The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority
APEDA is a Government of India statutory authority that regulates and promotes exports of scheduled agricultural and processed food products, serving 9,400+ Indian exporters, FPOs, and international buyers through registration, certification, traceability, financial assistance, and international trade fair participation.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1985
- HeadquartersDelhi, India
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority does
APEDA (Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority) is a statutory authority of the Government of India established in 1985 under the APEDA Act, operating under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Department of Commerce. It is the sole mandated body for export development and promotion of scheduled agricultural and processed food products from India, covering 12 product categories including cereals, fresh fruits and vegetables, processed foods, animal products, organic products, millets, cashew, groundnut, alcoholic beverages, floriculture and seeds, and GI products. APEDA serves three primary segments: Indian agricultural and processed food exporters (9,400+ registered), Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), and international importers and trade buyers.
The organization's technology footprint comprises a multi-portal digital ecosystem: the main APEDA portal and iTrack portal handle exporter registration (RCMC), unit registration, and scheme applications; AgriExchange provides market intelligence including export analytics, SPS/TBT notifications, country profiles, and trade leads; and five specialized traceability platforms (Hortinet, Peanut.Net, Meat.Net, TraceNet/NPOP, Basmati.Net) enforce quality certification and origin tracking across product categories. It also operates an APEDA Mobile App on Google Play and runs the BHARATI Acceleration Programme for agri-export startups. Geographic reach is delivered through its Delhi headquarters plus regional offices in Mumbai, Raipur, and Patna, alongside India Pavilions at major international trade fairs (BIOFACH, Gulfood, Summer Fancy Food Show, MACFRUT, AAHAR) and organized reverse buyer-seller meets across Indian states.
APEDA does not operate as a commercially-revenue-generating entity. Its financial structure comprises (a) nominal registration and certification fees from exporters and processing units, governed by government norms rather than market pricing, and (b) Financial Assistance Schemes (FAS) funded through Government of India budgetary allocation that disburse grants to exporters for infrastructure, market promotion, quality certification, and trade fair participation. It does not publish fee schedules or commercial pricing tiers. Strategic partnerships (LuLu Group International, IRRI South Asia Regional Centre) extend market reach without traditional commercial revenue implications, while the organization is structurally insulated from equity funding, M&A, or competitive market dynamics by its statutory monopoly over its scheduled product categories.
The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority
- Legal name
- Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority
- Website
- https://apeda.gov.in
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1985
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Short description
- APEDA is a Government of India statutory authority that regulates and promotes exports of scheduled agricultural and processed food products, serving 9,400+ Indian exporters, FPOs, and international buyers through registration, certification, traceability, financial assistance, and international trade fair participation.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Agricultural Export Promotion
- NAICS
- Regulation of Agricultural Marketing and Commodities (92614)
- SIC
- International Affairs (9721), Services-Membership Organizations (8600)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Sanitary & Phytosanitary (SPS) & Food Safety Regulatory Cooperation (BPADANAF)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Official Development Assistance (ODA) Program Management (BPADAOAC), Fair Trade & Ethical Supply Chains (Certification, Traceability, Producer Support) (BPAGALAL), Export Credit Agencies (ECAs) & Trade Finance Institutions (BPADACAF)
Keywords
Where The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Delhi
- HQ country
- India
- HQ region
- Asia
Offices4 records
Markets served
The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others
Revenue model
- Exporter Registration and Certification Fees: APEDA collects registration fees from exporters under its statutory mandate. Exporters of scheduled products must register with APEDA to obtain Registration-Cum-Member Certificate (RCMC). Fees are collected for unit registrations, certification of packhouses, meat plants, peanut processing units, and other recognized organizations. This is a regulatory fee-based model mandated under the APEDA Act.
- Financial Assistance Schemes (FAS): APEDA administers Financial Assistance Schemes (FAS) for export promotion activities, providing grants to eligible exporters for infrastructure development, market promotion, quality certification, and participation in international trade fairs. Funding comes from the Government of India budget allocation rather than APEDA generating revenue.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| One time/ perpetual license | Multi-year contract | Exporter Registration (RCMC) - Standard Government Fee |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels5 records
Marketing channels7 records
The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority product offering
Product offeringCore offering
APEDA is a government statutory authority that develops and promotes the export of scheduled agricultural and processed food products from India. It provides registration, certification, traceability, market intelligence, and financial assistance to exporters through regional offices and dedicated online portals. APEDA also organizes and supports trade fair participation to expand India's agricultural export footprint.
