India has significant potential to expand its processed food exports to the United Kingdom following the implementation of the India–UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), according to industry body the Trade Promotion Council of India (TPCI).
In a statement reported by PTI on October 22, 2026, TPCI highlighted that India accounts for just 0.6% of the UK's annual imports of processed food, valued at $50.68 billion. The industry body said the trade agreement's removal of tariffs on processed foods, shrimp and instant coffee could create opportunities for Indian exporters.
India and the UK implemented CETA on July 15, 2026, with the agreement aimed at strengthening bilateral trade and investment ties.
India's Small Share of the UK Processed Food Market
The figures cited by TPCI suggest that Indian suppliers currently account for a limited share of Britain's processed food imports. The size of the UK market indicates room for exporters to explore additional demand, although increasing market share will depend on factors such as product competitiveness, consumer preferences and compliance with import requirements.
Processed food exports can include a wide range of products, from packaged foods and prepared ingredients to other value-added agricultural products. For Indian businesses, the opportunity lies in identifying categories where they can meet UK demand while maintaining consistent quality and reliable supply.
The source excerpt does not provide a detailed breakdown of the processed food categories that currently account for India's exports to the UK.
How CETA Could Benefit Indian Food Exporters
The trade pact is intended to strengthen commercial ties between India and the UK. According to the report, tariff removal for processed foods, shrimp and instant coffee could improve opportunities for Indian suppliers seeking to expand their presence in the British market.
Lower tariffs can help reduce the cost disadvantage faced by exporters, depending on the product and the terms of the agreement. However, tariff preferences alone do not guarantee higher sales. Exporters must also compete on pricing, quality, packaging, distribution and delivery reliability.
Businesses should verify the exact tariff treatment applicable to their products before estimating potential savings or changing their export strategies.
Compliance and Market Access Remain Important
Exporters seeking to benefit from the agreement will need to understand the requirements for selling food products in the UK. Depending on the product, these may include food safety standards, labelling rules, ingredient declarations, packaging requirements and documentation.
Companies should also assess the costs of shipping, storage and distribution, alongside the commercial terms offered by UK buyers. For smaller businesses, understanding these requirements before entering the market can help reduce delays and unexpected expenses.
Reviewing import duty support requirements may also help exporters assess customs-related considerations when planning cross-border shipments.
Opportunities for MSMEs and Value-Added Food Producers
The UK market could offer scope for Indian businesses looking to move beyond exporting raw agricultural commodities and develop value-added food products. Processed foods can provide opportunities for manufacturers that can meet overseas specifications and establish dependable supply arrangements.
Small and medium-sized exporters may benefit from identifying a focused product category, researching buyer demand and building relationships with importers and distributors. Any expansion plan should be based on product-specific market research rather than the overall size of the UK's import market alone.
The figures highlighted by TPCI point to potential room for growth, but the scale of future gains will depend on how effectively Indian exporters respond to market demand and comply with the relevant trade conditions.
Outlook for India–UK Food Trade
CETA has created a new framework for India–UK trade relations, with tariff changes potentially improving access for selected Indian products. TPCI's assessment highlights processed food exports as an area where India could seek to increase its presence.
For exporters, the next steps involve identifying eligible products, understanding UK market requirements and establishing viable commercial relationships. The reported 0.6% market share provides context for the opportunity, but it does not by itself establish how quickly Indian exports may grow.