Cake supplier The English Cheesecake Company has taken part in a trade mission showcasing export opportunities in India.

The London-based business was among 12 UK food and drink manufacturers that visited the country last month. They are looking to export to the Indian market, which is forecast to be worth £500bn by 2020.

The 12 firms visited the India Food Forum in Mumbai, one of the country’s largest trade shows, where the companies showcased their products on the Department for International Trade (DIT) stand. In addition, more than 100 buyer meetings were arranged, and a networking event held at the British Deputy High Commission.

The trade mission was organised by Santander UK, in conjunction with the Food & Drink Federation (FDF) and the DIT.

“The Indian food and drink sector is at the start of a significant period of growth and Santander, along with stakeholders such as the FDF and the UK government, see incredible opportunities for UK food and drink firms,” said Santander head of food and drink Andrew Williams.

“We are confident the 12 firms that attended the trade mission will benefit from this growth. India is one of world’s fastest-growing markets, with 1.3 billion consumers and improving disposable income levels, increasing numbers of middle-class consumers and demand for high-quality food products from the UK.”

In addition to The English Cheesecake Company, firms that attended the trip included Amber Glen Scotch Whisky Co, Delamere Dairy, Provenance Brands, Greene King, Iceland Foods and St James Smokehouse (Scotland).

“There is no substitute for meeting new business contacts face to face, as evidenced by this latest trade mission. India is at the cusp of a revolution in food consumption and processing, and the Indian government is investing heavily in the sector and infrastructure to support a fast-growth market,” said FDF director general Ian Wright.

Earlier this month, Australia was flagged up as a potential growth market for UK exports.