“The American Food Story”

KOLKATA: Recently, the Indo Chamber of commerce (IACC)- East India Council with support from the U.S. Embassy New Delhi’s U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), and U.S. Consulate General Kolkata, organized an event dubbed “The American Food Story” at the Hyatt Regency, Kolkata. In the spirit of celebrating 75 years of U.S.-India bilateral relations, U.S. foods and ingredients were displayed through a menu curated by renowned Chef Mr. Shaun Kenworthy. The event generated enthusiasm and demand for top-quality U.S. food and ingredients in the Kolkata, the City of Joy!

The United States and India are bound together by an expanding web of cultural ties, especially in food. In recent years, American foods have become extremely popular among young Indians due to increased exposure to American culture, traditions, and cuisines. The fast-food trend in India has caught attention—whether it’s a juicy patty between fresh buns,or crispy French Fries. However, there’s more to American food—like delicious California almonds, walnuts, pistachios,or American cranberries, blueberries,or juicy Washington apples and pears,northwest cherries. Of course, certainly not the least, spectacular American duck and turkey! Within the context of 75 years of U.S.-India relations, the successful “New American Food Trail” event at Hyatt Regency Kolkata showed the greater appreciation of both India and U.S. cultures and highlighted the importance of food in blending of American and Indian cuisines.

Mr. Mariano Beillard, U.S. Embassy’s Senior Regional Agricultural Attaché said: “Without question, U.S. food and agriculture products are renowned for their high-quality, amazing taste, and high-nutritional values. “All the U.S. products showcased—from the fresh fruits to the tree nuts and from the duck to turkey, are all renowned for their high-quality and versatility.”

Minister Counsellor for Agricultural Affairs, Mr. Ron Verdonk, an enthusiastic supporter of “food diplomacy,” said, “I can’t think of a more innovative way to help shoppers across India experience U.S. premium foods than through this campaign. These foods are an integral part of America’s rich traditions and history, and, as this campaign demonstrates, they are readily available at every Nature’s Basket store. The initiative has been a real success for us, and we thank Nature’s Basket for organizing it and handling it so smoothly”.