Top ODR Platforms in India: Revolutionizing Digital Justice
21 Apr, 2025
By Online Legal India
Published On 14 Dec 2020
Updated On 17 Apr 2025
Category APEDA
Grape is one of the most important commercial fruit crops in India. Grape cultivation is profitable all year long as it generates great remuneration for its growers. India is one of the highest grape-producing countries in the world. The grapes of India is also great in quality.
However, great product alone isn’t enough. Your business needs some essential certifications. Two of the most important certifications in this journey are getting your Import Export Code (IEC) and Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority APEDA registration. These are not just government formalities they are your passport to operate business globally.
In this article, we will break things down simply, walk you through the essentials, and help you understand how to legally and confidently launch your grape export business in India.
1. High-Quality Produce
Indian grapes, especially Thompson Seedless, are known globally for their sweetness, long shelf life, and uniform size. They meet international quality standards in terms of residue-free farming and appearance.
2. Extended Export Season
India’s grape harvesting season (January to April) helps fill the off-season gap for many countries in Europe and Asia, ensuring year-round supply.
3. Global GAP & APEDA Certification
Many Indian exporters are Global GAP and APEDA certified, ensuring food safety, traceability, and sustainable farming practices—key factors for EU and Middle East markets.
4. Competitive Pricing
Due to lower production costs, India offers cost-effective pricing compared to traditional suppliers like Italy, Spain, or the USA, without compromising on quality.
5. Strong Export Infrastructure
India has a robust export ecosystem with pre-cooling, cold storage, and reefer container facilities, especially in Maharashtra, the largest grape-producing state.
6. Residue-Free Compliance
India maintains strict compliance with MRLs (Maximum Residue Levels), especially for the EU, ensuring safety and acceptance in strict regulatory markets.
7. Government Support & Subsidies
The Indian government, through APEDA, provides logistics support, quality certification, and export promotion schemes to ensure smoother international trade.
8. Diverse Varietal Options
India exports not only Thompson Seedless but also varieties like Sharad Seedless, Flame Seedless, and Sonaka, catering to diverse market preferences.
9. Growing Reputation in Global Markets
With consistent quality, India has established itself as a reliable grape exporter to the EU, Russia, Middle East, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and South East Asia.
10. Eco-Friendly & Sustainable Farming
Many vineyards follow eco-friendly practices, with a shift toward organic and sustainable production, appealing to conscious consumers globally.
1. Table Grape Consumption (Primary Reason)
The majority of Indian grape exports are fresh table grapes, mainly Thompson Seedless, used for direct consumption. These grapes are sweet, seedless, have a long shelf life, and meet consumer preferences in Europe, Gulf countries, and South Asia. Popular in supermarkets, fruit shops, hotels, and airline catering.
2. Juice and Concentrate Production
Some countries import Indian grapes for processing into grape juice, concentrates, and pulp. These are used in beverages, flavored yogurt, health drinks, and baby food.
3. Raisin Production
Indian grapes are also used in raisin (dried grapes) processing, especially in countries that lack suitable climate for grape drying. Exporters may ship grapes to Bangladesh, Nepal, or Gulf nations, where they are sun-dried or machine-dried locally.
4. Winemaking (Limited Use)
While India does export grapes for winemaking, it is not the primary reason for most exports. European countries already have established wine grape varieties (like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, etc.). However, some experimental or blended wines may use Indian grapes, especially in niche markets.
5. Off-Season Market Supply
India’s grape season (Jan–April) fills a supply gap in many regions where local grape production is unavailable due to winter. Retailers and distributors import grapes from India to maintain year-round availability in supermarkets.
6. Health and Wellness Trends
Grapes are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and natural sugars, making them popular in health-conscious markets like the EU, USA, and Japan. Used in diet plans, fruit bowls, detox regimens, and energy snacks.
Let’s have a Look in Chart
India may not always come to mind when you think of vineyards, but it has quietly become one of the top 10 grape producers in the world. For the 2023–24 season, India was on track to produce around 2.95 million metric tonnes of grapes. That is a significant number and it is only expected to grow!
Unlike many other countries that focus on wine, India’s grapes are primarily used for fresh consumption, raisins, and increasingly for juice and wine. With its varied climate and growing export infrastructure, India is carving out a stronger place in the global market.
