Fireworks lit up the sky and the floodlit Qutab Minar was for a moment transformed into the Eiffel Tower as "Aperitif a la francaise" brought alive a Parisian marketplace in the lee of the towering 12th century monument here.

"It's all about lifestyle and socialising. Eat a little, drink a little, sample the best we have to offer. It's a global celebration of simplicity and fun," said French Ambassador Dominique Girard of the food and wine presentation here Thursday night.

"We want to dispel the notion that French food and drink is elitist and not suitable for everyday eating," Girard maintained.

There was a mind-boggling array of wines, champagnes and aperitifs to choose from - Hugel, Michel Laroche, Georges Dubeouf, Castell, Baron Philippe de Rothschild, Mouton Cadet, Louis Jadot and Ricard, to name just a few.

Then, there was an array of cheeses and dairy products that included Brie, Camembert, fresh goat cheese and Rondele. Borde mushrooms, and a range of fresh French vegetables like petite pois, cauliflower, broccoli and beans completed the spread.

Non-drinkers too had a lot to savour with a variety of mocktails and freshly brewed French coffee.

"Let me tell you how important India is for us. Last year, 100,000 cases of French wine and spirits alone were exported to India," said sommelier Daniele Raulet-Renaud of the Paris-based Sopexa, the French marketing and promotion board for food and beverages.

"We hope to increase this by 50,000 cases in two years," she added.

This huge market has prompted Sopexa to open an office here, its 40th in 34 countries worldwide. Sopexa last opened an international office in China five years ago.

Sopexa India head Rajiv Singhal declined to state a figure for the exports of French wine and food but importer Sumit Munjral provided a clue: "Multiply 100,000 cases by 12 bottles in each case by $4, the average cost of a bottle, and you get $4.8 million (Rs.210 million)."

The bulk of this goes to hotels and upper end clubs while a fair amount finds its way to consumers through retails stores.

Munjral, however, lamented that high customs and other duties were hampering the growth of the French wine market in India.

"We pay in the region of 300 percent duty. This means that a bottle of wine that costs $4 in France sells for between Rs.900 and Rs.1,250 here. This restricts our market somewhat," he contended.

Singhal was also wary of stating a figure for French food imports, saying Sopexa served more as a facilitator rather than bookkeeper.

"Aperitif a la francaise" debuted in 13 countries last year and in India Thursday.

"This is an annual event that will be held on the first Thursday of every June. It's our way of connecting with our major importing countries," said ambassador Girard.