Bringing this heritage and culture to India, the European Union (EU) is participating at Vinexpo India and SIAL India 2022 in New Delhi on 1-3 December 2022, showcasing a variety of high-quality food and beverages. The EU Pavilion will be inaugurated by European Union Ambassador H.E. Ugo Astuto in the presence of EU Member State Ambassadors and other stakeholders from the food and beverage industry.

The presentation of a wide selection of food and beverages, will be complemented by numerous product tasting campaigns and wine master classes, conducted by Cav. Subhash Arora, President of the Indian Wine Academy. He will be conducting 3 Masterclasses-showcasing 5 wines in each (click here for details). Celebrity Chef Ajay Chopra will also host a live cooking session using EU ingredients at the EU pavilion on 2nd December.

Many of the EU products to be showcased at the fair carry the labels of geographical indication (GI)  which is an indication of authenticity and special characteristics linked to their place of origin or the farming practices employed. Geographical indications play an increasingly important role in commercial relations between the EU and third countries as GI products account for around 15% of EU agricultural exports.

You may already be familiar with some EU GI products that have been registered in India for instance, Champagne, Prosecco or Prosciutto di Parma and Port.

Chargé d’Affaires of the European Union to India, Christophe Manet said, “The EU participation at SIAL India / Vinexpo India aims to increase the awareness of quality food and beverages from the EU, particularly GI products, among the Indian hospitality and food service sector. The accompanying conference on GI provides an excellent opportunity for interactive exchange on the benefits for market growth and sustainable trade.”

He added, “India and the EU value the tradition of GIs, attaching high importance to local food and preserving and promoting cultural heritage. These shared views reflect the basis on which the EU and India agreed to start negotiations for an Agreement on the protection of Geographical Indications last year in addition to a Free Trade Agreement. Once concluded, the EU India GI agreement shall bring new opportunities for quality products from both regions and enhance the presence, reputation and value of GIs from India and the EU on our respective territories.”

Food and Beverages: Trade Potential between EU and India

The EU will also host an event titled ‘Protecting tradition while increasing trade opportunities: Geographical Indications – a development tool for the XXI Century’ on 2nd December that will shed light on the benefits of GIs for consumers, market growth and sustainable trade. In a panel discussion, planned for the same day, well-known experts from the EU and India will discuss: ‘Opportunities for EU food and beverages in India: improving market presence of qualitative food’. Catherine Combette, Head of Unit at European Commission, and Amit Lohani, Founding Board Member of Forum of Indian Food Importers will participate in this panel discussion.

Subhash Arora

Schedule and Wines for Masterclasses