Export Inflow in India Value-Added Shrimp Sector

Introduction

As India's shrimp processing industry steadily expands, processors will increasingly develop value-added formats to earn higher margins while adapting to shifting global consumer preferences. There are strong opportunities for frozen shrimp in breaded, marinated and ready-to-eat products in major export markets, such as the United States, European Union, and Japan.

According to the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, seafood exports in India achieved a tremendous feat in 2023-24, with its top-performing frozen shrimp generating Rs 40,013.54 crore. As processors scale-up shrimp production along with improved cold chain infrastructures, it can be expected that processors will increasingly employ automation technologies, innovations in flavors and advances in packaging technologies.

Additionally, processors are advancing ready-to-cook and ready-to-eat formats to keep up with urban consumers demand for quick, easy, and nutritious meals. Integration of smart packaging technologies, like vacuum seal and modified atmosphere packaging (MAP), help satisfy consumer's need for fresher and reduces food waste. As well, increasing interest and urgency in adopting traceability and transparency systems in the supply chain has allowed consumers and international buyers an opportunity to confidently verify product origins and quality. Together, these factors are fortifying India's shrimp processing industry as it continues to meet existing expectations and capitalize on additional opportunities for growth and expansion within an increasingly competitive world market.

Collaborative efforts between industry stakeholders, government agencies like MPEDA, and technology providers are accelerating the adoption of international standards and certifications, further strengthening India’s position in the competitive global shrimp market. This value-added focus not only boosts export revenues but also creates new employment opportunities along the processing and supply chain, contributing to rural and coastal economic development.

For upstream production and export trends, refer to the India Shrimp Market

India Is Moving Beyond Raw Exports into Value-Added Shrimp Segments

Raw frozen shrimp still accounts for most of India's shrimp exports, but value-added variants now offer a critical path for diversifying export revenue and improving shelf appeal. Products such as peeled and deveined (PD), headless shell-on (HLSO), cooked, battered, breaded, and skewered shrimp are increasingly common in US and European grocery aisles.

Exporters like Devi Seafoods, Avanti Feeds, and Apex Frozen Foods are investing in processing facilities with IQF (Individually Quick Frozen) lines, automated graders, and cold storage integration to expand their value-added portfolios. Demand is particularly strong in ready-to-cook and microwaveable products, aligned with consumer convenience trends and retail private label growth.

Domestically, urban consumption is picking up through platforms like Licious, FreshToHome, and retail seafood counters. Government support under the Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA) is promoting quality certification, processing modernization, and global market alignment.

Table of Contents

1. Scope of Value-Added Shrimp Products
2. Types of Processed and Enhanced Formats (Frozen, Cooked, Breaded)
3. Export Trends and Buyer Preferences
4. Domestic Consumption and Retail Innovations
5. Cold Chain and IQF Technology Investments
6. Packaging, Labelling, and Shelf-Life Extension
7. Private Label and Foodservice Collaborations
8. Key Players in Value-Added Shrimp Processing
9. MPEDA Policies and Quality Certifications
10. Outlook for Value-Added Shrimp in Global Trade

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