The Indo-French Chamber of Commerce & Industry organised an Indian wine delegation to France from the 12th to the 19th of November 2006, in association with the Chambers of Commerce & Industry of Reims and Libourne.
The cities covered were Reims in the Champagne region and Libourne in Bordeaux – the two major seats of wine production in France. This was the first of its kind of trade mission, the objective being to create a platform for interaction between existing and new Indian importers of wines and French growers and exporters for possible tie-ups for marketing of French wines in India.
Ms Piya Bajwa, Regional Director of the Indo-French Chamber of Commerce & Industry – Northern Region Council managed the Indian delegation. It consisted of 8 importers and was lead by Mr Abhay Kewadkar, CEO - Wine Division of the UB Group. The other members included:
- Mr Sanjiv Arora
- Mr Ajay Gopal
- Mr Harminder Singh
- Dr Rajinder Singh
- Mr Rajbir Singh (represented by Mr Somdutt and Mr Tilakraj)
- Mr Soni
- Mr Aslam
Mr Jean-Pierre Bonnat, Joint-Secretary General of the Indo-French Chamber of Commerce & Industry based in Paris, co-ordinated with the Chambers of Reims and Libourne to arrange the one-on-one business meetings between the Indian and French companies in the two cities. In all 25 French companies, consisting of wine growers, exporters and technology suppliers, participated in Reims and 35 in Libourne.
Elaborate wine dinners were also hosted for the Indian delegation by some of the most prestigious vineyards and chateaux in France - Champagne Louis de Sacy, Champagne Clicquot, Chateau Angelus, Chateau La Louviere and Chateau Bellefont Belcier. This was an excellent opportunity for the Indian delegates to experience the art of French wine & fine dining.
