New Delhi, Nov. 25 -- India is emerging as an unexpected player in the global mozzarella market, upending a space long dominated by Western suppliers. The surge comes even as several trading partners continue pressing New Delhi for greater access to India's dairy market, including cheese, as part of ongoing negotiations, according to government trade data reviewed by Mint.

Exports of mozzarella jumped from nil in FY23 to $0.71 million in FY24 and $2.29 million in FY25, and the momentum has strengthened this year. Shipments reached $3.29 million in April-September 2025, marking an over 1,200% increase year-on-year, the data showed. India's overall dairy exports were at $493 million in FY25, up 80% from the previous fiscal year.

Analysts ...