NEW DELHI – An event to introduce Japanese alcoholic beverages such as sake rice wine and shōchū distilled spirits to Indian distributors and hotel officials was held Wednesday at the Japanese Embassy in New Delhi.
Nine Japanese breweries participated in the annual event, the third of its kind, hoping to further broaden the consumption of Japanese alcoholic drinks in the South Asian country.
“Wine consumption is high in India, so I feel the potential for sake to become popular,” said Takenosuke Yasufuku, the 46-year-old president of Kobe Shu-Shin-Kan Breweries Ltd. in Hyogo Prefecture.
“Speaking to about 10 Indian companies gave me confidence,” said Yasufuku, who attended the event for the first time.
Other companies participating included Gassan Sake Brewery Co., based in Sagae, Yamagata Prefecture, and Ninki Inc., based in Nihonmatsu, Fukushima Prefecture.
After listening keenly to explanations by Japanese sake brewers, a senior official at a luxury hotel chain in India said many sake products offered by the companies could complement spicy Indian foods. The official also said that sparkling sake was especially interesting.
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