How to Export Drumsticks from India
India is undoubtedly the largest producer and seller of fresh drumsticks (Moringa pods) in the world. The rich nutrition and the demand in countries such as the UAE, UK, USA, Saudi Arabia, and Singapore have made the drumstick a very good export item for Indian farmers and exporters.
If you’ve ever been curious about how to export drumsticks from India, this comprehensive guide provided by Harvest Food EXIM will lead you through the entire process, right from registration and documentation to packaging and shipping. This guide will definitely enable you to establish your own prosperous drumstick export business.
Understanding the Global Demand for Drumsticks
The market demand for all types of drumsticks, whether fresh or processed, is rapidly increasing. As per the APEDA Export Report (2023-24), the annual value of Indian exports of Moringa and drumstick-related products is more than $55 million.
The primary countries importing these products are:
- United Arab Emirates (UAE)
- United Kingdom (UK)
- United States (USA)
- Saudi Arabia
- Singapore
- Qatar
Drumsticks have a high nutritional value, and they are rich sources of vitamin C, calcium, and antioxidants. They are used in different ways, such as culinary and medicinal practices. Moreover, with the global shift towards health food and organics, Indian drumsticks are extremely high in demand.
Why Choose Drumstick Export as a Business?
There are ample benefits of engaging in a drumstick export business:
- High Profits: The export rate may be 3-5 times higher than the domestic market rate.
- Global Demand: The ingredient is used in cooking across South India, Africa, and Southeast Asia.
- Low Investment: Drumsticks can be grown with less effort on small lands by farmers with fewer resources.
- Life Span: If properly packaged, fresh drumsticks can be kept as long as 2-3 weeks.
- Scope for Value Addition: The demand for drumstick powder, Moringa oil, and dried pods is increasing in the export market.
At Harvest Food EXIM, we are facilitating Indian farmers and small-scale traders to be linked with trusted global buyers for steady and lucrative export opportunities.
How to Start Drumstick Export from India
If you are going to export drumsticks, you are required to go through some legal and logistical procedures. The following is a simple breakdown:
- Register Your Business
You need to register your export business in one of the following formats:
- Proprietorship
- Partnership Firm
- Private Limited Company
Moreover, obtain GST and PAN numbers for your business.
- Obtain Import Export Code (IEC)
The IEC code is an obligatory requirement for all exporters in India. One has the facility to apply for it through the internet via the DGFT (Directorate General of Foreign Trade) website.
In case you do not have an IEC, the customs department will not give clearance for exports.
- Register with APEDA
If you are planning to export products of the agricultural category, like drumsticks, you must register with the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA).
The registration with APEDA will give you the following benefits:
- Ability to export data
- Schemes for market development
- Financial Help
- Buyer and seller meet
- Select Target Countries
Conduct extensive market research to discover the most suitable export markets for drumsticks.
- The UAE and Saudi Arabia are the major importers of fresh drumsticks.
- For Moringa powder or other value-added goods, the USA, UK, and Europe have a high demand.
- Search Trusted Buyers or Importers
You can find buyers through the following ways:
- B2B platforms such as Alibaba, TradeIndia, ExportersIndia, and IndiaMART.
- Government trade portals like APEDA Buyer-Seller Meet.
- Export agencies or commission agents.
At Harvest Food EXIM, we have a constantly working network of international buyers and can assist Indian suppliers in connecting directly to importers.
- Quality Standards and Certifications
Drumsticks meant for export must conform to the international quality standards.
- Implement Good Agricultural Practices (GAP)
- Harvest products free from any residues
- Conduct appropriate grading, sorting, and packing
To improve the situation, certifications like Organic Certification, FSSAI, HACCP, and Global GAP are strongly advised.
- Requirements for Packaging & Labelling
The correct packaging will keep the drumsticks fresh all the way to the destination.
- Corrugated boxes with ventilation are a must
- Each bundle wrapped in poly film for moisture retention
- Boxes must be labeled with product name, weight, origin (India), and handling instructions
Exporters can choose Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP), which will result in a longer shelf life of the drumsticks.
- Shipping & Logistics
The export of drumsticks can be done through air freight or sea freight, depending on the size of the order:
- Air Freight: It is the ideal choice for fresh drumsticks, guaranteeing quicker delivery (3 to 5 days)
- Sea Freight: Appropriate for large quantities of dried or processed drumsticks
Chennai, Mumbai, Kochi, and Tuticorin are the major ports for export.
- Required Documents for Drumstick Export
Here’s a complete list of documents required for exporting drumsticks from India:
- IEC Code Certificate
- APEDA Registration
- Commercial Invoice
- Packing List
- Phytosanitary Certificate
- Certificate of Origin
- FSSAI Certificate
- Bill of Lading / Airway Bill
- Export Contract / Purchase Order
All the above-mentioned documents must comply with customs and plant quarantine norms..
How Harvest Food EXIM Helps Drumstick Exporters
At Harvest Food EXIM, our main focus is on the global trade of premium-quality drumsticks that are sourced, processed, and exported from India.
Below is a list of what we offer:
- Fresh and totally residue-free Drumsticks, which are sourced straight from the farms
- Grading and Quality Inspection
- Custom packaging designed to fit the client's needs
- Full export documentation
- Support with logistics and shipment
The main advantages we provide to our clients are hassle-free exports, along with prompt delivery and reasonable pricing.
Tips to Succeed in Drumstick Export Business
- Foster good connections with farmers for a stable supply.
- Ensure cleanliness and quality during packing.
- Check out the import rules of your desired countries.
- Start with limited sample shipments and expand your business gradually.
- Attract international clients through online marketing and B2B portals.
The quality and the regularity are always the primary considerations. When the buyers trust your product, they usually become long-term clients.
Profit Margin in Drumstick Export Business
Exporters usually get a price of about:
- ₹60–₹80 per kg (domestic)
- ₹180–₹250 per kg (export) It can vary due to the destination and the logistics.
This brings about a profit margin of nearly 3x to 4x, making drumstick export a very profitable venture if properly managed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Final Thoughts
The drumsticks export from India will be profitable and an eco-friendly business opportunity, particularly for new exporters and agro-entrepreneurs. The global market is open for you if you have the proper knowledge, certifications, and quality control.
Harvest Food EXIM takes great pride in helping Indian farmers and exporters by providing the world with 100% fresh, chemical-free drumsticks.
So, what are you waiting for? Walk on your export journey today! Come on board with Harvest Food EXIM and let your products move from Indian farms to international tables!
