Nevendo

02:00 PM to 03:00 PM

Preconference Session

The participants will address "the myths" and "realities" in the global spice trade in a round table format. This pre-conference session will delve into the myths and realities within the spice industry, focusing on two key topics: ' Harmonization of Testing Labs & Harmonization of Standards’, which involves confronting the uncertainties arising from unreliable lab reports and the customer's unreasonable expectations for these reports. This session will also function as a prelude to the main sessions, which will concentrate on the topics of Policy Advocacy and Contaminants and Regulations. In this context the main sessions will discuss the issue of pesticide residues as well. Experts representing renowned labs and Industry leaders from spice consuming and producing countries will address the challenges in testing and analysis within the industry and will deliberate on resolving major quality issues.

Myth vs. Reality in Global Spice Trade

MSA Kumar
Advisor- AISEF & Chief Catalyst
Catalyst 360

Donald Pratt
Chief Procurement Officer
McCormick and Company Inc.

Dr Frank Schütt
Director
GBA Gesellschaft für Bioanalytk

Dr Geemon Korah
CEO
MANE KANCOR INGREDIENTS PRIVATE LIMITED

Pankaj Jaiminy
Managing Director
EUROFINS ANALYTICAL SERVICES INDIA P LTD

Stephen David Clemenson
Director Group Operations
NEDSPICE PROCESSING INDIA PVT. LTD

Q & A

05:30 PM to 07:00 PM

Inauguration of ISC 2025

Prayer

Welcome Speech

Emmanuel Nambusseril
Chairman - AISEF & Chief Marketing Officer
AKAY NATURAL INGREDIENTS PVT.LTD.

Lighting the Lamp

Address by Chief Guest - India: A Dynamic Force for Global Growth and Innovation—Your Gateway to Opportunity

Dr Krishna M Ella
Executive Chairman
Bharat Biotech International Limited

Special Address

P Hemalatha IAS
Secretary
Spices Board

Felicitation

S.P. Kamath
President
The Cochin Chamber of Commerce and Industry

Lifetime Achievement Award

Fireside Chat : The Pursuit of Excellence – Lessons in Focus, Resilience, and Leadership

Abhinav Bindra
Olympic Gold Medalist & Founder
Abhinav Bindra Targeting Performance

Sharda Ugra
Sports Journalist

Signing of the MoU with American Spice Trade Association

Emmanuel Nambusseril
Chairman - AISEF & Chief Marketing Officer
AKAY NATURAL INGREDIENTS PVT.LTD.

Peter Sayia
Chairman - ASTA & Broker
A.A. Sayia Company Inc

Setting the Context & Vote of Thanks

Nishesh Shah
Vice Chairman - AISEF & Managing Partner
UNIVERSAL OLEORESINS

07:00 PM to 07:30 PM

Fireside Chat Mr Abhinav Bindra in conversation with Ms. Sharda Ugra

q&a

Abhinav Bindra
Olympic Gold Medalist & Founder
Abhinav Bindra Targeting Performance

07:30 PM to 08:00 PM

Inauguration of ISC Expo 2025

ISC Expo 2025 Inauguration

Dr Krishna M Ella
Executive Chairman
Bharat Biotech International Limited

Abhinav Bindra
Olympic Gold Medalist & Founder
Abhinav Bindra Targeting Performance

P Hemalatha IAS
Secretary
Spices Board

08:00 PM to 11:30 PM

Inaugural Dinner

09:30 AM to 05:30 PM

ISC Expo 2025

09:45 AM to 09:55 AM

Setting the Context

Nishesh Shah
Vice Chairman - AISEF & Managing Partner
UNIVERSAL OLEORESINS

09:55 AM to 10:25 AM

Keynote Address

The session will focus on how digital platforms foster innovation and growth and will provide valuable insights into the potential of AI platforms that enhance digital presence, provide market insights and transformative solutions for agribusiness. This keynote address will throw light in to the AI driven Innovations and creative tools that may impact the Spice Industry. This is an opportunity to understand the digital ecosystem and its impactful advancements in applications. The speaker has a wealth of expertise in omnichannel business strategies and e-commerce.

Leveraging AI for Market Insights and Improved Productivity

Tanveer S Uberoi
Director - Mid Market Sales
Google Customer Solutions India

10:30 AM to 12:00 PM

Session I: Panel Discussion

This session will be conducted in a panel discussion format, discussing how technological advancements are transforming the agri-sector, particularly in the areas of farming, processing, and marketing, as well as the impact of data repositories generated from both private and public sources. The audience would find the practical solutions and opportunities provided by the most recent innovations in IoT, Robotics, AI, and block chain, which are common to farming, processing, and marketing, to be highly engaging. Furthermore, the use of big data analytics in agriculture modernization will have a positive impact.

