 In recognition of the unique nature of buyers and their sourcing needs, Taste 2010 will be spread over four separate shows one of which includes the second edition of the India International Wine Fair (IIWF) which debuted last year despite a forced postponement due to the ghastly terrorist attack in Mumbai in November, barely a few weeks before it was to open. In addition to this Fair specializing in wines from Indian and foreign producers, there will also be the India International Spirits Fair (IISF), the India International Food Fair (IIFF), and the India International Hospitality Fair (IIHF), running concurrently.
Hosted in Mumbai, the event hopes to bring together importers, distributors, wholesalers and retailers from throughout India, along with a substantial number of large-scale buyers including hotels, airlines, and restaurants and bar owners. Taste 2010 thus claims to be the single most important platform for international and Indian producers, exporters and marketers in the wine, spirits, and food and hospitality industries to firmly establish themselves in the buoyant Indian market.
Interestingly, IFE India- the annual show that was being held at Pragati Maidan, Delhi for the past 5 years will be skipping this year, due to a split between the partners, Montgomery International of London and InterAds of Delhi. IFE India had earlier announced the dates for its 2009 edition as 2-4 December, 2009
Coincidentally, those dates have now been blocked by Tarsus of London for the first edition of the International Food & Drink Expo India 2009 at the same venue. Apparently, the new organizers must have had some idea about the imminent split and were quick enough to book the space and fill the vacuum which would have possibly resulted otherwise. This trade show will also be a ‘platform for international and local suppliers to showcase their products and services to India’s food drink and hospitality professionals’. It had been named IFDE 2009 but due to unforeseen circumstances, the logo is reportedly being changed to avoid any legal wrangles.
 It is interesting that all the 3 shows (including the IFE) were or would be controlled from London-which appears to have become the fair organizing capital-at least so far as the Indian market is considered.
Both shows are relatively new in the Indian market. IFOWS is the oldest show which has been organized under the tutelage of Veronafiere, Italy. After ascending for the first few years it has been showing signs of tiredness but may get the Red Bull energy in the current scenario.
The producers, importers and the foreign producers will now have the choice of taking part in one or both of these shows. Similarly the retailers, hotels and restaurateurs will have the option of taking their pick-hopefully making it a win-win situation for all. The two former partners of IFE India would be watching on the sidelines as there is a two year non-compete clause in their agreement that killed the goose that had just started giving the proverbial golden egg. |