UK food and drink trade mission eyes partnership with Indian businesses

The UK’s Department for International Trade, is bringing in a strong delegation of UK food and drink companies to participate in the 10th India Food Forum, 31 January – 2 February, in Mumbai. The trade mission brings together seventeen of the most iconic and high-quality British brands to network with Indian businesses in Mumbai and Delhi, said an ANI report.
While in Mumbai the delegation will participate in the inaugural Food Forum session – ‘Food for Tomorrow’, visit Nature’s Basket for an Exhibition and Conference, meet Chef Ashish Bhasin and the purchasing team at Trident. They will also visit grocery store Hypercity, where a month-long placement of UK brands is taking place.
In Delhi the UK delegation will meet Food & Drink Importers Association’s (FIFI), Amit Lohani, CEO, Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), Pawan K. Agarwal and IAS, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Food Processing Industries, J.P Meena. They will also attend a networking reception at the British High Commission featuring UK food, drink and music.
According to the ANI report, Director, Department for International Trade and Economics, St.John Gould, said: “The UK and India are natural business partners. We have people to people links, history, strong economic ties, all lay the foundation for a mutual love of our food and drink. We are delighted to introduce some leading UK companies in this growing sector.
The two countries have many things in common: one of these is a love of food. Just like India, the UK has a wide diversity in food and drink and many successful food and drink brands are present in India. In particular there is a growing appetite in India for UK’s gourmet food and I am delighted to be hosting a reception for the visiting delegation. We hope you dip your McVities biscuits in your Twinnings tea. We know there is more you can discover.”
The delegation’s visit builds on the vision of the two Prime Ministers’ to broaden bilateral trade cooperation between the UK and India. The delegation is keen to make new contacts, explore business opportunities, build fruitful and long-lasting commercial partnerships and help introduce India to top quality UK nibbles and tipples.