VA: PRODUCERS TO INTRODUCE PRODUCTS TO THE GROWING INDIAN MARKET
News Date July 22, 2009
India is the world’s fifth largest economy, with a population of over one billion people. Food consumption is growing 4.1% annually and is expected to reach $344 billion by 2025. Food, non-alcoholic beverages, and wine imports to India are growing nearly 25 percent yearly. To help Virginia farmers and producers take advantage of this burgeoning market, the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) offers them the opportunity to introduce their products to India through a partnership with the Southern United States Trade Association (SUSTA).
In December, they will exhibit at the International Food and Drink Expo in New Delhi where they will have a presence in the SUSTA pavilion and the opportunity to meet with key buyers. SUSTA will ship up to 50 pounds of product samples to the show at no cost to the producer, and a chef will prepare product samples at the show. Following the food show, producers will participate in a Trade Mission to Mumbai.
“Food and grocery retailing accounts for 62 percent of India’s total retail market,” said Keith Long, Director of VDACS’ Office of International Marketing, “and that segment of the market will be worth $150 billion by 2025. India is a fast growing market with many opportunities, but it can also be a challenging market to enter. For more information about this event, contact Keith Long at: 804.371.8990 or e-mail at: keith.long@vdacs.virginia.gov. For information on additional domestic and international trade events, go to the VDACS Web site. (Contact: Elaine J. Lidholm at: 804/786-7686)