Indian Embassy in Brussels hosts 2nd edition of Indian Seafood and Wine Tasting event
In partnership with the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), Delhi, and the Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA), Kochi, the Embassy of India in Brussels organized the second Indian Seafood and Wine Tasting Event on November 20 to showcase India’s best culinary offerings, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry said on Saturday.
Over 120 distinguished guests, including business leaders, trade bodies, importers of marine foods, government trade agencies, and members of the diplomatic community, were treated to a memorable sensory experience as the event celebrated the exquisite pairing of India’s premium seafood with its thriving and expanding wine industry, according to the statement.
In a post on X, the MPEDA said, “The Embassy of India in Brussels, Belgium, and the MPEDA proudly hosted the second edition of the Indian Seafood and Wine Tasting Event on the 20th of November 2024 showcasing the finest seafood delicacies the nation offers to the EU and the rest of the world.”
https://twitter.com/MPEDACOCHIN/status/1859565630896406959?
Saurabh Kumar, India’s ambassador to Belgium, Luxembourg, and the European Union (EU), honored the occasion and emphasized the importance of the event in promoting commerce and cultural connections. Sunil Barthwal, Secretary, Department of Commerce, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, emphasized India’s dynamic trading environment and its expanding collaboration with the European Union, especially in the wine and seafood industries. According to the statement, he welcomed guests to enjoy India’s distinctive flavors, which showcase the commitment, creativity, and legacy of its flourishing food and beverage sector.
https://twitter.com/MPEDACOCHIN/status/1859565634155315423?
More than 120 esteemed guests, including government trade agencies, business leaders, trade bodies, seafood importers, and members of the diplomatic community, were immediately mesmerized by the platter of premium seafood, which included Vannamei Shrimp, Black Tiger Shrimp, Indian Squid, GIFT Tilapia, and Kingfish. A remarkable occasion, a really unforgettable gastronomic encounter—this will open up new avenues for economic and cultural exchange, according to a statement from MPEDA.
The platter of premium seafood ranging from Vannamei Shrimp, Black Tiger Shrimp, Indian Squid, GIFT Tilapia and Kingfish (Surimi) instantly captivated the senses of over 120 distinguished guests, including business leaders, trade bodies, seafood importers, pic.twitter.com/GFxWcPHt4v
— MPEDA (@MPEDACOCHIN) November 21, 2024
In 2023–2024, India’s overall exports was USD 433.09 billion, of which USD 33.24 billion (8 percent) came from agricultural commodities and USD 7.36 billion (22% of agricultural exports) from marine shipments to 132 nations. India’s seafood exports have doubled in value over the last ten years, totaling 17.81 lakh metric tons and valued at USD 7.3 billion.
Vannamei shrimp exports have increased fourfold, solidifying its reputation as a premium seafood product. India’s seafood processing capacity is still growing, and with 500 EU-approved companies, the EU is now India’s second-largest seafood market, with USD 0.95 billion in annual purchases. According to the Ministry’s statement, India also supplies 12% of the EU’s squid imports and is the second-largest supplier of shrimp, with an 8% market share.