If you want to dive into the grape export business or simply want to understand where your fruit comes from, India’s grape story is one of growth, opportunity, and global potential.
India has made its mark as one of the top five exporters of fresh grapes globally. In the financial year 2023–24, India exported around 343,982 metric tonnes of grapes across the world. This earned the country ?3,460.70 crores, which equals approximately $417 million USD.
Between March 2023 and February 2024, over 38,400 shipments of grapes left Indian ports, destined for global markets. These exports were made possible by 1,541 Indian exporters who catered to more than 4,100 international buyers, a clear sign that the demand for grapes is growing.
Even February 2024 alone saw 9,508 shipments, which was a 13% jump compared to February 2023. Even more impressively, this marked a 93% increase from January 2024, which shows a strong surge in grape exports early in the year.
Bangladesh, Netherlands, UAE, Nepal, UK, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Germany, Turkey, Hong Kong are top destinations where India exports grapes
Key Insight: Bangladesh recently overtook the Netherlands to become the top importer of Indian grapes, this shows the increase in regional demand from South Asia. European nations like the UK, Germany, and the Netherlands continue to be strong buyers due to the high demand for table grapes and wine production.
The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) has registered numerous exporters under its network, many of whom contribute significantly to India’s grape exports.
Here are some of the top grape exporters from India, known for consistently exporting high-quality produce:
These companies are active members of the Indian grape export ecosystem and are listed under the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA)’s exporter directory. They often operate from major grape-producing states like Maharashtra and Karnataka, which together account for over 95% of India’s total grape production as per the latest 2023–24 data.
You may consider that all of them are your competitors. You need not worry about it. Anybody can start their grape export business from very lower level of exporters. You need to step at the first platform to be on the top. Proper export strategy can help do so.
India ranks among the leading producers and exporters of grapes globally. If you are passionate about agriculture or exports, to step into the grapes export business can be a smart and profitable move. But before you start packing those juicy grapes for shipping, there are some key steps and documents you will need to get everything in order.
You need to officially register your company with the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA). This document makes your business legal and ready to trade.
If you are selling any goods or services in India, GST registration is a must. It assists with taxes and allows you to claim input tax credit.
This is your passport for exporting. You have to apply for this from the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) it is quick and online.
Since grapes come under agricultural products, you will need to register with the Agricultural & Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA). This opens doors to export support, training, and more.
This document proves you are a certified exporter. It is especially helpful if your buyers ask for product traceability.
Even though grapes are fresh produce, having a food safety license shows you are serious about hygiene and quality.
What is the Importer Exporter Code (IEC) and Why is it Mandatory?
Definition of Importer Exporter Code (IEC)
The Importer Exporter Code (IEC) is a unique 10-digit code issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India. It acts as a business identification number for any person or company involved in importing or exporting goods and services from India.
Importer Exporter Code (IEC) is mandatory for conducting any import or export activity in India. Without it, no individual or business can legally:
Even banks require the Importer Exporter Code (IEC) to process payments for import-export transactions.
Think of the Importer Exporter Code (IEC) as a passport for your business in global trade. It helps government agencies and financial institutions recognize your firm as a registered importer/exporter. Unlike GST, IEC is not mandatory to renew annually. It's valid for a lifetime unless canceled or modified one it is issued.
Here is a simplified process to apply IEC online:
Step 1: Visit the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) website.
Step 2: Click on “Online IEC Application”.
Step 3: Fill out Part A (basic applicant details). You will receive a registration code via SMS/email.
Step 4: Complete with firm and address details.
Step 5: Accept the declaration and fill in the signatory details.
Step 6: Upload required documents like PAN card, address proof, bank details, etc.
Step 7: Pay the application fee.
Step 8: Digitally sign and submit the form, or print and submit it to your Jurisdictional Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) office.
Step 9: After approval, you will receive an e-IEC via email, which you can download and print from the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) portal.
For complete guidelines, you can visit the official Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) portal.
APEDA stands for the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority. It works under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India. Its primary role is to promote the export of agricultural and processed food products, this includes fresh grapes.
