Amit Lohani

Amit Lohani (April 2, 1976), is credited as CEO and Managing Director of Max Food Corporation, India and is President for Forum of Indian Food Importers (FIFI),an APEX chamber representing food importers, retailers and distributors in India. At present FIFI has over 200 importers, 5000 organized and unorganized retailers and 65 countries as members representing USD 3.2 billion of food trade in India. With his role in FIFI he is a strong voice for fair trade practices and changing food and beverages scenario in country.
Owing to his knowledge about the food and beverage sector he has been handpicked by various country governments such as the United States (International Visitors Leadership Program IVLP 2013); Canada (Keynote speaker on seminar on India Land of Opportunity); Peru (Expoalimantaria Peru); Italy (Jury Member Ospitalita Italiana Ritoranti Italiani Nel Mondo); Scotland (Keynote Speaker at seminar on Opportunities in India); France (Keynote speaker at Gout be France); Africa (India-Africa Forum Summit) and several others where he represented India.
He has led various bilateral discussions concerning food and beverages and is a jury at Coca Cola Golden Spoon Awards 2012 - 2016, Founder Director India International Marketing Forum, Board Member Indo Italian Chamber of Commerce, and Member of FMCG National Steering Committee Assocham. Based on his regular interaction and participation at forums like this Indian Gourmet Food Industry has been able to make a global impact and based on efforts like these trade from world to India is now at USD18 billion.
At present, he is writing a book based on his escapade with global food cuisines where he plans to cover focal points from street foods to fine dine and various styles of cooking like slow food to flash.
Early life
Amit Lohani was born to Mr. Ramesh Lohani and Mrs. Sangeeta Lohani on April 2, 1976, in New Delhi. Born into a Sindhi business family, Lohani had an early exposure to fresh fruit trade however, at early stage of his carrier he decided to shift his focus from fresh fruit to gourmet food sector. He did his primary schooling from St. Michael school in Model Town and he then attended Delhi Public School, Mathura Road. After completing his graduation from Khalsa College Delhi Universityhe did his MBA from University of Queensland, Australia in 1997.
Family history
Lohani family has been into fresh fruit business for five generations but family legacy is not limited to fresh and gourmet foods.
During Ibrahim Lodi's reign, the Lohanis of south Bihar rebelled and carved out an independent kingdom for themselves which was later incorporated into Sur Empire. In their homeland, conflict arose between Lohani clans over distribution of land and revenue of Daman tract and after some battles, the Marwat and Miya Khel clans of Lohani migrated from Daman to Lakki and DI Khan tracts respectively.
Jhalori dynasty of Lohani clan ruled Palanpur State in India from thirteenth century to twentieth century.
Personal life
At age of 22 Amit Lohani was married to Kajal Khubchandani. Mrs. Lohani plays role of a silent supporter to her husband and her dedication and has helped him attain professional success. As quoted by many Mrs. Lohani is an impeccable cook and an excellent home maker. Kajal and Amit had their son on May 2, 2004, and named him Alex after Alexander the great. 12 year old Alex is completing his school education from Modern School and under his mother's guidance he is polishing his culinary skills.
Forward with Max Foods In
Max Foods Inc. came into existence in 1999, after Lohani finished his MBA from University of Queensland Australia. He ventured into the food foray with the help of his brother Vinod Lohani. Now the company represents leading FMCG brands from all over the world Posts, Skittles, Starbucks Coffee, Kraft Foods Inc., Dr Schar, to name a few.
Max Foods is the premier importer, exporters and marketer of globally renowned food and beverages in the Indian sub continent. It is one of the few companies with ISO 9001 certification. Unambiguously and uniquely positioned as a dominant organization representing these companies and their brands in the country. Recently Max Foods launched gluten free snack range in India.
Establishment of Forum of Indian Food Importer
In 2009 the idea of conceptualization of Forum of Indian Food Importer (FIFI) was introduced by Lohani to few like minded importers. FIFI was formulated with an objective to give collective voice to Indian food importers which talks about their interest at various platforms this includes Government of India's Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), Ministry of Consumer Welfare, Ministry of Food Processing Industries, Ministry of Agriculture and others.
Lohani occupies position of President and is actively involved in all the activities conducted by FIFI. Riding on Lohani's hard work in past 7 years FIFI has grown bound and leaps and now is an example for many to follow. At present FIFI has over 200 importers, 5000 organized and unorganized retailers and 65 countries as members representing USD 3.2 billion of food trade in India.
He plays a pivotal role between various international brands, country governments and Government of India agencies. Lohani is a committee member with Government of India's, Food Safety and Standards Authority, he has been a key note speaker and panel member at numerous forums such as the International Federation of Culiniary Assiciations, skill development in food processing. Chamber represents over 15,000 food importers, retailers, hoteliers, and distributors in India, provides a diligent informative data bank on Food & Beverage trade in country and projects an efficacious knowledge network in India through its composite interactions with various government & non-government agencies, embassies, agricultural experts and international chambers. Lohani's views are constantly covered by various print and electronic media houses including progressive grocers, agri-business and food industries, HORECA TV, Media Today, Food and Beverages news, business standards, economic times, NDTV, dollar magazine, and others.
Lohani has also led several regional trade delegations to numerous international food and beverage trade shows like Gulfood Expo, Food and Hotel Asia Singapore, Anuga, FMI Connect Chicago, Sial Paris, Thaifex, Fine Food Australia, Fancy Food Show Chicago, ICM Cologne, AAHAR, PLMA, Sial Dubai, Boston SeaFood Show, and many others.
Making news
Lohani played an instrumental role in bringing in Indian gourmet scene on global platform. With FIFI he has also been involved in various CSR activities including one with Prime Minister of India office. Recently with active participation of Lohani FIFI organized largest ever pavilion at the 31st edition of AAHAR. Lohani signed a MOU on behalf of FIFI in Singapore. He played an pivotal role in aligning UAE Food companies with Indian importers.

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