Mumbai, India : The United Kingdom’s food and beverage sector highlighted its expanding footprint in India through an exclusive culinary showcase in Mumbai this week. The event, organised under the UK Government’s GREAT Food & Drink Campaign with support from the UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, attracted leading chefs, retailers, buyers, distributors, and media representatives.
The showcase highlighted the increasing relevance of British ingredients in India’s rapidly evolving food and hospitality landscape. Shifts in consumer preferences, the rise of premium retail formats, and higher standards in restaurants and hotels are driving demand for high-quality, traceable, and reliable products — areas where UK producers excel.
Culinary Fusion Across the UK and India
Renowned Michelin-starred chef Vineet Bhatia, MBE, curated a special menu demonstrating how British ingredients can seamlessly enhance Indian cuisine. Guests experienced dishes featuring English cheeses, Scottish salmon, Northern Irish spirits, and Welsh sea salt, illustrating the versatility and adaptability of UK produce without compromising the authenticity of Indian flavors.
“UK ingredients give chefs confidence through their consistency and transparency, allowing us to focus on flavor and creativity,” said Chef Bhatia. Celebrated chef Sanjeev Kapoor also praised the menu for maintaining the soul of Indian cuisine while adding refinement and balance through British ingredients.
Trade and Market Opportunities
The event drew senior representatives from India’s modern retail, hospitality, and food distribution sectors, highlighting a growing synergy between consumer interest and trade demand for British food and drink products.
Speaking at the event, Harjinder Kang, His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner to South Asia and British Deputy High Commissioner to Western India, emphasized the UK’s competitive edge in quality, innovation, and technology. He highlighted that India’s hospitality and food sectors are witnessing rapid growth, with increasing expectations for consistency and excellence.
“With the UK-India Free Trade Agreement now in place, British producers are well-positioned to meet this demand,” Kang said. “UK food and drink exports to India have already risen over 11% in the first half of 2025, and we remain committed to fostering long-term partnerships in this vibrant market.”
Expanding Presence Across India
UK products are already available in India through major modern retail and gourmet platforms including Reliance Retail, Nature’s Basket, Food Square, and Food Stories. From everyday groceries and snacks to premium desserts and beverages, British brands are gaining growing trust among Indian consumers.
The GREAT Food & Drink Campaign plans to further expand engagement in India via chef collaborations, retail activations, and trade-focused initiatives to sustain export growth and strengthen bilateral partnerships. The Mumbai showcase was organized by Dreamscape Media.