Food and Drinks
Unlock New Growth Opportunities with the UK–India FTA
The UK–India Free Trade Agreement (FTA) is bringing two globally renowned food and drink markets closer than ever before.
By reducing barriers to trade, lowering tariffs and streamlining the movement of goods, the agreement creates exciting new opportunities for businesses to access customers, expand exports and build lasting commercial partnerships.
Whether a UK food or drink business is looking to tap into India's rapidly growing consumer market, or an Indian exporter is seeking easier access to UK buyers, the FTA provides a powerful platform for growth. From premium British products such as whisky, salmon, and confectionary etc to India's celebrated spices, seafood and speciality coffee, businesses on both sides stand to benefit from enhanced market access and increased consumer demand.
This is more than a trade agreement. It is an opportunity to unlock new markets, reach new customers and shape the future of food and drink trade between two nations with rich culinary traditions and ambitious growth agendas.
Expand your food and drink business in India
India is one of the world's fastest-growing consumer markets, with rising incomes, evolving tastes and increasing demand for premium international food and drink products. The UK–India FTA makes it easier than ever for UK businesses to seize this opportunity.
For UK exporters, the agreement delivers a clear pathway to growth by reducing tariffs on a wide range of products and improving market access across the food and drink sector. From seafood and speciality foods to soft drinks and premium beverages, businesses can compete more effectively and reach consumers with greater confidence.
The agreement also helps simplify trade through faster customs procedures and improved transparency, helping businesses move products more efficiently and reliably. For exporters of perishable goods, these improvements can make a significant difference in getting products to market quickly and maintaining quality throughout the supply chain.
With a market of over a billion consumers and growing appetite for premium products, India presents a compelling opportunity for UK food and drink businesses ready to scale internationally.
Discover opportunities in India’s growing food and drink market.
Partner with the UK
The UK's food and drink sector is globally recognised for its quality, innovation and heritage. From world-famous scotch whisky and premium salmon to cutting-edge food manufacturing and sustainable production practices, the UK offers exceptional opportunities for businesses looking to source, invest and collaborate.
For Indian businesses, the FTA creates easier access to UK products, expertise and commercial partnerships. Whether you are looking to import premium ingredients, distribute internationally recognised brands or build strategic supply-chain relationships, the UK offers a trusted and dynamic trading environment.
At the same time, Indian exporters stand to gain greater access to UK consumers. Products including spices, seafood, coffee, fresh produce and processed food products now have stronger opportunities to enter and grow within the UK market.
Together, the UK and India are creating a stronger food and drink partnership founded on innovation, quality, sustainability and shared economic growth.
A Platform for Long-Term Growth: key benefits for food and drinks under the UK-India FTA
The UK–India FTA creates a strong foundation for future trade, investment and innovation across the food and drink sector. By making it easier to do business, reducing costs and creating new market opportunities, the agreement empowers businesses of all sizes to grow, compete and succeed internationally.
From premium British whisky and seafood to Indian spices, coffee and speciality foods, the UK–India FTA is helping businesses reach new customers, unlock new opportunities and bring the best of both nations to consumers around the world with below provisions:
Lower tariffs, greater competitiveness
The agreement reduces costs and improves competitiveness for a wide range of food and drink products, helping businesses expand their reach and unlock new commercial opportunities.
- Tariffs on UK salmon, cod and a range of seafood products will fall from 33% to 0%, creating new opportunities for UK exporters in India.
- Tariffs on products such as chocolates, biscuits and soft drinks will be progressively reduced and eliminated, making UK goods more accessible to Indian consumers.
- Scotch whisky tariffs will reduce from 150% to 75% immediately, before falling to 40% over a ten-year period, supporting one of the UK's most iconic exports.
- UK gin producers will benefit from the same tariff reductions, unlocking opportunities in one of the world's largest and fastest-growing spirits markets.
Enhanced access for Indian exporters
The FTA also delivers significant benefits for Indian food and drink businesses looking to grow exports to the UK.
- Indian seafood products, including shrimp may benefit from tariff-free access to the UK market.
- Indian spices such as pepper and cardamom are expected to enjoy duty-free access under the agreement.
- Indian coffee exporters may benefit from tariff-free access, helping premium and speciality coffee producers reach more UK buyers.
Faster, simpler and more efficient trade
The agreement goes beyond tariffs to help businesses move goods across borders more efficiently.
- Goods will benefit from streamlined customs procedures and a commitment to faster border processing.
- Perishable products are expected to receive improved treatment, helping reduce delays and minimise spoilage risks.
- More flexible labelling and product marking requirements help simplify compliance and reduce administrative burden.
- Increased transparency and cooperation support smoother trade and stronger commercial confidence.
Trade Delegations
The UK’s Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade (BIST) organises a range of inward and outward UK trade missions to strengthen bilateral commercial ties. BIST also actively participates in major food and drinks related conferences and events as country partner offering dedicated platforms for British businesses to showcase their sector expertise and capabilities.
Upcoming trade delegation to India:
ProWine Mumbai 2026 | 18-19 November 2026opens forms.cloud.microsoft in a new tab
India is one of the world's most exciting growth markets for alcoholic beverages, driven by a young consumer base, rising incomes, rapid urbanisation, and increasing demand for premium spirits and wines.
The Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade (BIST) invites UK alcohol producers to participate in a trade mission to Delhi and Mumbai, culminating in participation at ProWine 2026- jointly organized by Messe Düsseldorf India and All Things Nice, is the premier annual international gathering in Mumbai that unites the entire alcobev industry—from wines, spirits, beers, craft beverages, meads, ciders, and cocktails, to premium mixers, zero-proof alternatives, and beyond.
Why Participate?
- Gain insights into India's regulatory, pricing and consumer landscape
- Meet importers, distributors, retailers and HoReCa buyers
- Build brand awareness in a fast-growing premium market
- Showcase and sample products at the UK Pavilion
- Explore routes to market and partnership opportunities
Speak to an expert
The Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade (BIST) is here to help businesses navigate the new landscape of opportunities to be unlocked with the trade deal; submit your query to get expert advice, insights and technical market guides.
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