The event has been organised by Interads Montgomery Pvt Ltd. - a joint venture between Interads Pvt Ltd. and Montgomery International, a London-based company specialising in setting up international exhibitions.
Allaying fears due to the recent carnage in Mumbai, the organisers have assured the exhibitors and participants adequate security and announced that the show would go on as planned despite the somber mood of the Delhi-ites who have been as much shocked and saddened as their Mumbai brethren. A distance of over 1000 kms and a 2-hour flying time does mean that the security concerns should be minimal especially as the government agencies are at full alert.
Christopher Newton, Director of Interads montgomery Pvt Ltd. informed delWine that he was extremely saddened by the tragedy at Mumbai and hoped there would be no more repeats of the same in future. Arriving from London where terrorists are known to attack frequently, he said he did not have any safety apprehensions in coming to India.
K.V. Rajeevan, CEO of the organising company was very upbeat about the success of the show.' We have more countries, more number of exhibitors and even more participation by the wine companies with Sopexa, Austrade, WOSA and California and Various Consorzia of Italy along with Italian Trade Commission taking part as groups too. We may have a few individuals dropping out at the last minute but the wines are here and we expect a record turn out because of exciting programmes including Guided Tastings,' he said.
The Show will be inaugurated officially at 11:30 am by Mr. Subodh Kant Sahai, Honourable Minister of State- Food Processing Industries.
The Award Ceremonyfor the India Wine Challenge will also be carried out at this time Trophies for the best in category wines will be awarded by the H'ble minister at this event. Some of the award winning wines will be available for tasting at the show later.
Wines from Ausralia, New Zealand, California Italy, France, Spain, Portugal, Austria, South Africa, India and the UK will be available for tasting at the stands which have been also booked by several wine bodies. Sopexa will be conducting its own tastings for the hospitality industry. Over 300 exhibitors from 22 countries are taking part in the show.
Apart from the Retail Forum, Sommelier Training competition, informative business clinics and live theaters and various international programmes on food there are several countries taking part en block.Looking at the importance and the sincerity of the trade show, the excise department had permitted tasting of wines for the trade professionals at the stands from last year.
Five Guided Tastings of wines from Italy, France, California, Australia/New Zealand and South Africa will be conducted by the Indian Wine Academy to help the participants get familiar with the countries and the regions, besides tasting the wines, some of them are unique and available only at these guided tastings.
Following are the Guided Tasting schedules:
For detailed programme click: http://www.ife-india.com
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