Emilia-Romagna region is also known as the global hub for the production of farm and food-processing machinery and the Indian company is expected to gain access to such useful technology as a result of the pact, Bharti group officials said.

The agreement was signed here Wednesday in the presence of Italy’s Agriculture Minister Paolo De Castro and Indian Minister of State for Food Processing Subodh Kant Sahai.

Italian officials said the pact will make it easier for FieldFresh to access any information on farm machinery and food processing technology, while the Indian side hopes to set up efficient food supply lines with global know-how.

FieldFresh Foods, part of Sunil B. Mittal’s Bharti group, has already been exporting fresh fruits and vegetables to key markets including Britain, the Middle East and Europe.

Italicks

Italian food chain ‘Italicks’ has planned to enter Indian market by launching its first store in Pune by December this year. The company, in partnership with Ghai Group, which is involved in hospitality sector, will open outlets in 40 to 50 cities in India.

Sharing plans, Pankaj Chaturvedi, executive director, Italicks, said, “Italicks will roll out various formats including kiosks at malls and airports, standalone and large-format stores. We are planning to set up 40 to 50 Italicks stores across the country by this year.”

According to Chaturvedi, the stores will follow the franchise model and will serve the most authentic Italian beverages, food items and ice creams.