A Taste of Europe: The EU's Historic Debut at Anuga Select India 2026
India's food scene is getting ready for a massive European showcase. From 29 September to 1 October 2026, the European Union is stepping up as the Official Partner Region for Anuga Select India 2026 at Mumbai's Bombay Exhibition Centre. This is actually the first time the EU has taken on such a major role at a food trade fair in India.
It is a big deal for Indian buyers, retailers, and hospitality workers who want to explore Europe's farming heritage and find new business opportunities.
Growing EU-India Trade
This event comes at a perfect time for international business. Right now, the European Union is India’s biggest trading partner when you look at both goods and services, with total trade sitting above EUR 100 billion. When it comes to food and farming, European exports to India hit EUR 1.3 billion in 2024. With India's population at 1.45 billion, there is plenty of room for that number to grow.
At the same time, leaders from the European Commission and the Government of India’s Ministry of Commerce and Industry are working hard on a Free Trade Agreement. Dr Ewa Suwara, the Chargé d'Affaires of the European Union to India, pointed out that as these talks move forward, Indian shoppers and businesses will get easier, more affordable access to top-tier European goods.
Authentic European Flavours
The main attraction at the event will be the European Union Pavilion, running under the 'More than Food India' campaign. The setup features over 250 carefully chosen products from all 27 Member States.
The goal is to give India's food industry a real taste of what European farming has to offer. Visitors can walk through and check out premium dairy items, real olive oils, fresh fruits and vegetables, and a wide variety of European beverages.
Protecting Food Origins
A big part of the European display is about teaching people about sustainable farming and Geographical Indications. If you aren't familiar with it, a Geographical Indication is a strict legal label that protects specific foods deeply tied to the exact place they come from.
This label means the traditional skills, local ingredients, and specific weather that make a European product special cannot just be copied somewhere else. The EU and the Indian government are currently hashing out a specific agreement just for these Geographical Indications. Because of this, the pavilion is setting out to show Indian retailers and importers exactly why these protected, authentic foods are so valuable.
Live Cooking and Tastings
The EU Pavilion is not just about looking at products on a shelf; it is built to be interactive. Throughout the three days, there will be ongoing tastings so local chefs and distributors can really get to know European ingredients.
To help blend these European ingredients with Indian tastes, the event will feature live cooking shows. Well-known culinary experts like Chef Ajay Chopra and Chef Guntas Sethi will lead these sessions. They will show off practical ways to cook and pair European foods while highlighting the strict safety rules that guide European farming from the farm right to the table.
Getting Access to the Event
The whole thing kicks off officially at 12:00 on Tuesday, 29 September, right at the EU Pavilion in Hall 6. Petros Sourmelis, the Minister Counsellor and Head of the Trade and Economic Affairs Section at the Delegation of the European Union to India, will host the opening.
After he speaks, there is a live cooking demo focusing on premium ingredients and the safety standards that make them reliable worldwide. If you work in the industry and want to attend, be sure to get your general pass for the Anuga Select India exhibition.
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