India’s dynamic food and beverage (F&B) market is ripe for growth, and products from the European Union (EU) are playing a pivotal role in this transformation. European ingredients are setting new trends, offering unmatched quality, safety, and sustainability. As Indian chefs and consumers increasingly seek premium, globally sourced ingredients, EU offerings—renowned for their exceptional quality and authenticity—are emerging as the perfect fit for India’s evolving culinary tastes.
EU Ingredients Empowering HoReCa, Importers, and Retailers in India
EU ingredients are driving a significant transformation in India’s B2B landscape, offering HoReCa businesses, importers, and retailers a competitive advantage. These high-quality, sustainable products provide an opportunity to meet the rising demand for premium offerings. HoReCa businesses are capitalising on the rich, authentic European ingredients to diversify their menus and attract discerning customers. Enhancing their product ranges, retailers are tapping into the growing appetite for organic, artisanal, and certified products where European ingredients exceed with quality labels such as Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) and Protected Geographical Indication (PGI). For importers, EU goods represent a reliable and premium choice, enabling them to cater to a rapidly evolving Indian market that values authenticity and sustainability.
European Ingredients Driving Indian Culinary Innovation
The European Union, with its centuries-old traditions and strict food safety standards, offers high-quality products that align perfectly with India’s demand for new flavours and culinary sophistication. Additionally, practices like EU’s organic farming align with India’s preference for sustainable consumption, enriching both traditional and fusion cuisine.
European ingredients like artisanal cheeses, wines, and olive oils have increasingly become staples across India, enhancing the flavours and textures of Indian dishes. For example, cold cuts such as Kraški pršut PGI from Slovenia and the PDO-protected French Roquefort cheese are gaining popularity in India for their unique taste profiles, enriching both traditional and modern dishes.
With quality schemes like Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) and Protected Geographical Indication (PGI), the EU showcases the dedication behind its products. From beans such as Φασόλια (πλακέ μεγαλόσπερμα) Πρεσπών Φλώρινας / Fasolia (Plake Megalosperma) Prespon Florinas PGI from Greece to oranges as Arancia Rossa di Sicilia PGI from Italy, each ingredient represents a strong link to its origin. These labels ensure that specific characteristics, flavours, and cultural heritage are preserved, allowing each product to embody the unique qualities of its native region. Indian chefs and home cooks alike are incorporating product like Danish jams, Hungarian peppers, and Polish blueberries to reimagine traditional recipes. This blend of authenticity and global flavours brings a fresh twist, elevating the Indian culinary landscape.
Lesser-Known Member States’ Hidden Gems
Beyond well-known exports like French wines and Italian cheeses, lesser-known EU member states offer unique ingredients that add a distinct flair to Indian cuisine. Some of them are:
- Kaimiškas Jovarų alus PGI from Lithuania, a naturally fermented beer, offers a refreshing choice for India’s craft beer scene.
- Českobudějovické pivo PGI from the Czech Republic pairs exceptionally well with spicy Indian snacks.
- Romanian organic wines, made from grapes grown without synthetic pesticides, herbicides, or chemical fertilizers, reflect the principles of organic farming.
Reliable Supply Chains and Trade Networks
The EU-India trade partnership, supported by ongoing negotiations for a comprehensive Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and agreements on investment protection and geographical indications, aims to deepen mutual benefits and reduce trade barriers, making European good widely available on the Indian market. This relationship is particularly significant in the agri-food sector, where the EU’s trade with India in 2023 totalled €4.6 billion, with imports valued at €3.3 billion and exports at €1.3 billion. Major EU exports to India include dairy products, and vegetable oils, while imports from India are dominated by coffee, tea, cocoa, spices, and cereals. The EU-India trade relationship therefore offers substantial mutual benefits, with the EU as India’s largest trading partner, accounting for €124 billion in goods trade (12.2% of India’s total) and over €50 billion in services trade as of 2023.
Experience the Bounty of EU Ingredients Firsthand
To increase awareness around the variety of exquisite EU ingredients and the possibilities they offer you can visit the More Than Food EU Pavilion at SIAL India, from 5 to 7 December 2024 at Yashobhoomi (IICC), New Delhi. Campaign ambassador and renowned Chef Ajay Chopra along with Mr. Pawel Stachowiak, Counsellor – Trade and Economic Affairs, Delegation of the EU to India will be present at Booth D32, Hall 1C.
SIAL offers a unique opportunity to experience premium EU ingredients firsthand, helping you elevate your business with Europe’s finest!
More Than Food: European Traditions and Heritage in Every Bite
Incorporating EU products into India’s F&B space goes beyond meeting demand for premium ingredients but also enriches the culinary experience. The ‘More Than Food’ highlights the story behind each product – rooted in tradition, craftsmanship, and heritage passed down through generations.
Visit More than Food India’s homepage or follow @morethanfoodind on social media to know more.
