1Snapshot

• Why these clusters are iconic:
  India is the world’s largest exporter of frozen shrimp and among the top five seafood exporters globally, with Cochin, Veraval, Bhimavaram, and Mangaluru as its key processing hubs:
  
  • Cochin, Kerala: Oldest and largest seafood export hub; houses MPEDA headquarters.
    
  • Veraval, Gujarat: Leading hub for frozen fish and cuttlefish exports; proximity to rich fishing grounds.
    
  • Bhimavaram, Andhra Pradesh: Known as the “Aqua Capital of India,” producing the highest share of India’s farmed shrimp.
    
  • Mangaluru, Karnataka: Traditional fisheries hub specializing in pelagic species, tuna, and value-added seafood.
    These clusters together power India’s $8+ billion seafood export industry.
    
• Global Positioning:
  Supported by the Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA), these clusters have EU, US FDA, and HACCP-certified facilities, making India a trusted source for shrimp, finfish, mollusks, and ready-to-cook products in North America, EU, Japan, China, and Middle East.
  

Product & Variety Range

Cluster	Key Products
Cochin (Kerala)	Black tiger shrimp, squid, octopus, value-added products, tuna loins
Veraval (Gujarat)	Cuttlefish, ribbonfish, frozen finfish, surimi, cephalopods
Bhimavaram (AP)	Vannamei shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei), peeled/deveined shrimp, marinated shrimp
Mangaluru (Karnataka)	Pelagic fish (mackerel, sardines), seer fish, tuna, crab meat

Cluster Strengths

Feature	Details
Largest Shrimp Producer	Andhra Pradesh (Bhimavaram) leads India’s shrimp aquaculture exports
Traditional + Modern Fisheries	Gujarat and Kerala hubs specialize in capture fisheries; AP focuses on aquaculture
Export-Oriented Infrastructure	500+ processing plants, 2,000+ cold storages
Global Certifications	US FDA, EU, HACCP, and BRCGS approvals for all clusters
MPEDA Support	Testing labs, traceability, and training for fisherfolk and exporters

Materials & Sustainability

• Fisheries and Aquaculture Inputs:
  
  • Shrimp hatcheries, feed mills, fish landing centers
    
  • Solar and biomass-powered cold storage facilities
    
• Sustainability Initiatives:
  
  • MPEDA’s National Centre for Sustainable Aquaculture (NaCSA) for eco-friendly shrimp farming
    
  • Traceability systems for EU and US markets (blockchain adoption in pilot projects)
    
  • Eco-labels: ASC (Aquaculture Stewardship Council), MSC (Marine Stewardship Council) certifications
    
• Innovation:
  
  • Automated IQF (Individual Quick Freezing) and MAP (Modified Atmosphere Packaging) technology
    
  • Export-ready value-added products (breaded shrimp, ready-to-cook fish fillets)
    

Cluster Infrastructure

• Cochin:
  
  • MPEDA HQ, Cochin Fisheries Harbour, Cochin Port Trust facilities
    
  • Cochin International Container Freight Station (ICD) for seafood
    
• Veraval:
  
  • Asia’s largest fishing harbor with mechanized trawlers
    
  • Processing hubs and cold chains supported by Gujarat Fisheries Department
    
• Bhimavaram:
  
  • Aqua culture capital; 100+ hatcheries and value-added shrimp exporters
    
  • Export connectivity via Krishnapatnam and Chennai ports
    
• Mangaluru:
  
  • New Mangaluru Port and premium tuna-processing facilities
    

Compliance & Certifications

Certification	Details
HACCP	Mandatory for all seafood processing facilities
EU & US FDA Approvals	Export-ready certification
BRCGS, ISO 22000	Global food safety standards
ASC/MSC Certification	Eco-label for sustainable fisheries/aquaculture
Traceability Norms	QR codes and blockchain pilots for export shipments

Production Timelines & MOQs

Product Type	Lead Time	MOQ Guidance
Frozen Shrimp	2–3 weeks	1–2 MT (per SKU)
Frozen Finfish	2 weeks	1–5 MT
Value-Added Seafood	3–4 weeks	Custom volumes
Ready-to-Cook	3 weeks	Custom volumes

Branding & Packaging

• Branding: GI logo for Malabar seer fish, premium “India Shrimp” branding by MPEDA
  
• Packaging:
  
  • IQF packs, vacuum-sealed pouches, MAP trays
    
  • Export-grade cartons with 5–20 kg sizes
    
• Marketing Narrative:
  “Cochin, Veraval, Bhimavaram, and Mangaluru: India’s integrated marine export hubs, offering sustainably sourced shrimp, fish, and value-added seafood trusted by premium buyers worldwide.”
  

Quality Control (IndiaUnbox Protocol)

• Catch QC: Grading, freshness testing, antibiotic screening at landing centers
  
• Processing QC: HACCP, temperature monitoring, pathogen testing
  
• Export QC: EU residue monitoring plan, US FDA inspections, EIA (Export Inspection Agency) audits
  
• Logistics QC: Reefer truck temperature validation, ISO containers for long-haul shipping
  

Price Drivers

• Global shrimp and fish prices (commodity-driven)
  
• Certification costs (HACCP, ASC, MSC)
  
• Freight rates and port handling charges
  
• Seasonality (monsoon impacts marine catch volumes)
  
• Value-added product innovation premium
  

Buyer Confidence Signals

• Global Recognition: India leads frozen shrimp exports, trusted by US, EU, Japan
  
• Certification Leadership: 500+ certified plants under HACCP, FDA, BRCGS
  
• Traceability & Safety: MPEDA-led systems ensure global compliance
  
• Integrated Ecosystem: Capture fisheries, aquaculture, hatcheries, and ports co-located
  

Innovation: IQF tech, MAP packaging, and blockchain traceability