Processed & Packaged Foods

India' processed food and FMCG sector includes biscuits, ready-to-cook meals, sauces, snacks, packaged spices, and personal care products. EU food safety compliance (BRCGS, HACCP, EU MRL compliance) and EU-language labelling are mandatory. This SOP covers processed food and FMCG export from India to EU retail and foodservice.…

1. Market and Regulatory Assessment — 4-8 weeks
2. EU Compliance and Certification Programme — 3-12 months depending on sector
3. EU Buyer Identification and Qualification — 3-6 months
4. Commercial Negotiation and Contract — 4-8 weeks
5. Order Execution, Quality Control, and Pre-Shipment — Throughout production cycle
6. Shipment, Documentation, FTA Optimisation, and Post-Export Incentives — 2-4 days per shipment

Challenge: A Gujarat-based processed food manufacturer (ready-to-cook Indian meal kits, packaged spice blends, dal) wanted to supply a major EU grocery retailer as an own-brand (private label) supplier. They had FSSAI certification and Indian market presence but no EU certifications. Lidl Deutschland was identified as the target buyer based on their active Indian food category expansion.…

Outcome: BRCGS Grade AA achieved at month 8. SMETA 4-pillar audit completed at month 9. Lidl Deutschland placed first trial order (12,000 units) at month 11. Trial performance was satisfactory. Annual Lidl Germany private label contract: EUR 1.8M. Lidl Austria and Lidl Netherlands subsequently added: combined annual volume EUR 3.4M.…