The Bharat International Rice Conference (BIRC) 2026 has emerged as an important platform for Indian rice exporters and packaging companies to connect with new buyers, strengthen existing business relationships and explore opportunities in domestic and international markets.
Held in New Delhi from October 23 to 25, the conference brought together rice millers, exporters, packaging suppliers and international buyers, facilitating business networking and discussions across the rice supply chain.
Packaging Companies Explore New Business Opportunities
For packaging suppliers, BIRC 2026 provided an opportunity to engage directly with rice exporters, identify potential customers and expand their business networks. Industry representatives highlighted the value of meeting existing clients while establishing connections with new buyers through the exhibition.
Bhavesh Kothari, Senior Manager for International Marketing at Shree Tirupati Balajee FIBC Ltd, noted that the event enabled the company to meet existing customers and explore new business relationships. The Indore-based company exports to more than 60 countries and supplies packaging products across India.
Jeevat Rathi, Marketing Head at RMJ Group, highlighted the conference's role in connecting businesses with buyers, brokers and rice mills from different regions of India. The group also has an international business presence across approximately 10 to 12 countries, including the UAE.
Ashish Nainani, Director of International Sales at Goenka Group of Industries, emphasised that industry exhibitions help companies maintain relationships with existing customers while identifying new commercial opportunities.
International Buyers Strengthen Trade Connections
The conference also attracted international buyers seeking sourcing opportunities in the Indian rice market. Zirignon Rodrigues, a buyer from Africa, expressed interest in Indian parboiled rice and the opportunity to connect directly with producers and exporters.
These interactions offer Indian businesses opportunities to understand international market requirements, develop new partnerships and explore potential export destinations.
Growing Opportunities Across the Rice Packaging Value Chain
The growing international trade in rice creates opportunities for packaging suppliers serving agricultural commodities and food exports. Companies providing flexible intermediate bulk containers (FIBCs), bulk packaging, storage solutions and other industrial packaging products can benefit from stronger connections with exporters and processors.
Direct engagement with rice industry stakeholders can also help packaging suppliers understand customer requirements related to product protection, transportation, storage and export logistics.
Strengthening India's Global Rice Trade
BIRC 2026 highlighted the importance of industry exhibitions in bringing together different stakeholders across the rice value chain. By connecting exporters, packaging suppliers, millers and international buyers, the event provided a platform for exploring new commercial relationships and supporting business expansion.
The conference reinforces the role of collaboration between the rice export industry and its packaging partners in facilitating domestic trade and international shipments.