Kalala Organic Estate Winery is aiming to grow its distribution to India, and a recent trip to one of the country’s largest food and beverage trade shows has likely helped the cause.
Karnail Singh Sidhu, proprietor, managing director and viticulturist at Kalala Organic Estate Winery, returned from his trip to Mumbai this week, where he attended the Annapoorna – World of Food India trade show from Sept. 23 to 25.
Kalala began shipping its products to Bangalore in January, but Sidhu is hopeful to have wines and ice wines sent to Mumbai and Delhi as well.
“It’s a growing market,” said Sidhu.
“Thirty-nine per cent of the wine market of India (is) in Mumbai.”
Sidhu added India has one of the youngest populations in the world, and wine has become the drink of choice over beer and hard liquor in recent years.
Kalala wines haven’t exactly been flying off the shelf in Bangalore, but Sidhu believes the product will continually increase sales as brand recognition increases.
“It’s a slow (process), but it’s selling; it’s a new brand and a new market.”
The West Kelowna winery was one of 12 B.C. food and beverage producers to make the trip, which was organized by B.C.’s Ministry of International Trade.
“The B.C. government continues to work hard to build new markets in Asia, and India represents a huge opportunity for B.C. food producers to increase their sales,” said Minister of Agriculture Pat Pimm in a statement.
“Families around the world choose B.C. products for their reputation as high-quality food (and beverages) that can be served with confidence.”
The trade show brought together approximately 8,000 delegates and over 250 exhibitors, including importers, distributors, supermarket chains, hotels, restaurants and buyers.
“It was beneficial and really successful,” said Sidhu.
wpaterson@kelownacapnews.com
Twitter: @PatersonWade
