India International Wine Fair & Gourmet Show 2009 opens(2)

Speaking on "Geographical Indications and concept of origin," Rajiv Singhal, ambassador, Champagne in India, CIVC (Comité interprofessionnel du vin de Champagne), said, "Geographical Indications (GI) certification is a Europe-based universally applicable law which indicates that the product is produced, processed and packed in a specific area. GI certifications help brand building and boost USP (unique selling point) of the product."

Concurrently, the first edition of India International Wine Fir & Gourmet Show 2009 (IIWF) was also inaugurated at Grand Hyatt. The three-day event attracted about 150 exhibitors from about 15 countries and over 500 foreign and 200 national visitors on day one. "The IIWF 2009 exhibition is a platform to showcase high-class and qualitative wine and alcohol products in India. At present, the Indian wine market is in its nascent stage and we are looking to tie-up with few domestic importers or manufacturers to foray into the market. We are also to introduce our premium wines by the end of this year or 2010," Claudio Ammirato, an Italy-based wine manufacturer, told Food & Beverage News.

David Wrigley, director for international development, Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET), said, "The IIWF 2009 has an exclusive platform to showcase various state-of-the-art international products. With the growing Indian food & beverage industry, increasing health awareness and quality measures among the consumers and manufacturers, wine and spirits education and qualifications become vital. At WSET, we promote, provide and develop high quality education in wines and spirits for traders and consumers. We also design courses, produce teaching and learning materials and operate through a network of Approved Programme Providers (APPs) around the world." WSET is one of the leading wine and spirits schools in the world with about 350 APP in over 47 countries.

The 2nd edition of International Wine Fair & Gourmet Show will take place on January 21-23, 2010, under the banner "India International Spirits Show."