Mumbai

The United Kingdom’s food and beverage sector highlighted its expanding footprint in India at an exclusive culinary showcase held in Mumbai this week, reflecting the growing appetite among Indian consumers and businesses for premium international produce.

Supported by the UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, the event was organised under the UK Government’s GREAT Food & Drink Campaign and brought together leading chefs, retail executives, buyers, distributors and members of the media. The curated experience underscored how British ingredients are finding increasing relevance in India’s fast-evolving food and hospitality ecosystem.

India has emerged as one of the world’s most dynamic markets for food and drink, driven by shifting consumer preferences, the rapid rise of premium retail formats and higher standards across restaurants, hotels and food services. These trends have fuelled demand for products that offer assured quality, traceable sourcing and dependable performance — attributes that UK producers are well placed to deliver.

The Mumbai showcase demonstrated how British ingredients can be seamlessly incorporated into Indian cuisine without diluting its essence. Michelin-starred chef Vineet Bhatia, MBE, curated a special menu that showcased the adaptability of UK produce across contemporary Indian dishes. Guests were taken on a culinary journey representing the four nations of the United Kingdom, featuring elements such as English cheeses, Scottish salmon, Northern Irish spirits and Welsh sea salt.

“UK ingredients give chefs a high level of confidence,” Chef Vineet Bhatia said. “Their consistency and transparent sourcing allow us to concentrate on flavour, creativity and technique. They work naturally with Indian cooking and enhance the final dish while preserving its authenticity.”

The event attracted senior decision-makers from modern retail, hospitality and food distribution, reflecting a growing convergence between consumer interest and trade demand for British food and drink products in India.

Celebrated chef Sanjeev Kapoor also lauded the experience, noting that the menu struck a fine balance. “The dishes were unmistakably Indian, yet there was a noticeable refinement,” he said. “The ingredients added elegance and balance, enriching the presentation and taste without altering the soul of the cuisine.”

Addressing the gathering, Harjinder Kang, His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner to South Asia and British Deputy High Commissioner to Western India, said the UK’s strength lies in combining high-quality produce with innovation and advanced technology. He noted that India’s hospitality and food sectors are evolving rapidly, with rising expectations for quality and consistency.

“With the Free Trade Agreement now signed between the UK and India, British producers are well positioned to meet this growing demand,” Kang said. “Recent reports indicate that UK food and drink exports to India rose by over 11 per cent in the first half of 2025. We are committed to fostering long-term partnerships and supporting UK businesses as they expand in this vibrant market.”

UK food and beverage products are already widely available across major Indian modern retail and gourmet platforms such as Reliance Retail, Nature’s Basket, Food Square and Food Stories. Their expanding presence across categories — from everyday groceries and snacks to desserts and beverages — reflects increasing trust among Indian consumers and buyers in British brands.

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The GREAT Food & Drink Campaign plans to further strengthen engagement in India through continued chef collaborations, retail activations and trade-focused initiatives aimed at sustaining export growth and deepening bilateral partnerships. The Mumbai event was organised by Dreamscape Media.