India’s seafood and wine industries see remarkable growth, exports surge: Centre

India’s premium seafood, wine exports flourish, strengthening trade relations with the EU

India’s seafood and wine industries have experienced substantial growth, with seafood exports alone reaching an impressive $7.3 billion in value and 17.81 lakh metric tonnes in volume, the government announced on Saturday. This growth reflects the expanding global demand for India’s premium seafood and vibrant wine offerings.

The announcement came during an event hosted by the Embassy of India in Brussels, which showcased India’s finest culinary offerings to key business leaders, trade bodies, marine foods importers, government trade agencies, and members of the diplomatic community.

The event, organized in collaboration with the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) and the Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA), highlighted India’s growing prominence in the global food and beverage sectors, particularly in seafood and wine.

Saurabh Kumar, India’s Ambassador to Belgium, Luxembourg, and the European Union, underscored the event’s importance in strengthening cultural and trade ties between India and Europe. Sunil Barthwal, Secretary of the Department of Commerce, spoke about India’s dynamic trade landscape and its growing partnership with the European Union, especially in the seafood and wine sectors.

The event featured a carefully curated menu with five premium Indian seafood varieties: Vannamei shrimp, Black Tiger shrimp, Kingfish (Surmai), Tilapia, and Squid. These delicacies were paired with wines from Indian vineyards, showcasing a diverse range of bold reds, crisp whites, and refreshing rosés that demonstrated the global recognition of India’s wine craftsmanship.

India’s wine industry has seen significant growth, with over 24 prominent wine brands combining global expertise with indigenous traditions. Popular varieties featured at the event included reds like Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Merlot, and Sangiovese, as well as whites such as Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, and Viognier.

According to the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, India’s total exports reached $433.09 billion in 2023-2024, with agricultural commodities contributing $33.24 billion (8% of total exports). Marine exports accounted for $7.36 billion, making up 22% of agricultural exports and reaching 132 countries globally.

Exports of Vannamei shrimp, in particular, have quadrupled, firmly establishing it as a high-quality seafood product. India’s seafood processing capacity continues to expand, with 500 EU-approved firms, making the European Union India’s second-largest seafood market, with annual purchases of $0.95 billion.

India is also the EU’s second-largest supplier of shrimp, holding an 8% market share, and contributes 12% of the EU’s squid imports.

This surge in exports highlights India’s increasing role as a key player in the global seafood and wine markets, further boosting its economic influence and fostering stronger trade relations with the European Union.

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