Italy meets India in a toast to fine wines

The Italy Meets India Wine Tasting Session at Madhu Mandapam, AAHAR 2025, brought together connoisseurs, industry leaders, and trade experts to celebrate the flourishing Indo-Italian partnership in the food and beverage sector. Jointly organised by the Indo-Italian Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Forum of Indian Food Importers (FIFI), the session provided a unique platform to explore business opportunities, cultural connections, and the rising demand for Italian wines in India.

Amit Lohani, Founder-Director of FIFI, highlighted the enduring trade relationship between the two nations. “Italy has one of the longest trade partnerships with India. Indians cannot survive without Italian cheeses. And now, Italian wines and Italian food are among the most popular in India. A lot of our members are importing these products. We are importing about $7 billion worth of food products in the country and this number is growing year after year.”

The session featured an exquisite selection of premium Italian wines, expertly paired with discussions on market trends, regulatory challenges, and the evolving tastes of Indian consumers. Among the showcased labels was Fishing Cat Wine, an elegant offering from the Abruzzo region of Italy, often called the green lung of Europe due to its rich biodiversity. Rolly Sharma, Director of High Spirits Exim Pvt. Ltd., one of India's leading importers of Italian wine, elaborated on its significance.

“The name Fishing Cat is the union of the symbolic and cultural significance of two creatures, the fish and the cat. The fish is a symbol of prosperity, health and happiness. The cat is revered across various cultures as a symbol of good luck, prosperity, health, love and intuition,” Sharma explained. “I’m very proud to say that Fishing Cat has been very well accepted across all of North India and has been the highest-selling wine in Delhi for the last two years. The region’s unique combination of mountainous terrain, hilly landscapes, and ideal climate provides optimal conditions for high-quality wine production.”

However, the event also acknowledged the challenges of the Indian alcohol market, where state-wise tax structures and registration regulations create hurdles for importers. “Doing business in this industry is no piece of cake, especially in India,” Sharma remarked. “Yet, the work must go on. Fishing Cat is our humble contribution to perpetuating a culture of quality and class, even in the face of an ever-challenging system. We are committed to bringing our customer the absolute best and pricing it right.”

As part of Madhu Mandapam’s curated experiences, the Italy Meets India Wine Tasting Session underscored the growing demand for premium global wines in India and the deepening trade relations between Italian producers and Indian importers. With India’s wine industry on an upward trajectory, events like these pave the way for greater collaborations and a richer appreciation of fine wines across the country.