India’s festive food exports see demand surge ahead of Diwali: TPCI

Ahead of the upcoming Diwali festivities, India's food and beverage export sector is witnessing a surge in demand, according to a recent survey by the TPCI. The appetite for traditional delicacies and convenience foods has driven this positive trend. International buyers are showing keen interest in procuring a mix of traditional products and ready-to-consume items.

The survey anticipates an average growth rate of around 6 percent for the festive season, with some overseas buyers expecting a growth rate exceeding 15 percent compared to last year. Core traditional categories like sweets, savories, namkeens, rice, spices, masalas, pickles, and pulses continue to see robust demand, while value-added convenience products are experiencing rapid momentum.

In 2025-26, exports of ready-to-eat and cooked food items have surged 16 percent to reach USD 2.4 billion, up from USD 2.1 billion in the previous financial year. TPCI Chairman Mohit Singla highlighted the opportunities for domestic producers, noting that the festive-season demand signals present encouraging prospects for the industry, particularly the combination of strong demand for traditional Indian products with the emergence of ready-to-eat and ready-to-cook foods.

The Gulf Cooperation Council region, including Kuwait, Oman, and Bahrain, leads as the primary destination for India's festive food shipments, with active procurement activity among importers and distributors for traditional sweets, dry fruits, savories, staples, spices, ghee, pickles, condiments, and convenience foods.