Romania and Bulgaria eye a share in the Indian wine market

India’s wine consumption is about seven ml per person per annum according to official figures from the Karnataka State Beverage Corporation. However, internationally, wine producers are striving to get a share of this nascent market. While India has seen wineries from France, Italy, Spain, Australia, Chile, New Zealand and California flooding the market with their products, new entrants in the market include Romania and Bulgaria. The recent India International Wine Fair (IIWF) 2009 conducted in Mumbai saw wine players from two countries planning to include India in their portfolio of export markets.

Speaking exclusively with Hospitality Biz, Casandu Paparoiu, Consul and Trade Commissioner, Consulate General of Romania and Trade Commission states, “Romania has produced wine for years. However, it is the first time that a Romanian company is targeting the Indian market for exports.” With an aim to promote trade between the two nations, the Consulate General was representing wines produced by Halewood Estates in India. Romania exports a significant number of its wines to India, in addition to several other regions in south east Asia.