Leading Companies Driving India’s Global Agricultural Trade
India’s agricultural export sector stands as a testament to the nation’s agricultural diversity and entrepreneurial spirit, contributing significantly to the country’s economy while feeding millions across the globe. As we approach 2026, India’s agricultural exports have demonstrated remarkable resilience and growth, with the sector valued at approximately forty-eight billion dollars in the fiscal year ending March 2024. This impressive performance positions India among the world’s leading agricultural exporters, second only to the United States in certain commodity categories. The country’s agricultural exports span an extraordinary range of products from premium Basmati rice and aromatic spices to fresh fruits, marine products, and organic staples, reaching consumers in more than eighty countries across every continent.
1. KRBL Limited: The Basmati Rice Empire
KRBL Limited stands as India’s largest Basmati rice exporter and has established itself as a household name through its flagship brand India Gate, which commands recognition across domestic and international markets. Founded in 1889 and evolving through multiple generations, KRBL has transformed from a modest rice trading operation into a powerhouse that exports to over eighty countries worldwide. The company’s revenue exceeds five thousand crores rupees annually, with approximately thirty-six percent of its export revenue originating from Middle Eastern countries as of 2021, demonstrating strong positioning in this crucial market.
The company’s integrated business model encompasses the entire value chain from paddy procurement directly from farmers through its unique contact farming program, to state-of-the-art processing facilities, and finally to branded distribution networks. KRBL operates what is recognized as the world’s largest rice milling plant near Dhuri in Punjab, acquired through a court auction in 2003 and subsequently upgraded with an investment of two hundred crores rupees. The facility exemplifies the company’s commitment to maintaining quality through modern technology while preserving the traditional methods that give Basmati its distinctive characteristics.
What distinguishes KRBL from competitors is its emphasis on aging rice for up to two years before sale, a practice that significantly enhances the aroma and flavor profile that consumers worldwide associate with premium Basmati. The company holds approximately thirty-five percent of India’s domestic branded Basmati rice market and has successfully positioned India Gate as a premium product commanding higher prices in international markets. In recent quarters, KRBL has projected exports of four hundred crores rupees, with expectations for continued growth as global demand for premium rice varieties strengthens. The company’s strategic focus on quality over volume has enabled it to weather market fluctuations better than competitors focused primarily on commodity-grade rice.
2. LT Foods Limited: Global FMCG Powerhouse
LT Foods Limited has evolved from a family rice business established over seventy years ago into a billion-dollar global fast-moving consumer goods company with consolidated revenue of approximately eight thousand seven hundred and seventy crores rupees as of fiscal year 2025. The company operates under multiple renowned brands with Daawat being its flagship in India and Royal dominating the North American market where it has captured an impressive fifty percent of the United States Basmati rice export market. This dual-brand strategy has allowed LT Foods to tailor its approach to different market preferences while maintaining consistent quality standards across geographies.
The company’s integrated farm-to-fork approach encompasses automated state-of-the-art processing units strategically located in India, the United States, and Europe, supported by a robust distribution network of over two thousand distributors globally. LT Foods has demonstrated remarkable growth momentum with a five-year revenue compound annual growth rate of sixteen percent and profit after tax compound annual growth rate of twenty-one percent, significantly outpacing most competitors in the agricultural export sector. The company’s diversification strategy extends beyond traditional rice exports into organic food ingredients, ready-to-heat products, and ready-to-cook offerings, positioning it to capture emerging consumer trends toward convenience and health-conscious eating.
Recent developments highlight LT Foods’ aggressive expansion strategy, including the unveiling of a state-of-the-art facility in Harlow, United Kingdom in July 2024, and the opening of a new office in Saudi Arabia in November 2024, solidifying its international footprint in strategically important markets. The company’s fourth-quarter profit for fiscal year 2025 rose nearly eight percent to one hundred and sixty-one million rupees, driven by strong performance across all business segments.
The Basmati and specialty rice segment grew by ten percent, organic food and ingredients surged twenty-nine percent, and ready-to-heat and ready-to-cook products climbed twenty-one percent compared to the previous year. This diversified growth demonstrates LT Foods’ successful strategy of moving beyond commodity rice exports toward higher-margin value-added products that appeal to modern consumers seeking convenience without compromising on quality or authenticity.
