operative is pleased to bring the pleasure of genuine Quebec maple products to fine food lovers all around the world, a testimony to a long tradition capped by delightful and delicious innovations.

The co-operative and its maple products have also been recognised for their national historic significance in Canada and acclaimed as representative of maple syrup processing and distribution.

This is the first time Citadelle participates in ICA Expo. They will present their products to potential new distributors around the world as well as their 100% Coop logo, available exclusively to co-operatives. The 100% Coop Label represents caring for both product quality and the environment and, confirms to consumers that they are buying a healthy, eco-friendly and natural product directly from the producers.

Citadelle will be present in ICA Expo 2010 with a range of products for sale in the retail, food service and industrial markets. They will be pleased to meet with you and show you their products. Welcome Citadelle at stand B5!

Record breaking sales of organic products

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During “The Global Market for Organic Food & Drink” Conference which was held in BioFach 2010, Organic Monitor, the research and consulting company that specialises in the global industry of organic products provided global data regarding organic market sales.

According to reports, the market has generated sales of US $ 50.9 billion in 2009 compared to the sales in 2005 which reached only US $ 33.2 US billion.

The report identifies a number of factors for this growth. Consumers are increasingly showing a higher purchase demand. They are also increasingly taking ethical and environmental issues into consideration when purchasing products such as food, cosmetics, clothing and furniture, among others. There has therefore been a significant increase in demand for organic and sustainable products and this represents a competitive advantage for the co-operative sector.

International potential buyers of organic products will be present in ICA Expo 2010. This is the right time to do business!

Commercial balance

2010-05-03T11:54:00.000+01:00

According to current data, south-east Asian countries as well as China have increased agricultural imports by 65% between 2000 and 2005 with a result of US$ 87 billion. Imports in these countries have also increased during the same period to US$ 77,7 billion.

China and the Philippines have already presented a deficit trade balance but countries such as India and Thailand are increasingly importsrather than exporting goods. Researchers believe that in a few years these countries will also become major importers of agricultural products.

Asia, a promising market for the wine industry.

2010-04-08T16:52:00.001+01:00

The Wine and Spirits Record (IWSR) reports that Asia is an excellent market for imported wines. Studies are showing that Asia has higher growth rates for wine than those of North America. They forecast that in the period from 2004 to 2013 Asia will be importing 86 million cases of wine, while the American market will reach only 85 million.

According to the report, the Asian wine market will grow approximately 25% by 2013 to 1.3 million liters. Estimates for 2011 forecast that Asia and Pacific will already be buying wines for a value of 4.3 billion euros.

Red wine is particularly popular in Asia. Today, India, China and Japan are the leading destination markets for over 33 million bottles of wine, 70% of which are red. When the wine markets of Thailand, Singapore and Korea are added, the total market is likely to reach 108 billion euros by 2012.

ICA Expo 2010 promises to be the gateway to India and the Asian continent for co-operatives wine producers. Thanks for the efforts of co-operatives organizations who wish to showcase the high quality wine production, ICA Expo has identified potential Asian buyers who have already confirmed their participation in Bangalore, India.

India and its potential consumer market

2010-04-08T16:50:00.000+01:00

India is one of the emerging consumer markets in the wine sector. With an average growth rate of 30% in the last decade, research and market forecasts expect India to continue to grow at the same rate over the next five years.

With these kinds of growth rates, European wine producers are seriously looking at these emerging markets.

According to the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (Assocham), the current consumption of 5 million liters is likely to hit 9 million by 2010. The increase in wine consumption can be attributed to a lowering of taxes and easing of the bureaucracy imposed by Indian authorities on wine marketing and distribution as compared to that imposed on other types of spirits. The European influence on the lifestyles of young consumers has also contributed to a higher consumption of wine.

Today the main wine exporters to India are France with 50% of the market followed by Italy with 30%. ICA Expo 2010 is helping co-operatives become a major player in this fast growing market.

Bangalore is getting ready to host ICA Expo 2010.

2010-03-23T15:42:00.000Z

In February 2010, the ICAExpo team made a technical visit to Bangalore, India, the city which will host the event.

The visit’s main target was to interact with the local structure, in other words, to visit the venue, check on hotels, local transportation, logistics and interesting tourist attractions. The trip has also provided the organizers with an excellent opportunity to negotiate with ICAExpo 2010’s suppliers to assure the best service for the participants in the event.

For more information on the destination, suppliers for your stand in the tradeshow, forwarding agents, among others, please contact us.

ICA EXPO 2010 intends to provide business opportunities at a large scale.

