As the New Year 2018 knocking the doors, food sector is all set to explore new avenues of this trade. Though global food market is spreading its nexus quite rapidly, the Indian food sector is also growing in multiple folds, especially after receiving a thumping response for the World Food India 2017. In order to get the deeper understanding of this business, NuFFooDs Spectrum’s Nitin Konde interviews Ehsan Huq, MD, SCIEX India.
1. Since the New Year is around the corner, what are the major challenges that you are most likely to face?
There is a definite trend towards the adoption of more sensitive analytical instrumentation technology in food testing; potentially creating a possible short term skill deficit , manifesting itself in an increased need for training and support.
At SCIEX, we have created an innovative Introductory and advanced LCMS course at our Centre of Excellence in Gurgaon to mitigate that; and all our customers have access to the online SCIEX University courses.
From a support perspective, our investments to provide Indian customers with StatusScope for proactive instrument diagnosis; and SCIEXNow for real time resolution are steps towards ensuring that we maintain the highest levels of service that our customers expect from us; and continue to set benchmarks in our industry.
2. There is always a brighter side at the end of the tunnel so what are notable opportunities that company is eyeing for?
SCIEX India has been fortunate to have the support of our customers. We are extremely grateful for that, and continue to build on our relationships in our core business segments while striving to create new ones in adjacent or new markets.
There is an apparent increase in public spending; and while not without challenges. It does provide an exciting opportunity for the future.
In the longer term, I would hope that food testing for domestic consumption, was as stringent as the requirement to export.
3. How has the previous year gone by and what more is in store?
SCIEX India has benefited from the support of our customers and the favourable market conditions, this has allowed us to make disproportionate investments in growing our business successfully.
We launched the X500R, a benchtop TTOF solution with significant benefits for our food customers; and while the product was developed for more mature markets, we have been encouraged by the interest it has piqued with our customers locally.
Moving ahead, our focus will remain on leveraging our market leadership in food testing globally; but providing tailor made solutions to our customers locally.