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The first ever international wine competition- the IWC
was conducted in London and Delhi in 2007 in conjunction with IFE- India
(the annual international food and drinks exhibition at Pragati Maidan,
Delhi). In all likelihood the similar pattern would be followed for the
India Wine Challenge-2008 unless the customs and excise procedures are
simplified at the time of holding the competition in November.
There were 350 wine samples presented at the first IWC,
including 35 from 10 wineries in India. Indian samples were sent to Delhi
whereas the foreign wine samples were submitted in London, at the headquarters
of Montgomery International. By every account, the event was very successful
in his maiden attempt.
The occasion will also present an opportunity to clarify
any doubts that might have arisen during the first event last year. The
biggest confusion in people's mind had been their assumption that the
competition was only for Indian wines. Many thought that only the wines
being imported to India could be entered. Clarifying this confusion logically,
Robert says,' the competition is open to any wine, produced anywhere in
the world. It is not necessary that it must be already existent in India.
Logically only those producers will take part, who have an interest in
India. It is a great opportunity for the India wineries to find out the
taste of the experts and if there are any flaws in their wines.'
A special concession had been made in that a separate
category was created for only Indian wines, which is not an international
practice.
The cost of entering the labels is an issue that dogged
many importers and smaller producers. Although the competition lost money
last year-the customs duties, transportation, venue costs, travel etc
take away a major portion of expenses, 'I agree that we should encourage
larger numbers of entries from Indian companies so we can look at discounts/rebates
for these,' agrees Robert
Many suggestions have come from producers and importers.
Ranjit Gupta, Director of the importing firm Amfora wines, suggests that
'if three prizes have to be given in a category then there must at least
be 7-8 entries in that category. At 8 wines entered three prize would
make total prizes 37%. If there are only 3-4 wines then only the best
should have an award. He would also like to se reducing costs of submitting
more number of samples.'
Robert Joseph understands the Indian psyche and is willing
to consider the suggestions very democratically 'so long as they do not
dilute the quality of the competition and do not in any way compromise
the blindness and neutrality'. There will be no compromise in the professionalism,
however.
If you are an importer or a producer, the launch offers
a great opportunity to help improve and indigenize the competition which
is here to stay and is slated to become stronger and more relevant over
the years.
For further details regarding the launch click
here
Subhash Arora
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