3. AWL Agri Business Limited (Formerly Adani Wilmar)
AWL Agri Business, known until recently as Adani Wilmar before the Adani Group’s exit from the joint venture in November 2025, represents a different model in India’s agricultural export landscape. While the company is perhaps best known domestically for its Fortune brand of edible oils, which commands the number one position in India’s branded edible oil market with an eighteen percent market share, AWL also holds significant positions in agricultural exports, particularly as India’s largest exporter of castor oil and its derivatives and one of the country’s largest exporters of oleochemicals.
The company was established in 1999 as a fifty-fifty joint venture between Adani Enterprises and Singapore-based Wilmar International, one of Asia’s leading agribusiness groups and the world’s largest palm oil traders. This partnership brought together Adani’s deep understanding of Indian markets and infrastructure capabilities with Wilmar’s global commodity trading expertise and processing technologies. AWL operates twenty-three plants across ten states in India and exports products to the Middle East, Africa, and Southeast Asia, leveraging an extensive distribution network that reaches approximately two million outlets across the country.
Following the acquisition of Kohinoor Foods’ rice business in 2022, AWL significantly strengthened its position in the rice export sector, adding a premium brand with established international recognition to its portfolio. The company has since positioned Fortune as the number two brand in wheat flour and number three in rice in India’s domestic market, while simultaneously building export capabilities in these categories. The company’s integrated value chain spans from port operations at strategic locations including Mundra, Haldia, Paradip, and Kakinada, through processing and refining facilities, to final distribution, providing cost advantages and supply chain resilience that few competitors can match.
AWL’s recent performance demonstrates the strength of its diversified model, with the company reporting thirty-three percent revenue growth in the December 2024 quarter, significantly exceeding analyst expectations. The food and fast-moving consumer goods segment achieved twenty-four percent year-on-year volume growth, with this segment’s share in overall volumes increasing to twenty percent while its revenue contribution rose to nine percent. As the Adani Group has exited and Wilmar International now holds majority control, industry observers anticipate that AWL may leverage Wilmar’s global networks to introduce additional international brands into India while simultaneously expanding its export footprint for Indian agricultural products to new markets where Wilmar maintains strong relationships.
4. Kohinoor Foods Limited
Kohinoor Foods has established itself as a trusted name in premium Basmati rice exports with particular strength in the United Kingdom, United States, and Gulf countries where its brand commands recognition and premium pricing. The company specializes in high-quality Basmati varieties and has built its reputation on consistent quality and authentic taste that appeals to diaspora populations as well as local consumers seeking premium rice experiences. Kohinoor’s product range includes traditional Basmati, parboiled varieties, and specialty rice products under brand names including Kohinoor and Charminar, each positioned to serve different market segments and price points.
The company faced some financial challenges in recent years, reporting a loss in the first quarter of fiscal year 2024, but it continues to maintain significant market presence particularly in established export markets. Kohinoor shares showed strong movements following government policy changes regarding rice exports, rising as much as fourteen percent in a single trading session when export restrictions were eased in September 2024. This price sensitivity reflects the company’s heavy dependence on export markets and the impact that government trade policies have on companies in this sector.
Despite challenges, Kohinoor has maintained quality certifications and continues to supply major retail chains internationally. The company’s acquisition by AWL Agri Business in 2022 has provided access to more extensive distribution networks and financial resources while allowing the Kohinoor brand to retain its distinct identity and quality positioning in markets where it has built strong brand equity over decades.
5. Chaman Lal Setia Exports Limited
Chaman Lal Setia Exports represents the new generation of Indian rice exporters that have successfully scaled operations to compete with established players. The company has achieved remarkable stock market performance, hitting all-time highs during periods when rice export policies became more favorable, with shares gaining seven percent in single trading sessions when export restrictions were lifted. This impressive market response reflects investor confidence in the company’s growth potential and its ability to capitalize on favorable market conditions.
The company operates across the full spectrum of rice varieties including Basmati and non-Basmati categories, providing flexibility to serve diverse international markets with different price sensitivities and quality requirements. Chaman Lal Setia has invested in modern milling and processing infrastructure that enables it to meet international quality standards while maintaining competitive pricing. The company’s strategic focus on building relationships with importers in key markets has enabled steady growth in export volumes even during periods of regulatory uncertainty.
Chaman Lal Setia’s business model emphasizes efficiency and rapid response to market opportunities, allowing it to quickly adjust production and export strategies as global demand patterns shift. The company has demonstrated particular strength in African and Middle Eastern markets where demand for both premium Basmati and cost-effective non-Basmati rice varieties continues to grow driven by population expansion and rising incomes.
