India-UK Trade Deal: TPCI Highlights Major Growth Opportunities for Processed Food Exports

India could significantly increase processed food exports to the UK under CETA, as tariff reductions and stronger business partnerships open new opportunities for Indian food producers and exporters.

India Has Significant Potential to Expand Processed Food Exports to the UK

India has considerable scope to increase its processed food exports to the United Kingdom following the implementation of the India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), according to the Trade Promotion Council of India (TPCI).

The agreement is expected to improve market access for Indian exporters by reducing tariff barriers on several food products. With the UK importing processed food worth billions of dollars annually, India has an opportunity to strengthen its presence in this major international market.

India’s Current Share of the UK Processed Food Market

India currently supplies processed food products worth Rs. 2,941.80 crore (US$ 309.50 million) to the UK. This represents approximately 0.60% of the country’s annual processed food imports, valued at Rs. 4.82 lakh crore (US$ 50.71 billion).

The relatively small market share indicates considerable room for expansion. Indian food manufacturers and exporters could explore new opportunities by increasing product availability, developing business relationships with British importers and taking advantage of the improved trade conditions under CETA.

India-UK CETA Improves Market Access for Indian Exporters

Implemented on July 15, the India-UK trade agreement has introduced tariff reductions on various Indian products, improving their competitiveness in the British market.

Tariff Reductions on Processed Food Products

Under the agreement, the UK has eliminated tariffs of up to 70% on processed food products from India. The removal of these duties can help reduce the tariff-related costs faced by exporters and make eligible Indian products more competitive for UK buyers.

The agreement has also removed duties ranging from 4.20% to 8.50% on shrimp, along with tariffs on instant coffee. These changes could support Indian businesses seeking to expand sales in the UK and build stronger positions in international food supply chains.

However, the extent of the benefits for individual businesses will depend on the products they export and the applicable trade requirements.

TPCI and UKIBC Sign MoU to Strengthen Food Trade Cooperation

To promote closer commercial ties between India and the UK, the Trade Promotion Council of India has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the UK-India Business Council (UKIBC).

The partnership establishes a framework for cooperation between the two organisations and aims to help businesses identify and pursue cross-border trade opportunities.

Key Objectives of the Partnership

The MoU focuses on several areas designed to strengthen trade and business connections, including:

• Organising trade missions to connect businesses in both countries.

• Sharing market intelligence to help companies understand commercial opportunities.

• Building business networks between Indian exporters and UK-based buyers.

• Supporting small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in exploring international markets.

• Encouraging business expansion and stronger commercial partnerships.

These initiatives are intended to help companies understand the UK market more effectively and turn the benefits of the trade agreement into practical business opportunities.

India-UK Food and Beverage Trade Promotion Event Held in London

As part of the cooperation, TPCI and UKIBC organised the India-UK Trade Promotion Event on Food and Beverages in London on October 15, 2026.

The event brought together 48 Indian exporting companies and 150 importers based in the UK. Participants had the opportunity to explore potential business partnerships, discuss trade prospects and strengthen connections between suppliers and buyers.

The gathering also provided a platform for Indian businesses to present their products and engage with UK importers interested in developing commercial relationships.

TPCI Highlights the Sector’s Growth Potential

TPCI Chairman Mohit Singla highlighted the opportunities available to India's food and beverage industry under the trade agreement. He emphasised the importance of converting the positive momentum surrounding CETA into measurable trade outcomes.

Stronger engagement between exporters and importers, combined with improved market access, could help Indian businesses identify new customers and expand their reach in the UK.

What the Trade Agreement Means for Indian Food Exporters

The combination of lower tariffs, business-to-business engagement and institutional cooperation creates favourable conditions for exploring export growth.

Indian exporters can use the agreement as an opportunity to assess demand in the UK, strengthen distribution networks and develop relationships with importers. Small and medium enterprises may also benefit from improved access to market information and trade-promotion activities.

At the same time, businesses will need to understand product-specific requirements and buyer expectations to make the most of the available opportunities.

Conclusion

The India-UK CETA offers Indian processed food exporters an opportunity to increase their presence in the British market through improved tariff conditions and stronger commercial cooperation. With India currently accounting for only 0.60% of UK processed food imports, the potential for growth remains significant. The TPCI-UKIBC partnership and the London trade promotion event represent important steps towards connecting Indian suppliers with UK buyers and translating the agreement’s benefits into stronger trade relationships.