India promotes its premium seafood and wine exports at the 2nd tasting event in Brussels, strengthening ties with the EU market.
Highlighting its growing export capabilities, India hosted the 2nd Indian Seafood and Wine Tasting Event in Brussels on November 20, 2024. Organised by the Embassy of India in collaboration with the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) and the Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA), the event showcased India’s finest seafood and wines to an audience of over 120 distinguished guests, including importers, trade bodies, government officials, and diplomats.
Ambassador of India to Belgium, Luxembourg, and the European Union (EU), Saurabh Kumar, and Secretary, Department of Commerce, Sunil Barthwal, led the event, emphasising India’s focus on strengthening trade partnerships. Barthwal highlighted India’s dynamic trade performance and invited attendees to experience the quality and innovation driving India’s seafood and wine exports.
India’s seafood exports have witnessed remarkable growth, doubling in value over the past decade to reach USD 7.3 billion in 2023-24, accounting for 22% of the country’s agricultural exports. India exported 17.81 lakh metric tonnes of seafood to 132 countries, with Vannamei shrimp emerging as a star product, thanks to its superior quality and growing global demand.
The EU is a critical market for India, importing USD 0.95 billion worth of seafood annually. With 500 EU-approved processing firms, India is the second-largest seafood supplier to the EU and a leading exporter of shrimp and squid. These exports contribute significantly to India’s total agricultural export value of USD 33.24 billion in 2023-24.
The event’s carefully curated menu featured premium seafood varieties, including Vannamei shrimp, Black Tiger shrimp, Kingfish (Surmai), Tilapia, and Squid, paired with wines from India’s expanding vineyards. This highlighted India’s dual strengths in both marine exports and wine production.
India’s wine industry, represented by over 24 brands, has gained global recognition, blending traditional techniques with modern innovation. Popular reds like Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz, whites like Chenin Blanc and Sauvignon Blanc, and sparkling wines showcased India’s expanding presence in the global wine market.
By hosting such events, India is actively promoting its agricultural and processed food exports, leveraging its reputation for quality, innovation, and sustainability. The Brussels event not only celebrated India’s culinary excellence but also reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening trade ties with the EU, a key partner in its export growth journey.
