UK Food & Drink, backed by the UK Government’s GREAT Food & Drink Campaign, showcased its expanding footprint in India at a Mumbai culinary event. Featuring celebrated chefs, retailers, and buyers, the event highlighted rising demand for premium UK ingredients in India’s evolving food landscape.
The UK Food & Drink sector made a vibrant statement in India this week, as a curated culinary showcase in Mumbai , spotlighted the growing role of British produce in shaping India’s dynamic food culture. Supported by the UK Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), the event was part of the UK Government’s GREAT Food & Drink Campaign, designed to strengthen trade ties and highlight the appeal of trusted international ingredients.
Key highlights from the event:
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Chef Vineet Bhatia, MBE, a globally renowned culinary innovator, presented a UK cheese platter, underscoring the versatility of British dairy in Indian gastronomy.
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The showcase brought together leading chefs, retailers, buyers, and media, creating a platform for collaboration and cultural exchange.
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Harjinder Kang, His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner to South Asia and British Deputy High Commissioner to Western India, emphasized the UK’s commitment to deepening food trade partnerships with India.
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The event reflected rising demand in India for premium, high-quality, and sustainable international produce, particularly in urban markets where consumers are increasingly experimenting with global flavors.
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The curated menu highlighted UK meats, cheeses, beverages, and artisanal products, demonstrating how these ingredients can be seamlessly integrated into India’s diverse culinary traditions.
Industry observers note that India’s food and beverage sector is projected to grow at 11% annually, driven by urbanization, rising incomes, and evolving consumer preferences. Against this backdrop, UK producers are positioning themselves as reliable suppliers of quality, safety, and innovation. The Mumbai showcase not only celebrated culinary artistry but also reinforced the UK’s ambition to expand its footprint in India’s booming food economy.
The event also highlighted the strategic role of cultural diplomacy, with food serving as a bridge between nations. By spotlighting UK products in India’s culinary capital, the campaign aims to foster long-term partnerships that benefit both producers and consumers.
As India’s appetite for international flavors grows, the UK’s presence in the market signals a promising chapter in bilateral trade and cultural exchange.
Sources: PRNewswire, DEFRA UK, The Malaysian Reserve, ANI Press Release