Bharat Nutraverse Expo Reflections
Thoughts on returning from my (Petra’s) first trip to India…
With India’s deep history of botanical medicine and its important role in the global botanical supply chain, stretching back to the ancient spice trade routes, I eagerly anticipated the opportunity for my first trip. I came home with new relationships, new perspectives, and a much bigger vision. The experience far exceeded my expectations!
This was the second year of BHARAT NUTRAVERSE EXPO, presented by SHEFEXIL India. I found it a well curated event with three days of knowledge sessions, 80 company booths, dedicated B2B meeting time, and cultural programs featuring Indian music and dance traditions which I really enjoyed. My sincere appreciation to Dr. Debjani Roy for the invitation to speak, the insight into how Alkemist Labs can help support the Indian supply chain, and for the many new personal introductions made.
In the U.S., we are spoiled by having much of the world always coming to us for meetings and expos. It felt especially meaningful to me to return that respect by traveling to India for this event. India’s nutraceutical community welcomed me with genuine warmth and enthusiasm for greater collaboration. Admittedly, traveling to India felt a little daunting with 30 hours of door to door travel and a time zone ~12 hours opposite. I knew it would be an adventure!
Thank you Silvi Siddhu, for your tireless work organizing the panel speakers and for supporting the travel planning for our entire Women In Nutraceuticals delegation! Your enthusiasm and encouragement made this trip happen!
Thank you to our panel moderator Maureen Pickle DMSc, MPH, PA-C and my fellow panel speakers Sonali Balwani and Elizabeth Tay. The risk of adulteration threatens the trust we have collectively built in our industry and with consumers. It was my pleasure to shine the light on this topic and call on our community to work together. Check out the video below!
Thank you to my many new connections and old friends for our conversations and companionship this last week. The community we formed these few days will last far beyond just this trip! I hope to see you all again soon and for any that travel to Southern California, please be sure to let me know.
Lastly, a special heartfelt thank you to my local friends Varun Maheshwari, Rojison K., Noel Clement, Arun kant lawania, Himanshi Sharma, and Sonali Balwani and family. You helped me experience India far beyond the Bharat Mandapam conference center. I am so grateful for your gracious hosting and our time together. I will truly treasure these memories!
