In a grand ceremony held at Andaz by Hyatt, New Delhi, on 1st February 2024, the Sugar and Ethanol International Awards (SEIA) 2024 brought together industry leaders, experts, and innovators to celebrate outstanding achievements in the sugar, ethanol, and allied industries. The awards ceremony, a key highlight of the 3rd edition of the ‘Sugar & Ethanol India Conference- SEIC 2024,’ (held from 1st February to 2nd February 2024), aimed to acknowledge and commend exceptional contributions that have propelled the growth and development of the sugar, ethanol and allied sector.
Agri Start-up of the Year: MEIR Commodities India Pvt. Ltd., Mumbai
A notable recipient of Agri Start-up of the Year was MEIR Commodities India Private Limited. Founded by Rahil Shaikh in 2018, MEIR Commodities has rapidly grown into a leading agri-trading house, achieving a USD 180 million revenue in just 5 years. With a recent acquisition of a sugar mill in north India, MEIR showcases its success and operational prowess. The company excels in agri commodity research, forming alliances with London-based MAREX and a global agri commodities group. Its diverse portfolio includes sugar trade, organic sugar, pulses, spices, and future plans for soybeans and rice. Managed by an adept Board and a dedicated team, MEIR prioritizes precision in execution for sustained success.
Bollywood actress- Bhagyashree Patwardhan, presented an award to MEIR Commodities for being Agri Start-up of the Year.
At the award distribution ceremony, notable figures from the sugar industry nationwide were in attendance, including Uppal Shah, the founder and CEO of Chinimandi, Hemant Shah (Co-founder of Chinimandi), Jitu Shah, founder of J.K. Group, Prakash Naiknavare, Managing Director of National Federation of Cooperative Sugar Factories Limited (NFCSF), Sanjay Awasthi (Chairman, Council and Executive Committee of ISSCT and President, The Sugar Technologists Association of India), Atul Chaturvedi (Executive Chairman, Shree Renuka Sugars Limited), Murugesh Nirani, Founder, Chairman MRN (Nirani) Group, Amit Agrawal (Vice Chairman, Bajaj Hindusthan Sugar Limited), Suresh Agarwal (Chairman, Rika Global Impex Limited), Prasad Ghawate (Co-founder and Director at Rajganga Biorefineries), Sanjay Khatal, Managing Director of Maharashtra State Co-operative Sugar Factories Federation (MSCSF), and Husain Gangardiwala (Director, Chinimandi), among others.
The SEIA 2024 Awards Ceremony was nothing short of spectacular, showcasing the commitment, innovation, and resilience displayed by professionals and organizations in the sugar and ethanol industries. The event provided a platform to recognize and appreciate the hard work, dedication, and lasting impacts made by individuals and organizations across various categories.
The awards were distributed across 28 categories, reflecting the diverse and multifaceted nature of the sugar, ethanol, and allied industries. From recognizing Sugarcane Producers (Farmers) to acknowledging entities in International Trade Houses, each category highlighted the crucial roles played by different stakeholders in shaping the landscape of these industries.
Some of the prominent categories included Private Mill, Cooperative Mill, Ethanol Producers, Standalone Distillery, Khandsari Mill, Domestic Trader, International Trader (Individual), Bulk Consumers, Sugar Mill Suppliers, and Lifetime Achievement Award, among others. Each award category sought to honor those who have demonstrated excellence, innovation, and significant contributions in their respective fields.
SEIA 2024 was more than just an awards ceremony; it was a celebration of innovation, dedication, and the relentless pursuit of excellence in the sugar, ethanol, and allied industries. The event brought together industry stalwarts, experts, and professionals, providing a unique opportunity for networking, knowledge sharing, and collaboration.
As the curtains fell on SEIA 2024, the reverberations of recognition and celebration continue to echo through the industry. The awards served not only as a testament to the achievements of the winners but also as an inspiration for the entire sector to strive for greater heights, fostering a culture of excellence and innovation in the years to come.