2010-03-23T15:40:00.000Z

Asia has been strategically chosen to host the second edition of ICAExpo 2010, which will be held in India, one of the largest emerging markets of the region both in the co-operative sector and consumer market of products and services.
With an area of 44,482,000 km², Asia is the biggest continent in the world with 29, 4% of the world's land area. It is also the most populous with 3,95 billion inhabitants. Asia has a potential market where the middle class has shown a significant growth with a high demand of products, especially in the food and beverage sectors.

As most productive land areas in Asia are already used for farming activities, this is the great moment for your co-operative to offer your products to a large market with an increasing demand.

ICAExpo 2010 intends to become the landmark for the co-operative sector by opening new markets and providing co-operatives with the opportunity for significant business accomplishments. To consolidate the tradeshow as the most important event for the co-operative movement, the event’s organizers are already selecting buyers who will be invited to maximize the sales potential for the co-operatives products of those who have already confirmed participation as exhibitors at ICAExpo 2010.

ICAExpo 2010 aims creating significant business achievements during the tradeshow. Visionary co-operatives will benefit from participating in this unique event for the sector. Don’t miss this opportunity!

One more significant participation at ICA Expo 2010.

2010-03-16T13:56:00.000Z

Cooperative Federations of Meghalaya , India, has joined our group of exhibitors and taken a booth at the tradeshow.

A 3.9 billion consumer market is waiting for your co-operative products.

2010-03-10T12:56:00.000Z

Be part of our hosted buyer team in India.

2010-02-19T10:00:00.000Z

ICA Expo 2010 is selecting buyers from the food and beverage, hotel, product and service sectors to join us in Lisbon for the official global trade fair of the co-operative movement.

ICA Expo will provide unique business opportunities and offer a variety of exclusive products and services including Fair Trade products. To facilitate the participation of purchasing managers, buyers, and purchasing agents and provide them access to trading opportunities with participating co-operatives, ICA Expo is offering a Hosted Buyers programme. Selected hosted buyers will benefit from complimentary air tickets, hotel accommodation and food, and transfers. Join now!

Take part in ICA Expo 2010 and achieve excellent business results.

2010-02-12T15:49:00.000Z

ICA Expo 2010 – the international tradeshow for the co-operative movement - was officially launched during the International Co-operative Alliance's General Assembly in Geneva, Switzerland in November 2009. ICA Expo will be held in Bangalore, India from 8-10 December. It will provide co-operatives which participate as exhibitors in the event with a unique opportunity to develop their business in the emerging Asian market.

ICA Expo 2010 is the official tradeshow of the ICA with the aim to assure business opportunities for all participants. It has received enthusiastic support from the ICA Regional office for Asia and the Pacific as well as ICA members in India and in particular the Indian Farmers Fertiliser Co-operative Organisation (IFFCO). “We are expecting the presence of more than 15.000 visitors, 1.500 specialised buyers and 200 hosted buyers” affirms Luiz Branco, President of the event.

The emerging markets in Asia are expected to outpace growth in developed economies due to the growth of the middle class particularly in India and China. Analysts believe that there will be good growth potential in food and beverage consumption.

More about Asia:

• The Asian continent has an area of 44.482.000 km². It is the biggest continent in the world with 29, 4% of the world's land area.
• It is also the most populous continent in the world with 3, 95 billion inhabitants (around 60% of the world population).
• The Asian market is expected to grow by 7-8% in 2010.
• Major farming activities in Asia are: rice, wheat, barley, corn and cereals in general, tobacco, tea, jute, cotton, pepper, rubber and livestock: swine, poultry and cattle.
• Asia is the third biggest market in the world regarding organic food consumption, with an annual growth of 15%. This currently represents a total of USD 3.5 billion.
• The wine consumption in Asia is growing seven times faster than the world average.
• Food and beverage demand in Asia should double until 2050, especially for meats, cereals and vegetables.double until 2050, especially for meats, cereals and vegetables.

More about India:

• Based on the purchasing parity power (PPP), India has the fourth biggest economy in the world. It is one of the most attractive business and investment destinations due to its significant labour force, diversified natural resources and strong macroeconomic beddings.
• The Indian food-processing industry is one of the largest in the world in terms of production and consumption.

Visit ICA EXPO stand at the General Assembly

2009-11-30T12:16:00.000Z

From 14 to 21 Novembre during the ICA General Assembly your co-operative will have a chance to visit the ICAExpo booth and enjoy promotional conditions to participate in ICAExpo 2010.

We invite all attendees to come and see the changes for the new edition, the 2008 results and collect ICAExpo 2010 promotional material. We will also be offering a special gift for those who come to our stand.

“This will definitely be a unique opportunity for co-operatives to discover the tradeshow's main goals, its commercial benefits, how to participate in the event and the unprecedented business opportunities ICAExpo 2010 will offer the sector”, says Luiz Branco, ICAExpo President.

In addition, you will learn about the new Hosted Buyer 2010 programme , with its improvements and focus on even more business opportunities to exhibitors.