Trade · 6 min read
Exporting Indian Snacks and Foods to the UK: What Suppliers Need to Get Right
The UK is a big market for Indian snacks. These are the things a supplier must have in order before the first pallet ships.
Quick answer
To export Indian snacks and foods to the UK, suppliers need products that meet UK food safety rules, English-language labels with ingredients, allergens, net quantity, durability date and the UK importer's details, a realistic shelf life for the journey and time on shelf, export-grade packing and complete documents. Selling through a UK distributor gives the products an importer of record and a route to retailers.
What must a UK food label show?
- Product name and ingredients list
- Allergens emphasised in the ingredients
- Net quantity
- Best-before or use-by date
- Storage conditions
- Name and address of the UK food business responsible
- Country of origin where required
Why does shelf life matter so much?
Sea freight from India to the UK takes several weeks, and retailers want enough shelf life left on arrival to sell the product. Fried snacks such as banana chips need packing that keeps out air and moisture.
Why sell through a UK distributor?
A distributor imports the goods, takes responsibility as the UK food business, and sells on to retailers and stores. Versa International Traders has a distribution partner in the UK and works with Indian suppliers who want to supply it regularly.
Frequently asked questions
Can a small Indian snack maker export to the UK?
Yes, if the product, labels and packing meet UK requirements and it can supply consistently. A trader with a UK distributor can provide the route to market.
