Pickles, honey & curry pastes gain weight in India's export basket

New Delhi: Indian kitchen staples such as pickles, curry pastes, and honey, along with other condiments, are becoming a larger part of the country's export basket as global demand for traditional, authentic flavours and healthy foods grows.

Exports of 11 items, including pickles, honey, mixed seasonings, curry pastes and jams, grew at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.4%, rising to $576.2 million in FY26 from $372.9 million in FY19. Meanwhile, imports of these items remained low at $61.9 million in FY26.

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In quantity terms, exports of this category rose at a CAGR of 3.7%, reaching 373.8 million kg in FY26 from 289.4 million kg in FY19.

"China is the dominant player in this sector but we are also being seen as a good supplier of these products," said an official. "Moreover, we have been able to meet the demands and non-tariff measures of developed countries which are the biggest consumers of such items."

Honey accounted for the largest share of this export basket, with FY26 shipments valued at $208 million, up from $206.5 million in FY25 and $105.3 million in FY19. The US remained the largest market for Indian honey with exports reaching $157.8 million in FY26, followed by the UAE ($15.9 million), Saudi Arabia ($5.2 million), and Portugal ($3.9 million). Israel emerged as a new market, with exports at $2 million in FY26.

"Maximum residue limits, origin labelling and traceability of honey have helped meet quality norms and pushed exports," said an industry representative.

Mixed condiments and mixed seasonings made up the second-largest category in this export basket, with their shipments more than doubling to $113.3 million in FY26 from $48.8 million in FY19.

Exports of mango, citrus and other fruit jams, jellies and marmalades, the third-largest category, stood at $109.4 million in FY26. However, this was lower than the $125 million recorded in the previous year, largely on account of lower prices and demand in the international market, unfavourable currency movements and international developments like sanctions against Iran and Russia.

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Pickled fruits and vegetables were also among the top export categories, with shipments rising to $106.4 million in FY26 from $59.1 million in FY19. The UK was the largest buyer, with exports reaching $24 million in FY26, followed by the US at $12.5 million and Germany at $9.8 million.

"While Africa is showing good demand, the Latin American markets are yet to open up for most of these products," the official said.

Exports of curry paste, tomato ketchup and tomato sauces also increased, touching $11.6 million and $11 million, respectively, in FY26.

To increase India's market share in premium honey exports, think tank Icrier has suggested promoting Indian Himalayan and Ayurvedic honey as a health and wellness product in Japan, and organic-certified and exotic honey in Europe. Trade watchers said challenges such as post-harvest losses need to be addressed to increase exports of jams, jellies and marmalades, mango pulp and dried fruits.