India’s premium seafood and vibrant wine industry has grown significantly, with the value of seafood exports alone reaching $7.3 billion and volume reaching 17.81 lakh metric tonnes, the government said on Saturday. At an event organized by the Indian Embassy in Brussels, India’s finest culinary offerings in wine and seafood were showcased to business leaders, trade bodies, seafood importers, government trade agencies and members of the diplomatic community. According to the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, it was organized in collaboration with Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), and Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA).
India’s Ambassador to Belgium, Luxembourg and the European Union (EU) Saurabh Kumar highlighted the importance of the event in promoting cultural and trade ties. Sunil Barthwal, Secretary, Department of Commerce, talked about India’s dynamic trade landscape and its growing partnership with the EU, especially in the seafood and wine sectors. At the event, attendees enjoyed a carefully curated menu that included five premium Indian seafood varieties: Vannamei Shrimp, Black Tiger Shrimp, Kingfish (Surmai), Tilapia and Squid.
These dishes were skillfully paired with wines from Indian vineyards, whose deep reds, crisp whites and refreshing rosés demonstrated global recognition of India’s wine craftsmanship. The Indian wine industry has grown significantly, with over 24 leading brands combining global expertise with indigenous traditions. Reds like Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Merlot and Sangiovese were highlighted, along with whites like Chenin blanc, Sauvignon blanc and Viognier.
India’s total exports to 132 countries in 2023-2024 are expected to reach $433.09 billion, of which agricultural commodities contributed $33.24 billion (8 per cent of total exports) and marine exports contributed $7.36 billion (22 per cent of agricultural exports). Exports of Vannamei shrimp have quadrupled, firmly establishing it as a high-quality seafood product. With 500 EU-approved firms, India’s seafood processing capacity continues to expand, making the EU India’s second largest seafood market with annual purchases of $0.95 billion.
Additionally, according to the ministry, India is the second largest supplier of shrimp to the EU, with a market share of 8 per cent, and contributes 12 per cent of the EU’s squid imports.
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