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A record 250 Exhibitors are expected to present their
food and wine products and hospitality equipment from
more than 20 different countries, including 13 leading
international associations. The area of display will
see an increase of 60% at 2500sqm compared to 1500sqm
taken up by 160 exhibitors from 16 countries last year.
The highlight of the show is the growth in wine company
exhibitors this year. Compared to only 20 companies
last year, 60 have already confirmed. The interest shown
by many exhibitors at the Salone del Vino in Torino
which concluded on Monday, was enormous and a few of
them are keen to join in this year. As usual, there
will be Guided Wine Tastings conducted by the Indian
Wine Academy where several exciting wines can be tasted
from around the world.
There will be an impressive display of wines this year
with over 60 stands presenting wines from Austria, Germany,
France, Spain, Italy, England, India, Greece and Australia,
says Frances Grove who co-ordinates wine area for the
show.' We are extremely happy that ICE has reserved
329 sqm of space this year in their own dedicated hall
- a first ever in IFE! Sopexa represents 17 wine companies
from France. FIAB is there with bigger wine participation
from Spain. We are still hoping for a good participation
from the Indian producers who are still in the process
of booking space,' she added.
'Also debuts the Indian Wine Challenge conceptualised
and spearheaded by Robert Joseph' says a beaming Metthew
Benyon, the Managing Director of Montgomery International,
who is organising the Challenge with Robert Joseph'.
Many of the wines winning medals will be available for
tasting at the Show. A variety of conferences and features
will offer real excitement to the show and uncover new
ways of doing business, improve current processes and
provide tips on expanding the horizons of wine business,
he adds.
The Indian food and drink market is currently worth
US$230 billion, with the economy as a whole expected
to be the third largest in the world by 2010. India's
population stands at more than 1.1 billion people and
enjoys a rapidly expanding middle class of 350 million.
Not only do people have more disposable income, but
consumers are demanding greater variety, quality and
choice, especially in the food, drink and hospitality
sectors.
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