Food Export-Midwest and Food Export-Northeast are thrilled to announce the appointment of Sumit Saran as our new In-Market Representative in India. With over 20 years of expertise in launching and promoting international food products across India, Mr. Saran brings a wealth of experience and strategic insight that will help empower U.S. suppliers to tap into this dynamic market. Learn more about our new IMR.
Food Export’s dedication to delivering outstanding value remains stronger than ever. As part of our vision for 2025, we’re focusing on increasing our offerings in emerging markets like India. As one of the world’s most rapidly growing economies and a growing opportunity for U.S. suppliers, now is the perfect time to seize the vast potential this market offers.
Additionally, starting later this year, Food Export will begin bringing buyers from India to Buyers Missions – a valuable opportunity for U.S. suppliers to meet with pre-qualified buyers face-to-face and expand their reach.
India is the largest U.S. market for processed food products in South Asia, and the U.S.’s 13th largest export market overall, with almost $2 billion in export sales in 2023.
India is also one of the fastest-growing major economies in the world. Post pandemic, Indian consumer preferences toward premium products and perceived health foods remains high, despite high food price inflation. The Gen Z population in particular is interested in novel foods and new ingredients. These combining factors make India a key destination for U.S. food and agricultural companies looking to make an impact.
The grocery sector is the largest segment of the Indian retail market. It is also the third largest food and grocery market in the world. India’s modern retail sector, including e-retail, which is rapidly developing, presents newfound opportunities for a diverse range of U.S. food product exports.
India’s food retail sector will continue its upward trajectory following a decade of market evolution and sustained growth. The increased purchasing power of Indian households, growing awareness and access to gourmet products, and consumer awareness toward international cuisines and food products have acted as primary growth catalysts in the sector.
The U.S. remains the largest supplier of consumer-oriented food products to India, and prospects for more imports looks bright. India’s hotel, restaurant and institutional (HRI) sector has stabilized and recovered after facing three years of downfall due to COVID-19 pandemic restrictions. Now, the Indian HRI sector is booming.
USDA’s Office of Agricultural Affairs in New Delhi reports that new trends such as demand for local and regional recipes elevated with high quality imported ingredients, healthier snacking, and quick grab and go meal options are becoming more popular in India, providing larger opportunities for U.S. exporters of food and agricultural products.
Rising demand for processed snacks and innovative food products opens strong potential for U.S. origin food-processing ingredients in the Indian market.
India’s food-processing sector is growing at 11% and is further enhanced with growing export opportunities. Growth in this sector runs parallel with changing demographics, lifestyle, affordable workforce availability, improved transportation, and changing consumer perceptions of quality and safety.
Ready to take your business to the next level? The Indian market is full of opportunities, and Food Export is here to guide you every step of the way. Visit Food Export’s website to schedule a Virtual Consultation or Market Builder with Food Export’s In-Market Representative to learn more!
Sumit Saran has more than 20 years of experience in managing and implementing launch and promotion of various international food products in India.
Sumit Saran is Director of SS Associates, an international food marketing consulting firm based in Delhi NCR, India. The firm is involved in marketing of high value foods from many parts of the world in India. Specifically, from the U.S., SS Associates currently represents and markets Washington Apples, USA Pears, American Pistachios, US Cranberries, Northwest Cherries and American Pecans in the high growth Indian market.
From 2013-2018, Sumit Saran was the Head of International Foods at Future Group, one of India’s largest retailers at that time. His responsibilities included setting up distribution channels for imported foods, establishing international tie-ups and handling international food promotions across the various retail formats that Future Group owned and operated.
From 2000-2013, Sumit Saran was part of an agribusiness consulting firm that specialized in generic marketing of international foods in India.
Mr. Saran holds a master’s degree in international relations (specializing in international food business) and has been specially trained in the United States under a USAID project in management and dissemination of agribusiness information.