India, July 25 -- On July 24, 2025, India and the United Kingdom signed a landmark Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA)-a pivotal moment in global trade, one that holds profound implications for multiple sectors. While much has been said about textiles, engineering, and IT, the food industry-arguably one of the most culturally, economically, and socially significant sectors-stands to gain immensely.
In a landmark moment for India-UK trade relations, the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) was formally signed by Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal and UK Secretary of State for Business and Trade Jonathan Reynolds, in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer. The agreement grants duty-free access on 99% of tariff lines, including a significant portion of India's agricultural and marine exports. For India's diverse and layered food sector-spanning smallholder farmers, women-led cooperatives, MSMEs, and large-scale export houses-this deal marks a potential turning point. It opens the door to enhanced global competitiveness, broader market access, and inclusive growth across the entire food value chain.
Zero-Duty Access: A boon for agricultural and marine exports
For Indian farmers and fisherfolk, the deal couldn't have come at a better time. With zero-duty access on 95% of agricultural products and 99% of marine exports, Indian exporters now have a clear competitive edge in the UK market. This is not just about increasing trade volumes-it's about elevating incomes at the grassroots.
Whether it's mangoes from Maharashtra, basmati rice from Punjab, or prawns from Andhra Pradesh, the removal of trade barriers opens the door to greater demand, fairer prices, and new buyers in one of the world's most lucrative food markets. Exporters, particularly MSMEs in food processing and packaging, now have an opportunity to scale their operations, upgrade technology, and improve food safety standards to match UK consumer expectations.
Empowering women and rural communities in the food chain
CETA has been described as a deal for inclusive growth-and rightly so. Women-led enterprises in food processing, handicrafts related to food (e.g., spice blends, pickles, organic snacks), and agro-tourism stand to benefit from easier market access and improved finance avenues.
From village kitchens to export-grade food labs, the deal encourages deeper integration of rural India into global value chains. Notably, by empowering women entrepreneurs in food ventures, the agreement can help close gender gaps in income and opportunity.
Processed food and specialty items: Niche becomes mainstream
The Indian diaspora in the UK has long fueled demand for traditional products-think curry pastes, chutneys, millet snacks, jaggery, and ayurvedic herbal teas. With tariff walls lowered, Indian businesses can now offer higher-quality, competitively priced versions of these foods in UK supermarkets and restaurants.
India's processed food industry, already growing at a fast clip, can use this FTA as a springboard for branding itself not just as a provider of ethnic goods, but as a credible player in health, wellness, and functional foods. Demand for vegan, gluten-free, and organic products is also rising in the UK, creating space for innovation using Indian ingredients like ragi, moringa, turmeric, and amaranth.
Boost for Indian chefs and culinary ambassadors
Under the CETA's enhanced mobility provisions, Indian chefs, food consultants, and culinary trainers will find it easier to work in the UK. From Michelin-starred Indian restaurants in London to yoga retreats in the countryside serving sattvic meals, there will be greater movement of Indian culinary talent, recipes, and techniques.
This isn't just an HR benefit-this is cultural diplomacy. Indian food, reinterpreted by modern chefs and fueled by easier professional access, will likely gain even more prominence across Europe.
Reduced costs, increased efficiency: The Double Contribution Convention
A standout feature of the agreement is the Double Contribution Convention, which exempts Indian professionals and their employers from social security contributions in the UK for up to three years. For Indian food businesses sending managerial or technical staff to the UK-be it to manage restaurant chains, oversee food safety audits, or liaise with retailers-this significantly reduces overheads, allowing more agile operations.
A push for food innovation and sustainability
CETA's provisions also support sustainable practices, innovation, and reduction of non-tariff barriers. Indian agribusinesses focusing on climate-smart agriculture, food waste management, and eco-friendly packaging could find easier entry into UK supply chains that increasingly demand green credentials.
Moreover, with rising global scrutiny on food safety, animal welfare, and labor conditions, Indian companies will need to align with international norms-this agreement nudges them in that direction, opening funding and technical collaboration opportunities as well.
Unlocking the potential of 'Brand India' in food
With bilateral trade between India and the UK expected to double by 2030, the food sector is poised to be a key pillar of this growth. But it won't happen automatically. Exporters must now invest in compliance, traceability, digital trade capabilities, and market intelligence. The government, for its part, must support this with infrastructure-cold chains, testing labs, certifications, and skill training.
CETA gives India the platform. It's now up to food industry leaders-large exporters, cooperatives, startups, and farmer groups-to seize this moment.
CETA is more than just a trade agreement. It's a bridge that connects Indian farmers to London's markets, Indian chefs to global palates, and Indian food entrepreneurs to world-class investors. The food industry, with its deep roots and global ambitions, is perfectly placed to lead this new era of economic cooperation.
This is India's moment to serve the world-not just IT and engineering-but flavor, nutrition, and sustainability-on a plate.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from FoodTechBiz.