The Hindu : New Delhi News : 100 exhibitors for food and wine show

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Monday, Jan 09, 2006

New Delhi

New Delhi

100 exhibitors for food and wine show

Madhur Tankha

NEW DELHI: The fourth edition of India International Food and Wine Show (IFOWS 2006) opens at Taj Palace Hotel and Convention Centre here on January 19.

Organised by the Lotus Exhibitions and Marketing Services, the three-day show will see the participation of more than 100 exhibitors from 12 countries.

As India is diversifying in specialised food and imported beverages, some of the world's finest wine and food manufacturers from Italy, France, Ireland and South Africa will showcase their products.

"At the IFOWS about 25 chefs will give live culinary demonstrations and many food producing companies will also be exhibiting their products. Then there will be pairing of wines with food. We are keen to break the myth that Indian food cannot be enjoyed along with wine. We do not want wine to be available only to a niche segment of the market but our aim is to make wine a mass drink," said Chief Executive of IFOWS Rajiv Malhotra at a press conference here this past week.

As French cuisine and wine has popularised the art of fine dining in the country, 28 wine and food companies from that country will be exhibiting their stuff at the event.

"We will showcase edible oil, olives and spices and also wines from all regions," said Commercial Attache in French Embassy Pascale Fleury.

The high point of the show will be that Ireland for the first time in India will showcase many of its fabled spirits like Guinness, Jameson Irish Whiskey, Bushmills and Baileys Irish Cream Liqueur.

That Ireland is attaching special importance to the event can be judged from the fact that its Prime Minister Bertie Ahern will be inaugurating the Irish pavilion.

To keep the visitors taste buds ticking, chefs from leading hotels and restaurants will prepare a wide assortment of dishes using wine as one of the main ingredients to enhance the quality, flavour and taste of the dishes.

A distinguished panel of judges including leading Indian and European chefs and food critics will judge participating entries.

Considering the great interest Indians have for Italian wines, a series of wine tasting and workshops will be organised under the Vinitaly India programme.

Over 50 Italian brands including 18 of the country's finest wine producers will display their beverages.

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