A slew of US-based fast moving consumer goods companies are eyeing the Indian market and using the AmFest trade fair to be held in Mumbai next month as a possible testing ground.

These include the California-based Madera Foods (dried products), Resource Point Inc (cranberries and prunes), Omni Pacific, Blue Diamond Growers (natural and industrial almonds), US Soyabean Association (soy beverage), Louisiana based SUSTA, Sunmaid Growers of California among others.

AmFest, an American festival organised by the Indo-American Chamber of Commerce will provide an opportunity to small and medium American companies to showcase their products here. Farokh T Balsara, regional president --WIC and partner, Ernst & Young, says, "The opening of the Indian consumer market to global products has provided more confidence to global manufacturers to target India. AmFest is one such opportunity for the US food and beverage companies to have deeper understanding of Indian markets and trade dynamics."

• AmFest: Destination India

Adds V Rangaraj, president of Indo-American Chamber of Commerce, "Through this consumer products exposition and trade fair, the American companies could look for collaboration opportunities, franchising and distribution arrangements with Indian companies, thus enabling their foray in Indian markets."

Apart from foods and beverages, AmFest will also have beauty care, fitness products, toys and car accessories products on show.

Indo-American Chamber of Commerce, the bilateral chamber which focuses on promoting trade, highlighting opportunities and acting as a catalyst for developing economic growth with the United States.