Norwegian food major Orkla Foods is willing to make an investment of ₹150 crore in Kerala’s food processing sector, Atle Vidar Nagel Johansen, Executive Vice President and Chief Executive Officer of Orkla Branded Consumer Goods, has informed Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.
Orkla Foods would help the State set up a food processing research centre, which would help farmers earn more income from their produce, a statement issued by the Chief Minister’s Office said.
The Norwegian firm has a 68% stake in Eastern Condiments, a prominent spices brand of Kerala, and Orkla India has been expanding its operations.
Orkla is also interested in investment in the renewable energy sector, Mr. Johansen is believed to have said.
Value-added products
Mr. Vijayan pointed out that Kerala is one of the main centres producing value-added products from spices.
Kerala is on the third spot as far as seafood exports are concerned, boasting several seafood exporting firms having European accreditation. Kerala also has a glut of production of the Nendran variety of banana, tapioca and jackfruit. It is to make use of these possibilities that the State government is giving more attention to the food processing sector, Mr. Vijayan said.
Nodal officer
The Industries department is engaging a special nodal officer to help companies which will make an investment of ₹ 100 crore or more. The State will engage a nodal officer for Orkla Foods for any hand holding that may be required following their investment, he added.
Industries Minister P. Rajeeve, Chief Secretary V.P. Joy, vice chairman of the State Planning Board, V.K. Ramachandran, Principal Secretary (Industries) Suman Billa, Kerala government’s Officer on Special Duty in New Delhi Venu Rajamani and the Indian embassy consular were part of the discussions.
