Export of Grapes and Allied Products from India. [Part 1 of 3]

1. Introduction

India is one of the leading producers and exporters of fresh table grapes, with a strong presence in global markets due to high-quality varieties, improved cultivation practices, and stringent adherence to international food safety standards. Maharashtra is the hub of India’s grape export economy, supported by modern pack-houses, pre-harvest residue management, and internationally recognized certification systems. Apart from fresh grapes, India also exports value-added grape products like raisins, wine, grape juice, and grape seed extracts, which collectively contribute to the country’s agri-export basket.

2. Major Producing States

Grape cultivation in India is concentrated in climatic zones suitable for high-quality table grape production. The major grape-growing states include:

• Maharashtra – largest producer and exporter, known for premium Thompson Seedless and Flame Seedless varieties.
• Karnataka – produces quality export-grade grapes, particularly in Bijapur and Bagalkot.
• Tamil Nadu – known for table grapes and processing varieties.
• Andhra Pradesh & Telangana – emerging production regions with growing export potential.
• Punjab and Haryana – seasonal production mostly for domestic markets.

3. Major Varieties for Export

India produces a range of seedless and seeded varieties, but exports are dominated by seedless table grapes.

Key Seedless Varieties

• Thompson Seedless – India’s largest export variety.
• Sonaka Seedless – elongated berries with good shelf life.
• Sharad Seedless – dark-colored seedless berries.
• Flame Seedless – red table variety popular in global markets.

Other Notable Varieties

• Black Seedless
• Tas-A-Ganesh
• Super Sonaka
• Crimson Seedless (gaining international acceptance)

4. Climate and Soil Requirements

Grapes thrive in warm, dry climates with minimal rainfall during ripening. Key requirements include:

• Temperature: Mild winters and dry summers for optimal berry development.
• Rainfall: Low rainfall during harvest to prevent fungal infections.
• Soil: Well-drained loamy or sandy-loam soils with good aeration.
• Irrigation: Controlled irrigation through drip systems ensures better sugar accumulation and berry size.
• Disease Control: Grapes require rigorous canopy and disease management to meet export standards, especially for pesticide residue limits.

5. HSN Codes for Grapes & Allied Products

• Fresh Grapes: 0806 10
• Dried Grapes (Raisins): 0806 20
• Grape Juice: 2009 61 / 2009 69
• Wine: 2204
• Grape Vinegar: 2209
• Grape Seeds / Extracts: under relevant Chapters 12 and 13

6. Major Export Destinations

India’s grapes are exported to a wide range of high-value markets, including:

• European Union (led by Netherlands, UK, Germany)
• Middle East (UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman)
• Bangladesh and Nepal
• Russia and Ukraine (depending on geopolitical situations)
• Sri Lanka and Malaysia
• Emerging interest from East Asian markets

Europe remains the most stringent but rewarding destination due to premium pricing for certified, residue-free grapes.

7. Export Documentation & Compliance Requirements

Export of grapes requires strict adherence to food safety, quality, and traceability standards.

Mandatory Requirements

• APEDA Registration for agricultural exports
• Farm registration and plot coding under the GrapeNet system
• Residue Monitoring Plan (RMP) compliance
• Pesticide residue tests from approved laboratories
• Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) compliance
• Phytosanitary Certificate
• Certificate of Origin, invoice, packing list, airway bill/Bill of Lading

GrapeNet System

India uses an online traceability system (GrapeNet) to ensure:

• Pre-harvest testing
• Compliance with Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs)
• Farm-to-export traceability
• Approval of pack-houses and exporters

8. Allied Products Export

a) Raisins

India exports large quantities of golden and black raisins, majorly from Maharashtra and Karnataka. They are popular in Middle Eastern and European markets.

b) Wine

Indian wine exports are growing steadily, with Nashik emerging as the wine capital of India. Exports go to the UK, France, UAE, and Singapore.

c) Grape Juice & Concentrates

Used in beverages, confectionery, and nutraceuticals.

d) Grape Seed Extract and Oil

Used in cosmetics, health supplements, and pharmaceuticals.

9. Export Performance Overview

India’s grape exports have shown strong growth due to:

• Higher adoption of global standards
• Investments in pack-houses and cold chains
• Expansion into new markets
• Increased demand for seedless varieties

Value-added products like raisins and winery products also show upward growth trends.

10. Export Promotion Schemes

a) RODTEP Scheme

Refunds embedded taxes and duties to make exports price-competitive.

b) Duty Drawback Scheme

Refunds customs duties on inputs used in the export process.

c) MEIS (legacy scheme)

Historical incentive; replaced by RODTEP/ROSL.

d) ECGC

Provides insurance against payment defaults and protects exporters from commercial or political risks.

11. Export Promotion Bodies

• APEDA (Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority)
  • Primary authority for grape export regulation, training, RMP compliance, and certification.
• National Research Centre for Grapes (NRCG), Pune
  • Develops technical guidelines, residue management practices, and scientific support.
• State Agricultural Universities
  • Assist farmers with GAP, pest control, and yield improvement.

12. Challenges in Grape Export

Key challenges include:

• Strict pesticide residue limits in EU markets
• Short shelf life and requirement for cold-chain infrastructure
• Weather-related risks such as unseasonal rains
• Rising freight and logistics costs
• Fierce competition from South Africa, Chile, Peru, and Turkey
• Need for continual farmer training in GAP and residue management
• Market fluctuations and regulatory changes

13. Government Initiatives

The government has introduced multiple measures to enhance grape exports:

• Strengthening the GrapeNet traceability system
• Farm training on safe pesticide use and residue control
• Encouragement of GI tagging for region-specific grape varieties
• Support for establishing pack-houses and pre-cooling units
• Export cluster development in Maharashtra and Karnataka
• Financial assistance for cold-chain and infrastructure development
• Market development through international trade fairs and buyer–seller meets

14. Conclusion

The export of grapes and allied products from India has evolved into a well-organized, quality-driven sector supported by advanced traceability systems, rigorous pesticide management, and growing international acceptance. With increasing focus on quality, sustainability, and value addition, India is well-positioned to further expand its presence in global grape markets. Continued investment in cold-chain logistics, farmer training, and market diversification will play a key role in driving future growth.