If you want to export grapes from India, you have to get registered with APEDA as it is compulsory. It proves that your business complies with Indian export standards for agricultural products. Without APEDA registration, you won’t be able to legally export grapes or claim related export benefits.
How APEDA Supports Exporters
Below is mentioned how APEDA helps grape exporters to grow in the global market:
How to Register with APEDA
This certificate is valid for five years, and it’s your gateway to Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) services and support.
The FSSAI license is a mandatory certification issued by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), under the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare. It ensures that food products are safe, hygienic, and fit for human consumption. Any business involved in the manufacture, storage, distribution, sale, or export of food items, including fresh produce like grapes, must obtain this license.
In short, if you have an FSSAI license is not just a legal formality it is a mark of trust, quality, and professionalism in the global food trade.
Step 1: Set Up Your Business
Choose your business structure proprietorship, partnership, or private limited, and register it officially from the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA). It is your foundation.
Step 2: Apply for Importer Exporter code (IEC)
The Importer Exporter Code (IEC) is essential for anyone who wants to export anything from India. It is a one-time process and can be done online through the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT).
Step 3: Register with the APEDA
Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) helps you stay compliant and gives access to export schemes, packaging standards, and market connections.
Step 4: Get Quality Certifications
Before your grapes travel the world, make sure they meet international standards.
Step 5: Prepare Export Documents, these include
Each document makes the export process smooth and transparent.
Step 6: Tie Up with Logistics Partners
You will need a good freight forwarder and a Customs House Agent (CHA) to handle shipping and clearance at ports.
Step 7: Find Global Buyers
You can start with Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) buyer-seller meets, and agri-export fairs, or use platforms like IndiaMART, TradeIndia, and international B2B sites to connect with buyers.
Source grapes from certified Global GAP and APEDA-registered farmers—mostly from Maharashtra (Nashik, Sangli, Solapur), the top grape-producing state. Ensure residue-free, export-grade grapes are harvested at the right Brix level (sugar content).
Transport harvested grapes immediately to a pre-cooling and packhouse facility. Sort and grade the grapes based on size, color, and quality. Use pre-cooling units (0–1°C) to reduce field heat—this maintains shelf life and prevents fungal growth.
Tip: Pre-cooling should begin within 4–6 hours of harvest.
Pack grapes in ventilated corrugated boxes or grape punnets with liners, with proper cushioning. Use sulphur pads or grape guards inside to maintain freshness and prevent spoilage. Stick export labels with all necessary details: batch number, date, weight, grade, and country of destination.
Store packed grapes in cold storage units (0–1°C and 90–95% RH) until dispatch. Hire refrigerated trucks (reefers) for inland transportation to the port (e.g., JNPT Mumbai or Mundra Port). Monitor real-time temperature using IoT or GPS devices to ensure cold chain is unbroken.
Before dispatching to the port, prepare the following:
Documents
On arrival at port (JNPT, Mundra, or Chennai), grapes are stuffed into refrigerated containers (20ft/40ft reefer containers). Ensure temperature is maintained at 0°C to 1°C. Containers are sealed and handed over to the shipping line for export.
Tip: Book reefer containers in advance during peak season (Jan–April).
Use a freight forwarding company or logistics partner for ocean freight. Monitor shipment status through the shipping line portal. Inform the importer about ETD (Estimated Time of Departure) and ETA (Estimated Time of Arrival).
Logistics Partners and Infrastructure
|
Component |
Logistics Providers |
|
Cold Chain Trucks |
ColdStar, Snowman, Kool-Ex |
|
Pre-cooling & Packhouses |
Schedulers, APEDA Packhouses, VHT Units |
|
Freight Forwarders |
Maersk, MSC, Hapag Lloyd, CMA CGM |
|
Customs Brokers |
Certified CHA agents near the port |
If you are going to start a grape export business in India, it is a smart move with growing global demand and India’s strong production capacity. But to export legally and confidently, you need key registrations like Importer Exporter Code (IEC), Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), and FSSAI licenses along with proper documentation.
At Online Legal India, we make the process simple. We assist you with Company Registration, GST Filing & Registration, FSSAI License, IEC Code Application, etc. Let us handle the legalities so you can focus on building your export business. Visit Online Legal India today.
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