After London and Thailand, Indian wines are all set to make an appearance at an international trade fair in Hong Kong next month. The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), along with Indian Grape Processing Board (IGPB) and All-India Wine Producers? Association (AIWPA), has been trying to make Indian wines popular in overseas markets. As a result, Indian wines have been showcased at several international food shows in Washington DC, France, London and Tokyo.
This time, the Indian Grape Processing Board (IGPB) has planned to tap the Asia-Pacific region, including Hong Kong and Singapore, as part of its strategy to increase wine exports from the country, Jagdish Holkar, chairman, IGPB told FE. ?The Indian rupee has been falling. While this is being seen in a negative light by most sectors, it could be beneficial for the Indian wine sector,? he pointed out. According to Holkar, imports have become costlier by around 25% and this could open the door to exports of Indian wines,? he said. According to industry watchers, the Indian market has a potential of 12.5 lakh cases a year, of which 40% is imported. Around 3 lakh cases
are reported to be imported annually.
Indian wineries will participate in a trade fair in Hong Kong in November 2013, to be organized by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC). IGPB would also be organising a business conference in Singapore, with the support of the Indian embassy in Singapore and APEDA. After a recent wine-tasting in Thailand, there have been enquiries coming in for Indian wines, which, I hope, will soon translate into exports, Holkar said.
“The idea is to tap markets as Hong Kong, Singapore and Thailand are the hubs of a region that comprises nations like Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar and Vietnam,? he said.
