India’s food is more than just taste—it’s tradition, diversity, and emotion served on a plate. And guess what? The world is finally catching on. From masala dosa to basmati biryani, and even niche categories like drumstick export in India, global demand for Indian foods is growing rapidly. If you’re looking to enter the export market, Indian food could be your golden opportunity.
Let’s explore why Indian foods are becoming the next big global trend and how this booming sector is opening doors for exporters across the country.
1. A Growing Global Love for Indian Flavours
Who can resist a well-cooked butter chicken or a crispy samosa? Across the world, people are falling in love with Indian cuisine. According to Statista, the global Indian food market was valued at USD 62 billion in 2023, with projections to reach USD 100 billion by 2030.
Countries like the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, and UAE already have a significant Indian diaspora, but now even non-Indians are stocking Indian spices, snacks, and frozen foods in their kitchens. Indian food aisles in major supermarkets across Europe and North America are proof of this rising trend.
And it’s not just the classics. Even lesser-known but nutritious products like drumstick (moringa) are finding space on international shelves. The surge in drumstick export in India shows that global buyers are now looking for both taste and health benefits in their food choices.
2. What’s Driving the Demand?
a. Health & Ayurveda Craze
Turmeric lattes, moringa smoothies, and millet snacks have gone global. These trends are rooted in India’s traditional health systems. Ingredients like turmeric, ashwagandha, amla, and drumstick (moringa) are now staples in wellness products across the US, UK, and Germany.
This demand has directly boosted drumstick export in India, particularly in forms like fresh pods, dried leaves, powder, and health supplements.
b. Plant-Based and Vegan Preferences
With a natural edge in vegetarian cuisine, Indian food appeals to the growing base of vegan and plant-based consumers. From dal to bhindi masala, Indian dishes offer flavor-packed, meat-free meals. Exporters are tapping into this demand with items like moringa powder, lentil mixes, and vegan curry pastes.
c. Ready-to-Eat Meals Are Booming
Busy global consumers want convenience without sacrificing taste. That’s why ready-to-eat Indian meals—like dal makhani, biryani, and butter paneer—are performing well in export markets. Brands like MTR, Haldiram’s, and ITC are seeing strong overseas sales.
Even frozen vegetables like drumstick are part of this trend, especially in countries where dishes like sambhar are popular among South Asian communities.
3. Top Indian Food Categories in Demand
Here are some of the most in-demand Indian food products globally:
- Spices & Masalas: India exported over 1.53 million tonnes of spices worth INR 31,000+ crore in FY23.
- Basmati Rice: Over 4.5 million tonnes exported, valued at USD 4.78 billion in 2022–23.
- Ready-to-Eat Meals: Packaged curries and rice dishes in retort pouches are trending.
- Pickles & Chutneys: Mango pickle, garlic chutney, and lime achaar are international hits.
- Frozen Snacks & Parathas: Samosas, aloo tikkis, and stuffed parathas are widely exported.
- Millets & Organic Grains: The “International Year of Millets” (2023) gave a big push to millet exports.
- Drumstick (Moringa): A rising star in health food exports. Drumstick export in India now includes fresh pods, dried leaves, moringa powder, and capsules rich in antioxidants and nutrients.
4. Government Push & Export Support
The Indian government is actively promoting food exports through various initiatives:
- APEDA (Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority) provides export guidance, financial help, and infrastructure support.
- Mega Food Parks are being developed in Gujarat, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and other states to make food processing and exports easier.
- FSSAI is aligning food safety norms with international standards, simplifying global trade.
High-potential categories like drumstick export in India are also receiving special attention under APEDA’s value-added promotion programs.
5. E-Commerce Is Unlocking Global Markets
Gone are the days when exporting required heavy infrastructure. With platforms like Amazon Global, Flipkart Export Hub, and Shopify, even homegrown brands and small businesses can reach international customers.
Many small producers in Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh are successfully exporting drumstick powder and moringa-based products to the US, Canada, and Europe via online marketplaces. NRIs and health-focused buyers are actively seeking such products.
6. Real Success Stories from India
- Paper Boat has taken aam panna and jaljeera to shelves in the US and UK.
- iD Fresh Food exports dosa batter and parathas to the UAE and Singapore.
- Startups in Tamil Nadu are exporting moringa-based products worth crores every year, showing the real potential behind drumstick export in India.
7. Challenges You Should Know
While the opportunity is huge, exporters should also be aware of a few hurdles:
- Stringent import regulations in markets like the USA and EU.
- Packaging and labelling compliance is critical for shelf life and food safety.
- Exporters of perishable items like drumsticks must invest in cold chain logistics to maintain freshness during transit.
That said, most of these challenges are solvable with proper planning, certifications, and government support.
8. Final Thoughts: Let the World Taste India
India is no longer just the land of spices—it’s fast becoming the world’s food destination. From basmati rice and dal to moringa powder and vegan meals, Indian foods are winning global hearts and health-conscious minds.
With rising demand, robust government support, and global wellness trends aligning in our favour, now is the perfect time to explore Indian food exports. Whether you’re a farmer, manufacturer, or budding entrepreneur, sectors like drumstick export in India offer immense potential for sustainable global success.
Are you ready to take the taste of India to the world?