The two days Traceability & Authentication Forum 2025 by ASPA concludes successfully at Eros Hotel, New Delhi.
The 6th edition of the Traceability & Authentication Forum (TAF 2025) concluded successfully dated, 17th and 18th of March 2025 after two days of strategic discussions, technological showcases, and collaborative networking at the prestigious Eros Hotel in Nehru Place, New Delhi. Organised by the Authentication Solution Providers’ Association (ASPA) in partnership with THE RISE, the forum’s premier platform addressed critical challenges in brand protection, anti-counterfeiting, and supply chain integrity.
Under the visionary theme “Path to a Secure Future: Authentication and Traceability for All,” the event convened over 200 + delegates, including senior government officials, industry leaders, brand owners, technology innovators, and security solution providers from India and abroad.
Following a traditional lamp-lighting ceremony performed by ASPA Governing Body Members, Mr. Manoj Kochar, President of ASPA, in his welcome address, highlighted the growth trajectory of the authentication and traceability industry in India. Mr. Ankit Gupta, Vice President of ASPA, outlined the association’s strategic initiatives for the upcoming year.
The ‘Leaders’ Forum’ skillfully moderated by Mr. Rajat Wahi, Senior Consultant in Consumer & Retail included distinguished panellists – Dr. RG Agarwal (Chairman Emeritus, Dhanuka Agritech), Mr. Saurabh Agarwal (Vice President & General Manager, Materials Group, South Asia, Avery Dennison), Mr. Rahul Bhargava (Director-Packaging, Technical Services), and Mr. Bijoy Peter (General Manager, Technical Services, GS1 India) – who engaged in a thought-provoking discussion on navigating authentication challenges while delivering innovation.
In his keynote address, Mr. Sagar Singh, Joint Director at the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), Ministry of Consumer Affairs, elaborated on the evolving regulatory framework and standardisation initiatives for printing inks and packaging in India.
The consumer-centric panel on ‘Empowering Consumers: How Government Initiatives Protect Public Safety and Trust’ brought together representatives from regulatory bodies, consumer advocacy groups, and industry experts including Dr. Jayashree Gupta (President, Consumers India) and Dr. K. Madan Gopal (Advisor, NHSRC, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare).
Other highlights included specialized sessions focusing on the integration of physical and digital technologies. Mr. Manoj Kochar presented an insightful analysis on “The Growth Story of the Authentication & Traceability Industry,” highlighting market trends and future projections.
A panel moderated by Mr. Ankit Gupta explored “Physical & Digital Technology: The Cornerstones of Authenticity” with contributions from Mr. Swapnil Bhardwaj (Haldiram), Mr. Prashant Kumar Gupta (Shriram Veritech), Mr. Harveer Sahni (Weldon Celloplast), and Mr. Shishir Chandra (Insecticides India).
Technical presentations showcased cutting-edge solutions, including “Turnkey Solutions: The Smarter Way to Brand Protection” by Mr. Prashant Kumar Gupta of Shriram Veritech, “How RFID Technology empowers Traceability and Authentication” by Ms. Bhavprita Harshwardhan of Avery Dennison, and “HP Indigo Digital printing capabilities provide cutting edge security and brand protection solutions” by Mr. Umesh Kagade of HP Industrial.
Panel on “Championing Originality: Industry Leaders on Tackling Counterfeits” was moderated by Mr. Sandip Hazra of PwC India, featuring insights from diverse sectors including pharmaceuticals, consumer goods, agriculture, and industrial manufacturing.
The second day opened with a keynote address by Mr. Abhishek Dev, IAS, Chairman of the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India. Mr. Dev articulated the government’s vision for securing India’s agricultural exports through enhanced traceability systems and authentication protocols.
Mr. Tadej Turk, Director of Digital Security Program at Jura JSP GmbH, delivered a technical presentation on “New level of security design authentication,” showcasing international best practices and emerging security features.
The technological frontier was explored through a dynamic panel on “Role of AI, Blockchain and IoT in Smart Packaging and Authentication” expertly moderated by Mr. Rajat Wahi, Senior Consultant – Consumer & Retail . Panellists including Mr. Atul Govil (India Glycols), Mr. Kunal Kothari (Tracesci global), Dr. Vishal Choudhary (Scientist-F, Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India), and Mr. Diwaker Bharadwaj (Polycab India) provided nuanced perspectives on emerging technologies transforming the authentication landscape.
Intellectual property rights were addressed through a comprehensive panel on “IP Protection & Traceability: Strengthening Market Integrity” moderated by Dr. R. Saha, Senior Adviser at the Confederation of Indian Industry, with contributions from legal experts and industry representatives.
The final panel discussion on “Strengthening Traceability and Supply Chain Integrity Through Standards” moderated by Mr. Nakul Pasricha, Managing Director of PharmaSecure and ASPA Governing Body Member, provided actionable insights on standards-based approaches to enhancing supply chain security. Panelists including representatives from Amazon India, Ypsomed India and Cartel Bros shared implementation strategies and success stories from their respective industries.
Strategic Impact and Industry Transformation
“The 6th edition of TAF represents a watershed moment in India’s authentication and traceability landscape,” remarked Mr. Manoj Kochar, President of ASPA, during his closing address. “The convergence of policy support, technological innovation, and industry collaboration witnessed over these two days signals a transformative phase in our collective fight against counterfeiting. With counterfeit products causing an estimated annual loss of over ₹1 trillion to the Indian economy, the insights and partnerships formed at this forum will contribute significantly to strengthening brand protection frameworks and consumer trust.”
The forum also served as a platform for announcing ASPA’s expanded outreach initiatives aimed at small and medium enterprises in Tier 2 and 3 cities. These include monthly technology workshops, mentorship programs connecting established businesses with emerging entrepreneurs, and regional networking forums designed to build trust and awareness across the authentication ecosystem.
Exhibition showcasing state-of-the-art authentication technologies
The expansive exhibition area of the forum highlighted demonstrated of state-of-the-art authentication technologies by leading solution providers. From advanced holographic features and security printing to blockchain-based traceability systems and AI-powered verification tools, the exhibition provided attendees with hands-on experience of cutting-edge solutions and facilitated direct engagement with technology providers.
Structured networking sessions, including business luncheons and an evening cocktail reception, created opportunities for meaningful connections between brand owners, solution providers, and regulatory authorities.
Authentication Solution Providers’ Association (ASPA) is India’s premier self-regulated industry body of authentication solution providers. Established in 1998, ASPA works closely with global authorities such as the International Hologram Manufacturers Association (IHMA), Counterfeit Intelligence Bureau (CIB), International Tax Stamp Association (ITSA), and other industry bodies to create awareness about the counterfeiting menace and develop technological standards in the authentication sector.
THE RISE specializes in creating platforms for knowledge exchange, innovation, and strategic partnerships across industries, with a focus on emerging technologies and market developments.
TAF 2025 was supported by partners that included: Veritech, Avery Dennison, Linksmart Technologies, Giriraj Foils, Vinsak, Fasiculus, HP, JURA Security Printing, Holostik, SmartConnect, Lucid Imaging, Jekson Vision, Markem-Imaje, Sotech-Together Lampack, Tracesci, CropLife India, International Optical Technologies Association (IOTA), JETRO and PatentWire.