6. Trade-Pros: Spices and Specialty Rice
Trade-Pros has carved a distinctive niche in India’s agricultural export sector by specializing in high-quality rice and spices, two product categories where India enjoys inherent competitive advantages due to climate, traditional cultivation practices, and accumulated expertise. The company meets stringent international quality standards and caters to discerning consumers worldwide who seek authentic Indian flavors and premium product attributes. Trade-Pros has extensive experience in agricultural product trading and has built a reputation as one of the most prominent and trusted agricultural export companies in India.
The company’s rice portfolio spans multiple varieties including Brown rice, Raw rice, Steam rice, Sella or Parboiled rice, and Golden Sella rice, each processed to meet specific market requirements in different countries. This diversification across rice types provides Trade-Pros with resilience against market fluctuations in any single category. The company’s spice exports are equally impressive, encompassing an extensive range including Amchur, Yellow Chilli, Cinnamon Sticks, Saffron, Black Pepper, Cumin, Kalonji, Fennel Seeds, Coriander Seeds, Turmeric, Pomegranate Seeds, Asafoetida, both Black and Green Cardamom, Bay Leaves, Fenugreek Seeds, Mustard Seeds, Cloves, Tamarind, Carom Seeds, and Dry Red Chilli among others.
Trade-Pros has established strong connections to international commodity markets across all continents, enabling the company to identify and connect with ideal customers for specific products. This global network allows Trade-Pros to respond quickly to emerging opportunities in new markets while maintaining reliable supply relationships with established customers. The company’s ability to procure directly from agricultural-rich states such as Punjab, Haryana, and Gujarat while maintaining quality control throughout the supply chain has been central to its success in commanding premium prices in international markets.
7. Jay Agro Export: Fresh Produce Specialists
Jay Agro Export has established itself as one of India’s prominent fresh fruit and vegetable export companies, specializing in products that require sophisticated cold chain management and rapid logistics to reach international markets in peak condition. The company’s product focus includes table grapes, pomegranates, onions, mangoes, fresh vegetables, and non-GMO certified maize, all products where India has significant production capacity but where export success depends critically on post-harvest handling, packaging, and transportation expertise.
Located in Nashik, one of India’s premier agricultural production hubs particularly renowned for grape, pomegranate, onion, and vegetable cultivation, Jay Agro Export benefits from proximity to high-quality production areas. The company sources approximately eighty percent of its products from the Nashik region, minimizing transportation time and costs while ensuring freshness. Jay Agro Export has partnered strategically with Bayer Crop Science to guarantee the production of highest quality table grapes and vegetables, bringing advanced agricultural practices and inputs to farmers in its supply network.
The company adheres to global Good Agricultural Practices standards, ensuring that products meet stringent international requirements for food safety, pesticide residues, and environmental sustainability. Jay Agro Export’s commitment to quality and compliance has enabled it to build long-term relationships with major importers in developed markets where consumers demand and are willing to pay premium prices for fresh produce that meets the highest standards. The company’s success in this challenging sector, where product spoilage and quality degradation pose constant risks, demonstrates sophisticated capabilities in supply chain management and quality control.
8. India Agro Exports: Processed Vegetables Leader
India Agro Exports, established at the turn of the twenty-first century, represents the first-generation family business success story in South India’s agricultural export sector. The company delivers high-quality agricultural products at competitive prices to customers worldwide, focusing particularly on processed vegetables that require sophisticated manufacturing capabilities. India Agro Exports has developed a strong network of farmers, agents, and food entrepreneurs across agri-rich states including Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Gujarat, providing a stable supply base for its operations.
The company’s product range focuses on specialty processed vegetables including Gherkins, Jalapeños, Baby Corn, and Peppers, products that appeal to international markets seeking Indian agricultural products beyond traditional grains and spices. These products require careful handling from farm to processing facility, and India Agro Exports has strategically located its processing plant in Bangalore within forty-five to two hundred kilometers of the farms where products are grown. This proximity guarantees rapid delivery of fresh crops while maintaining quality upon arrival, a critical factor in processed vegetable production where freshness at the time of processing directly impacts final product quality.
India Agro Exports’ focus on processed rather than fresh products provides several advantages including longer shelf life, reduced transportation costs compared to fresh produce, and the ability to add value through processing that commands higher prices in international markets. The company’s success in establishing reliable supply relationships with farmers while maintaining processing quality standards that meet international requirements demonstrates the entrepreneurial capability that has driven India’s agricultural export growth.