Revolutionizing Agriculture: Technology’s Role in Farming, Processing and Marketing

Sanjiv Rangrass
Independent Director - Zetwerk &
Senior Advisor - McKinsey & Co

Ranjit Kumar R
Managing Director
Pollachi Nutmeg Farmer Producer Company Limited

Sanjeev Bisht
Vice President- Value Added Agri Products
ITC LIMITED ABD

Aathitiyan V S
Founder and CEO
Cookd Ventures Pvt Ltd

Q & A

12:00 PM to 01:30 PM

Session II - Fireside Chat

This fireside chat will provide an opportunity to discover how regenerative agricultural practices can transform the agricultural landscape and tackle critical climate challenges. The audience will be greatly interested in learning about best practices in regenerative agriculture and the lessons learned from implementing these practices in other crops, as well as their impact on improving soil health, sequestering carbon, and reducing GHG emissions. The session will also discuss the use of various tools for measuring key impact areas and the importance of reporting, which will improve the sustainable future for all stakeholders.

Regenerative Agriculture: A Sustainable Future for all stakeholders

Bhavik Desai
Business Head
INDIAN PRODUCTS PVT. LTD.

Dr Ram Kaundinya
Advisor
Federation of Seed Industry of India

Tamas Sarkadi
Chair
Sustainable Spices Initiative

Q & A

01:30 PM to 02:30 PM

Lunch

02:30 PM to 03:30 PM

Breakout Session 1

This session will focus on addressing the challenges of non-factual reporting and media management. With his extensive expertise in digital marketing and a strong presence in social media management, the speaker will provide the audience with actionable strategies to enhance their social media approaches and unlock new opportunities for growth. Mr. Kiruba Shankar, an internationally recognized professional speaker specializing in digital excellence, will deliver an engaging presentation that will inspire participants to harness the power of digital media for business expansion.

Social Media: An Opportunity or a Challenge?

Kiruba Shankar
CEO
Business Blogging Pvt Ltd

03:30 PM to 04:30 PM

Breakout Session 2

The Breakout Session II offers a master class on how to use AI to grow businesses. The session will discuss AI integration into IoT, automation, and other tech-related applications with the goal of improving business functions. It is an opportunity to learn from other industries that have successfully implemented AI platforms and transformed their business processes through the use of machine learning, robotics, and automation. This masterclass is a chance to understand the potential of AI in the evolution and development of various industries, including agribusiness, and how to leverage their wide applications in business decision-making, cost reductions, 3D printing, data analysis, predictive sales analysis, etc. It would be fascinating to understand how AI integration provides business agility, a competitive edge, and new opportunities for growth and innovation.

AI Master Class: How to use AI to grow your business

Shrivatsa Somany
Head, Bathware
Somany Ceramics

05:00 PM to 06:00 PM

International Organization of Spice Trade Associations (IOSTA) Meeting

Venue: Wardha Hall (Ground Floor, The Leela Bhartiya City) Participation only through Invitation

06:15 PM to 07:15 PM

Launch of Community of Practice (CoP) by GIZ

Launch of Community of Practice (CoP) - A knowledge sharing platform by GIZ to support sustainable spice farming

Launch of Community of Practice (CoP) by GIZ

Jagjeet Singh Kandal
Country Director, IDH India
IDH

Dr Poonam Pandey
Senior Manager
McCormick and Company

Ramkumar Menon
Chairman
WORLD SPICE ORGANISATION

Sanjeev Bisht
Vice President- Value Added Agri Products
ITC LIMITED ABD

09:30 AM to 05:30 PM

ISC Expo 2025

09:30 AM to 09:35 AM

Setting the Context

Nishesh Shah
Vice Chairman - AISEF & Managing Partner
UNIVERSAL OLEORESINS

09:35 AM to 11:00 AM

Session III

The session will focus on the critical issues facing the spice industry and the need for strategies to foster cooperation and harmonization in addressing challenges that affect the entire sector. It will also explore how industry associations can manage effective communications with regulatory authorities on key matters related to setting standards and regulatory affairs. The ISC recognizes the significant role that industry bodies play in policy advocacy and regularly holds sessions with their participation, alongside representatives from regulatory bodies. This session will focus on the role of global spice associations, with particular emphasis on AISEF, in addressing critical industry issues, fostering liaison efforts, and coordinating with government agencies. The session will further discuss how these associations can collaborate to promote harmonization in tackling global challenges within the spice industry.

Policy Advocacy: The Critical Role of Industry Bodies

Dr Geemon Korah
CEO
MANE KANCOR INGREDIENTS PRIVATE LIMITED

Benoit WINSTEL
President - ESA & Director
COLIN INGREDIENTS

Emmanuel Nambusseril
Chairman - AISEF & Chief Marketing Officer
AKAY NATURAL INGREDIENTS PVT.LTD.

Peter Sayia
Chairman - ASTA & Broker
A.A. Sayia Company Inc

Mike Liu
President - China Spice Association & Chairman
BC Foods

11:00 AM to 12:00 PM

Keynote Address

Sonam Wangchuk, who is actively implementing education reforms in the trans-Himalayan region of Ladakh, India, is an engineer by profession and the inventor of the Ice Stupa artificial glacier for water storage. This session will address the major factors that impact climate change and shed light on various strategies for resilience, low-carbon lifestyles, and risk mitigation. Other focus areas include the preservation of indigenous cultural identities, education and awareness programs, integration into policy frameworks and planning, and innovations in natural resource management that will serve as precautionary measures against catastrophes, climate threats, and natural resource depletion.

