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(a) the foreign countries where Indian vegetarian foods are becoming popular;
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(b) whether the Government propose to find out the names of Indian vegetarian foods gaining popularity, country-wise;
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(c) whether such study will boost export of Indian vegetarian foods; and
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(d) if so, the details thereof and the steps proposed to be taken in this regard?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY ( SHRI DIGVIJAY SINGH )
(a) : The countries in which Indian vegetarian foods is becoming popular include UK, USA, Germany, Canada, Middle East and the Far-East.
(b) : The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) has conducted a study to assess the market potential of Indian food items in selected countries namely, Bulgaria, Cze-Republic, France, Germany, The Netherlands, Poland, Russia, Spain, UK and USA. The vegetarian food items which are popular in these countries include savories, sweet candies, fresh sweets, fresh light meals, instant ethnic snack mixes, ready to cook food items and curries.
( c) & ( d) : The study report indicates the acceptance of Indian food items in various countries. In that regard, the Government has taken the following steps to promote Indian food items including vegetarian food items abroad :
i) APEDA has been participating and encouraging participation of exporters in major international specialised food trade fairs including Ethnic Foods Trade Fair held annually in Birmingham, UK.
ii) APEDA has been providing assistance to exporters of Indian food products which include assistance for sending samples abroad, bringing out brochures/advertisement, film, etc., release of advertisement in foreign magazines/ publications for greater awareness, development of suitable packaging standards, establishment of ISO or HACCP quality systems and training to the personnel through HRD.
iii) In the budget for 2001-02, food preparations based on fruits and vegetables have been completely exempted from excise duty.