SPICE 360: GETTING FUTURE READY!

The 9th International Spice Conference (ISC 2026), held in Kochi, Kerala, concluded in February 2026 as a major success, bringing together over 1,200 delegates from more than 60 countries.

Organized by the All India Spices Exporters Forum (AISEF), the conference served as a critical global platform for policymakers, exporters, and innovators to address the future of the spice trade.

CORE CONFERENCE DETAILS

THEME: 'Spice 360 - Getting Future Ready', where ancient routes met the digital future

DATES: 23-26 February 2026

VENUE: Le Meridien Kochi, Kerela, India

PARTICIPATION: 50+global speakers and 60+ exhibitors

KEY SESSIONS AND THEMES

The conference focused on bridging traditional trade with digital innovation through several specialized sessions.

CLIMATE ACTION AND RESILIENCE: Discussions on climate-smart agriculture, soil management, and regenerative farming to protect supply chains.

AI AND TECHNOLOGY: A fireside chat exploring how Artificial Intelligence and data analytics can transform processing, quality assessment, and price forecasting.

QUALITY AND COMPLIANCE: Moving from basic 'Safe' food safety to 'Superior' standards through laboratory benchmarking and scientific risk assessment.

REGULATORY LANDSCAPE 2030: Exploring evolving global norms, including stricter Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) and the trend of 'food as medicine'.

CROPS & MARKET INTELLIGENCE: Detailed AV presentations and panel discussions on production outlooks for major spices like Turmeric, Ginger, Cumin, Chilli, and Black pepper.

NOTABLE SPEAKERS

Amitabh Kant (Former G20 Sherpa): Delivered the inaugural keynote on 'Transforming Agro-industry: Innovation, Inclusion & Global Leadership'.

Martin Sonntag (CEO of Oterra): Guest of honor who spoke on the next decade of food and nutrition collaboration.

Vinodini Sukumar (President, Cochin Chamber of Commerce): Highlighted the symbolic importance of Kochi's spice heritage.

IMPACT AND OUTCOMES

STRATEGIC GROWTH: Exporters focused on market diversification toward the ASEAN, West Asia, and African regions to reduce concentration risks.

SUSTAINABILITY AWARDS: Companies were recognized for excellence in Climate-smart farming and sustainable dehydration facilities.

CULTURAL EXPERIENCE: Networking included a Traditional Boat Race and a Gala Dinner, celebrating Kerala's history as the 'Spice Coast'.

From high-impact discussions to meaningful connections, ISC 2026 delivered a comprehensive experience that celebrated the legacy of the spice trade while shaping its future.

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