9. Pisum Food Services Private Limited
Pisum Food Services, established in May 2015 as an initiative by the BTW Group which was founded in 2011, has rapidly ascended to rank among the top agricultural export companies in India. This relatively young company’s swift rise demonstrates the opportunities available in India’s agricultural export sector for well-capitalized, professionally managed operations that combine modern business practices with deep agricultural knowledge. Pisum Food Services has invested in advanced processing technologies and quality control systems that enable it to meet international standards while maintaining efficiency and cost competitiveness.
The company operates across multiple agricultural commodity categories, providing diversification that reduces dependence on any single product or market. Pisum Food Services has focused on building systematic procurement networks that provide farmers with assured markets and fair prices while giving the company reliable access to quality raw materials. This approach has enabled rapid scaling while maintaining the quality consistency that international buyers demand.
Pisum’s business model emphasizes long-term relationships with both suppliers and customers, investing in understanding the specific requirements of different international markets and tailoring products accordingly. The company has leveraged digital technologies for supply chain management, quality tracking, and customer communication, bringing a contemporary approach to what has traditionally been a relationship-based business. This combination of traditional agricultural knowledge with modern business systems positions Pisum Food Services for continued growth as India’s agricultural export sector becomes increasingly sophisticated and competitive.
10. Field to Feed Export: New Generation Excellence
Field to Feed Export represents the emerging generation of Indian agricultural exporters that combine traditional agricultural knowledge with contemporary business practices and international quality standards. Based in Indore, the company positions itself as a premier leader among agricultural exporters in India, delivering export-grade farm-fresh grains, spices, pulses, dry fruits, and superfoods to global markets. The company’s geographic positioning in Madhya Pradesh, one of India’s major grain-producing states, provides access to abundant agricultural production while benefiting from improving infrastructure that facilitates efficient movement of goods to ports.
Field to Feed Export emphasizes complete traceability from farm to port, a critical requirement in international agricultural trade where buyers increasingly demand documentation of product origin, handling practices, and compliance with food safety standards. The company holds essential certifications including FSSAI, FIEO, APEDA, and Spice Board registrations, uses accredited laboratories for testing, and maintains full batch traceability throughout its operations. This systematic approach to quality assurance differentiates Field to Feed Export from smaller, less formalized competitors who may struggle to meet the documentation and certification requirements that international buyers now routinely demand.
The company partners with trusted farmers who meet its high standards for agricultural products, conducting rigorous soil testing, residue analysis, and moisture testing before harvest to guarantee compliance with international standards. After harvest, agricultural commodities undergo primary sorting and cleaning to ensure only premium products are selected for export. All export products are processed and sent to accredited laboratories for testing, with comprehensive documentation maintained throughout the process. Field to Feed Export serves wholesalers, retailers, and food industry importers seeking reliable agricultural export partnerships, providing not just products but also the documentation and assurance that enables confident international trade.
Conclusion: Feeding the World While Building National Prosperity
India’s top agricultural export companies represent more than just commercial enterprises—they are critical links connecting Indian farmers to global consumers, generating foreign exchange that supports India’s economic development, and contributing to global food security by providing reliable supplies of essential agricultural products. The ten companies profiled here, along with hundreds of other exporters of various sizes, collectively move billions of dollars worth of agricultural products across borders annually, touching the lives of consumers in virtually every country.
As these companies navigate the complexities of international trade, quality standards, regulatory requirements, and competitive pressures, they also drive improvements in Indian agriculture more broadly. Exporting companies demand higher quality and more consistent production from their farmer suppliers, leading to adoption of better agricultural practices, improved seed varieties, and more careful post-harvest handling. The foreign exchange earnings from agricultural exports support India’s balance of payments while providing farmers with income opportunities beyond domestic markets, particularly important for premium products where Indian consumers may not yet fully appreciate or be able to afford the quality premiums that international buyers willingly pay.
The future of India’s agricultural export sector will be shaped by how effectively companies and policymakers navigate the tension between domestic food security and export opportunities, how successfully Indian agriculture adapts to climate change and evolving international quality standards, and how well exporters build brands and relationships that transcend commodity competition to create lasting value.
The companies that thrive will be those that invest in quality, embrace sustainability, leverage technology, and build trusted relationships with both farmers who supply them and international customers who depend on them. India’s journey from food scarcity to becoming a major agricultural exporter represents one of the great economic transformation stories of the past few decades, and the next chapter promises to be equally compelling as these companies work to secure India’s position as an indispensable participant in global food systems.
