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India Eyes Singapore as Gateway to Become Global Food Supplier

India's High Commissioner to Singapore stated the country is poised to become a strategic supplier of food and agricultural products. The announcement was made at the launch of Indusfood Asia 2026, held alongside the major FHA trade show in Singapore. The event featured over 100 Indian companies and key export boards showcasing diverse products to tap into Singapore's role as a major import hub for the ASEAN region. This initiative aims to secure a share of Asia's rapidly growing food, beverage, and hospitality markets.

Key Points: India Aims to Be Strategic Food Supplier via Singapore

  • India launches Indusfood Asia 2026 in Singapore
  • Singapore imports 90% of its $16.2B food needs
  • Event featured over 100 Indian companies & major boards
  • Asia's F&B market projected to surpass $3.3 trillion by 2034
  • Singapore is a strategic hub for ASEAN market access
2 min read

India well-positioned to emerge as strategic supplier of food, agri products: Singapore envoy

India positions itself as a key food supplier to Singapore and ASEAN, launching Indusfood Asia 2026 to tap into the region's multi-trillion dollar F&B market.

"India is well-positioned to emerge as a strategic supplier of food and agricultural products. - Shilpak Ambule"

New Delhi, April 21

High Commissioner of India to Singapore, Shilpak Ambule, on Tuesday said that India is well-positioned to emerge as a strategic supplier of food and agricultural products, addressing food security concerns and evolving demands of Singapore's cosmopolitan and premium consumer market.

The High Commissioner made the comment at the Food & Hospitality Asia (FHA) show in Singapore Expo during the inaugural edition of Indusfood Asia hosted by the Trade Promotion Council of India (TPCI), and Department of Commerce.

The launch of the inaugural edition of Indus Food Asia 2026 marks a significant new beginning in India's quest to explore new international markets for its food products and to contribute meaningfully to global food security through innovative and sustainable food and beverage solutions, the statement from Trade Promotion Council of India said

"With this first edition, Indusfood has leapt into the global stage. The reason for hosting these companies here is that Singapore is one of Asia's most strategic food import hubs and a gateway into the wider ASEAN and Asia-Pacific region," said Mohit Singla, Chairman TPCI.

Despite a population of just around 6 million, Singapore imports $ 16.2 billion worth of food & beverages, almost 90 per cent of its needs. Many global food distributors, retail procurement teams, HoReCa buyers, and ASEAN sourcing offices operate regional headquarters out of Singapore, using it as a distribution and decision-making hub for Southeast Asia which makes success in Singapore open pathways into neighbouring ASEAN markets, he noted.

The event witnessed the participation of over 100 Indian companies showcasing a diverse range of products, including rice, processed foods, tea, coffee, spices, value-added products, Wines & Spirits, GI-tagged products such as makhana and Kala Namak rice, as well as Indian ethnic foods, sauces, and savouries.

Major commodity boards and export promotion bodies such as APEDA, MPEDA, Spices Board, Coffee Board, Tea Board, and the National Turmeric Board, along with their member companies and officials participated in the event.

Asia's biggest food and hospitality show‑‑ Food & Hospitality Asia (FHA) show at Singapore Expo runs from April 21, 2026 to April 24. It hosts 2,750 exhibitors from over 60 countries attracting more than 80,000 trade visitors and buyers from all over the world.

The food and beverages (F&B) market in Asia is projected to surpass $3.3 trillion by 2034, and the hospitality sector is expected to reach $181.2 billion by 2029.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Great strategic move. Singapore's position as a hub is undeniable. But we must ensure quality control and branding are top-notch to compete globally. "Make in India" for food needs to mean premium and reliable.
A
Aman W
Seeing makhana and Kala Namak rice being promoted on a global stage makes me proud. Our traditional foods have so much potential. Hope this leads to better prices for our farmers in Bihar and UP.
S
Sarah B
As someone living in Singapore, I'm excited! The Indian food section here is growing, but having more direct, high-quality imports would be amazing. The focus on sustainable solutions is also very welcome.
V
Vikram M
A $3.3 trillion market by 2034? That's huge. India needs to move fast and capture market share. We have the production capacity, but logistics and meeting international packaging standards have been hurdles. Hope TPCI is addressing that.
K
Karthik V
Respectfully, while this is positive, I hope this isn't just another talk show. We've heard similar promises before. The proof will be in sustained export growth and tangible benefits reaching the agricultural heartland. The initiative is good, but execution is key.
N
Nisha Z
Love that our coffee and tea boards

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