France’s position on the Indian food and beverage market
France is a leading economic partner for India, the country which knows a 8,5 % growth rate for four years and where salaries increase by 8,2 % in 2009, that is the highest rate of entire Asia Pacific. The middle class is coming up, in a nation where the demand for products, equipments and know-how is important. The Indian market thus presents considerable perspectives to which the French companies are ready to answer it. Diversity, quality, flavour and innovation are the principal attributes that the French food and drink offer. Together they guarantee that there is a French product to correspond to every taste, price and occasion, ensuring vast global appeal.
India - A big Importer
In January 2008, India became the 16th largest importer of the world. But because of the exponential increase of the cost of raw materials and the crisis, the imports have declined sharply. However the food industry remains one of the least affected and promises bright prospects for the future. In December 2008, the growth for this sector was 28%!
France is the 15th largest supplier and the 5th European business partner of India (2.05 % of the exports to India). The French farm and food imports amounted to 43,6 million euros in 2008.
A very promising agro-food market
Every year, India has to feed 18 billion supplementary people. Numerous factors contribute to the development of the agro-food market such as the increase of the purchasing power of the households, the emergence of the middle class (300 million people), urbanization, change of food customs and the increase of the feminine working population. Confectionary, milk and dairy products (market estimated at 26 billions €), ready-to-eat dishes (92.5 million €), alcoholic beverages (18.5 billion €)... certain fields of the agro-food sector are very promising.
France - An indispensable partner for the future Indian agro-food industry
France is a society famous for its food culture and exercises a big influence in the world. It is one of the biggest producers of wine, cheese and the other gourmet food in the world. It occupies a leading position in the Indian market of wine imports, with 40.5 % of the market share. And in the sectors rapidly expanding, such as the delicatessen or the dairy products (cheeses), France is very favourably placed to establish its presence.
During his state visit to India, the French President and the Indian Prime Minister fixed the objective to achieve 12 billion euros of trade between France and India by 2012 and to develop the investments in a significant way. The SMEs as well as big French companies already turn towards India in increasing numbers.
Abundant flavours
The diversity of soils, climates and human know-how impart great richness upon our food heritage, resulting in distinctive authenticity. This diversity generates an abundance of flavours, allowing for compatibility with a wide range of culinary cultures from around the world.
Tradition of quality
Respecting the traditions, soils and geographic origins is a constant focus for French food and drink producers and their governing bodies. The many official classifications of quality (such as PDO, PGI and Organic) guarantee not only the origin of the product but also its production methods. This approach is very much in line with current food and drink trends.
Rigorous food safety standards
The high safety standards of food and drink products in France are the result of a collective and concerted effort by all the relevant professionals and authorities to put in place suitable production methods that respect health and hygiene standards, supported by ongoing monitoring and control.
Environmental protection
The food and drink sectors are particularly motivated regarding issues of environmental protection. Large and medium sized businesses are increasing their environmental awareness with investments in this area becoming more and more substantial.
Appreciated by consumers at home and abroad, these numerous attributes explain our export success: France is the third largest exporter of food and drink products, with around 50 billion euros of products exported in 2008.
Sources : Times of India, diplomatie.gouv.fr, French Economic Mission to India