Resilient Futures: Strategies for Climate Action

Sonam Wangchuk
Engineer, Innovator, Education Reformer
Director, Himalayan Institute of Alternatives, Ladakh

12:00 PM to 01:35 PM

Session IV: Contaminants and Regulations

This session serves as a continuation of last year's discussions on Contaminants & Regulations. It will focus on key issues related to regulatory affairs, Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs), quality concerns, and food safety. The session will feature speakers from regulatory bodies and industry representatives, who will address critical topics such as pesticide residues and contaminants that affect both spice-producing and spice-consuming countries. Attendees will gain valuable insights into addressing the pressing food quality and safety challenges facing the spice industry.

Contaminants and Regulations - Roundtable Discussion

Ramkumar Menon
Chairman
WORLD SPICE ORGANISATION

Dr Paresh Shah
Chairman - Sub Committee, Scientific Panel on Pesticide Residues
FSSAI

Stefano Trumpy
ESA - Technical Comission Chairman | Managing Director of Webb James
Webb James srl

Laura Shumow
Ex-Officio
American Spice Trade Association

KS. Thyagarajan
Head - Corporate Affairs
PI Industries

01:40 PM to 02:30 PM

Lunch

02:30 PM to 04:55 PM

Session V

Presentations Cinnamon, Nutmeg & Cloves Coriander Turmeric & Ginger and Culinary Herbs - Oregano, Basil, Marjoram, Thyme and Rosemary Major Spices in China. ISC’s most attractive and looked forward to session is the “Crops & Markets”. This session will provide an overview of the demand and supply of spices and their acreage and production estimates. Various factors, like weather conditions, especially drought and rainfall, and pest attacks affecting growth and yield, will be analysed in detail. Production figures, carry forward stock, and prices at various countries of origin will be discussed during the session. The session will provide latest information on Crops and Markets, market dynamics, production estimates, and analytical insights providing the delegates with valuable information about the demand and supply of these crops.

Global Spice Market Dynamics: Trends in Demand and Supply – The Crop Reports

Address by Chairman of the Session

NITIN BANSAL
SENIOR VICE - PRESIDENT
OLAM AGRO INDIA PRIVATE LIMITED

Cinnamon, Nutmeg & Cloves

Soumen Mahanty
Founder
P T Mahalaya Agri Corp

Coriander

ANDRII INSHYN
CEO
PE Natur Svit

Turmeric & Ginger

Thomas Daniel
Chief Procurement Officer
PLANT LIPIDS (P) LIMITED

Shibu Anandarajan
Chief Procurement Officer
AKAY NATURAL INGREDIENTS PVT.LTD.

Culinary Herbs – Oregano, Basil, Marjoram, Thyme and Rosemary

Seif Shazly
Deputy CEO
Giza Seeds and Herbs

Deniz Sensoy
General Manager Herbs&Spices
European Spice Services NV

Major Spices in China

Mike Liu
President - China Spice Association & Chairman
BC Foods

Q & A

04:55 PM to 05:15 PM

Global Spice Markets and Trends

Global Spice Market and Trends

Ajay Pillai
Head of Business
Innova Market Solutions

07:00 PM to 11:30 PM

Gala Dinner

09:30 AM to 01:00 PM

ISC Expo 2025

09:45 AM to 09:55 AM

Setting the Context

Nishesh Shah
Vice Chairman - AISEF & Managing Partner
UNIVERSAL OLEORESINS

09:55 AM to 10:25 AM

Keynote address

This keynote highlights key trends in the agri-commodity sector: Technology: Adoption of precision agriculture, blockchain, and AI for improved crop management and transparency. Consumer Trends: Rising demand for organic, sustainable, and health-focused spices. Climate Change: Developing resilient practices and climate-adapted crops. Global Trade: Navigating trade dynamics through market diversification and robust networks. Sustainability: Emphasizing eco-friendly farming and sustainable practices. Collaboration: Promoting partnerships across the value chain for innovation and resilience. The address urges the industry to innovate, collaborate, and commit to sustainability for a prosperous future.

Future Horizons: Predictions and Emerging Trends in Agri Commodities

Deepak Pareek
Managing Director
HnyB Tech-Incubations Pvt Ltd

10:00 AM to 11:00 AM

Quiz

10:30 AM to 01:20 PM

Session VI

This session will have an audio-visual presentation with an elaborate review of the demand and supply of black pepper, chillies, cumin, and Onion & Garlic in the global market and their indicative prices. Real-time data and information from major growing areas across the globe will be presented to the audience. This presentation has always been one of the most sought-after sessions at the previous conferences and will detail production and stock estimates, the impact of weather on crops, the acreage cultivated, and the yield expected.

Global Spice Market Dynamics: Trends in Demand and Supply – The Crop Reports

Address by Chairman of the session