Italy is focused on expanding its premium wine presence in India despite stalled FTA negotiations with the EU regarding tariffs. The inaugural Vinitaly roadshow in New Delhi showcased luxury wines from renowned regions, aiming for collaboration with Indian distributors. Ambassador Antonio Bartoli emphasized wine’s cultural significance, while Vinitaly plans to enhance awareness and introduce olive oils, aligning with potential trade agreements.
Italy is making significant efforts to establish its premium wines in the Indian market, with wine tariffs proving to be a major issue in the negotiations for the India-European Union (EU) Free Trade Agreement (FTA). The recent Vinitaly wine roadshow in New Delhi, which marked its debut in India, showcased luxury wines from various prestigious Italian regions including Apulia, Tuscany, and Veneto, and aimed to cultivate partnerships within India’s emerging wine import ecosystem.
The event represents a strategic initiative to promote Italian wine culture and build relationships between Italian producers and Indian distributors and consumers. With India’s premium wine market on the rise, Vinitaly aims to leverage this potential, particularly focusing on upscale hospitality and tourism sectors within the country.
Trade relations between India and the EU have experienced a robust growth of approximately 90% over the last decade; however, the FTA discussions have faced setbacks due to conflicting interests, especially regarding tariffs on cars, wine, and agricultural products. Recent resumption of negotiations in Brussels, prompted by high-level discussions between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and EU President Ursula von der Leyen, aims to push these talks towards conclusion by the end of the year.
Ambassador of Italy to India, Antonio Bartoli, emphasized wine’s significance as an integral aspect of Italian culture, stating that it embodies values such as conviviality and quality, which resonate with shared cultural traits in India. Vinitaly’s commitment extends beyond market penetration; it also seeks to enhance the understanding and appreciation of Italian wines through advanced training and masterclasses for both industry professionals and enthusiasts.
Additionally, Vinitaly plans to showcase Italy’s premium food products along with wines, recognizing the escalating demand for high-quality extra virgin olive oil in India. This multifaceted approach not only aligns with ongoing discussions about a prospective EU-India trade agreement but also aims to enhance accessibility and opportunities for Italian wines and food products in the Indian market.
Italy’s proactive approach to infiltrating the Indian wine market highlights its commitment to expanding its cultural presence abroad. The Vinitaly roadshow serves as a pivotal step towards enhancing visibility and appreciation for Italian wines in India, aligning perfectly with the broader economic conversations surrounding the EU-India trade agreement. As dialogues continue, the culmination of these efforts may significantly benefit both Italian producers and Indian consumers alike.
Original Source: indianexpress.com
