EU Dairy Showcase Targets India's Growing Cheese Market

EU Named Official Partner Region for Anuga Select India 2026, to Feature Dedicated Dairy and Cheese Pavilion 

MUMBAI, India — August 17, 2026 — The European Union has been confirmed as the Official Partner Region of Anuga Select India 2026, with the European Commission set to host a dedicated EU Pavilion featuring dairy products and cheeses at the Bombay Exhibition Centre in Mumbai from September 29 to October 1. The announcement marks a significant push by European dairy exporters to deepen trade ties with India's rapidly expanding cheese market, which was valued at USD 84.26 billion globally in 2022 and is projected to reach USD 123.37 billion by 2030, registering a CAGR of 4.6%, according to Next Move Strategy Consulting. 

The EU Pavilion will spotlight the quality, safety, traceability, and sustainability credentials of European agri-food products, with dairy and cheese forming a central component of the exhibition. The programme will include product tastings, cooking demonstrations, expert-led sessions, and structured business meetings designed to connect European suppliers with Indian importers, distributors, retailers, and HoReCa professionals. 

The event is expected to draw more than 400 exhibitors from over 45 countries, spanning a total exhibition area exceeding 13,500 square metres. National pavilions from Saudi Arabia, Thailand, the Philippines, South Korea, China, Türkiye, Spain, Indonesia, Brazil, Italy, Germany, and Georgia are also confirmed to participate, underscoring the scale of international interest in India's food and beverage sector. 

For European dairy companies, the Anuga Select India platform presents a strategic opportunity to promote cheeses, specialised dairy ingredients, and value-added products. India's expanding modern retail infrastructure and growing consumer appetite for imported food products have made it an increasingly attractive destination for global dairy exporters. 

Key Highlights: 

• The European Commission will host an EU Pavilion at Anuga Select India 2026, with dairy products and cheeses as a featured category. 

• The event runs September 29 – October 1, 2026, at the Bombay Exhibition Centre, Mumbai, with 400+ exhibitors from 45+ countries. 

• The EU Pavilion programme includes tastings, cooking demonstrations, expert-led events, and structured B2B business meetings targeting Indian importers, distributors, and retail professionals. 

• The global cheese market is projected to grow from USD 84.26 billion (2022) to USD 123.37 billion by 2030, at a CAGR of 4.6%, per Next Move Strategy Consulting.  

Analyst Insight: 

According to analysts at Next Move Strategy Consulting, the EU's strategic positioning as Official Partner Region at Anuga Select India 2026 reflects a broader trend of European dairy exporters seeking to diversify into high-growth emerging markets. NMSC analysts note that India's expanding modern retail infrastructure and rising middle-class demand for premium and imported dairy products are creating a compelling growth corridor for European cheese and dairy ingredient manufacturers — particularly as global cheese trade volumes have surged significantly in recent years, driven by fast-food adoption, artisan product demand, and the proliferation of e-commerce food channels. 

Industry Outlook: 

The EU's participation in Anuga Select India 2026 signals a deliberate effort by European dairy producers to capture a share of India's growing appetite for imported dairy and cheese products. As the global cheese market continues its upward trajectory — driven by rising demand from the food service sector, evolving consumer preferences, and the expansion of modern retail — European producers are well-positioned to leverage India's demographic scale and purchasing power growth. The trade connections forged at the Mumbai event are expected to influence European dairy export strategies toward South Asia in the years ahead, with India increasingly viewed as a priority market for value-added cheese and dairy ingredient categories. 

Source: Dairy News Today 

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Prepared By: Sanyukta Deb