Product overview
APEDA (Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority) is a government statutory body under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India. It operates a unified digital platform comprising multiple web portals and traceability systems. The core offerings include the main APEDA portal for general information and services, iTrack for exporter registration and tracking, AgriExchange for market intelligence and trade analytics, the NPOP and Organic Promotion portals for organic product certification and promotion, and the BHARATI Acceleration Programme for startup support. Additionally, APEDA maintains five specialized traceability systems (Hortinet, Peanut.Net, Meat.Net, TraceNet, and Basmati.Net) for quality assurance and origin verification across different agricultural product categories, along with a mobile application. The organization oversees export promotion for 12 major product categories covering the entire spectrum of agricultural and processed food exports.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- BHARATI Acceleration Programme: An acceleration programme launched by APEDA to boost agri-food exports through startup engagement and mentorship.
- AgriExchange
- National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP)
Products and services
- RCMC Exporter Registration Registration-Cum-Membership Certificate issued to exporters of scheduled agricultural and processed food products, enabling them to export under APEDA's regulatory framework.
Quantifiable outcome
- India's agricultural exports grew from USD 0.6 billion (FY 1987-88) to USD 26.7 billion (FY 2022-23)
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority
Customer profileNamed customers1 record
Segments3 records
Ideal customer profiles2 records
The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature6 records
The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Two partnerships are on record, tiered core.
- LuLu Group InternationalcoreAPEDA signed a Memorandum of Understanding with LuLu Group International in September 2024 to promote Indian Organic Products globally through LuLu Group's extensive international retail network across the Middle East, Asia, Europe, and the United States. The partnership aims to increase visibility and market access for certified Indian organic food products in global retail channels.
- IRRI South Asia Regional CentrecoreAPEDA and IRRI South Asia Regional Centre jointly organized a workshop focused on developing healthier rice-based food innovations. The collaboration leverages IRRI's research expertise in rice science with APEDA's export promotion mandate to drive innovation in processed rice products for international markets.
Scale indicators7 records
Recent moves8 records
Expansion highlights6 records
The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- MPEDA (Marine Products Export Development Authority): India's sibling statutory authority under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, established in 1972 to promote marine product exports. Operates with an almost identical mandate, structure, and toolkit (registration, certification, traceability, market intelligence, trade fair participation) as APEDA, but for seafood rather than agricultural/processed food products. The closest structural peer to APEDA within the Indian government system.
- USDA Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS): The U.S. government's lead export promotion agency for agricultural products, operating under USDA. FAS provides market intelligence, trade policy advocacy, export financing guarantees, and international market development - functionally analogous to APEDA but with significantly larger budget and a broader international footprint. The most directly comparable national agricultural export promotion authority globally.
- JETRO (Japan External Trade Organization): Japanese government-affiliated trade and investment promotion organization facilitating Japanese exports and inbound investment. Comparable to APEDA in its role as a government-backed trade promotion body with market intelligence services, buyer-seller matching, and trade fair organization, though focused on broader manufactured goods rather than agricultural products specifically.
- KOTRA (Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency): South Korean government trade promotion agency providing market research, international marketing support, and B2B matchmaking for Korean exporters. Comparable to APEDA in mandate (export promotion, market intelligence, international buyer connections) and structure (government-affiliated with multiple overseas offices), though KOTRA serves a broader export base beyond agriculture.
- ApexBrasil (Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency): Brazilian government trade promotion agency that operates a similar model of trade intelligence, buyer-seller facilitation, international trade fair participation, and exporter support. Particularly comparable to APEDA given Brazil and India's parallel roles as major agricultural exporters competing in similar product categories (sugar, meat, coffee vs. rice, spices, processed foods).
- New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE): New Zealand government's national economic development and trade promotion agency. Comparable in mandate (export capability building, international connections, market intelligence) though NZTE operates with a smaller agricultural export base. Both agencies share the model of government-backed export development with measurable trade facilitation outcomes.
Broad incumbents
- Brazilian Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAPA): Brazil's federal agriculture ministry handles agricultural policy, regulation, and international trade negotiation for Brazilian agri-exports. While MAPA has a much broader mandate than APEDA (encompassing domestic policy, subsidies, and food security), it performs APEDA-equivalent regulatory certification and international market access functions for major Brazilian export commodities (beef, soybeans, sugar).
Others
- SGS (Société Générale de Surveillance): Global inspection, verification, testing, and certification company that performs third-party food safety and quality certification services for agricultural exporters. Comparable to APEDA's traceability and certification function but operates as a private commercial testing/certification provider rather than a government authority. SGS works alongside APEDA's certification regime in many import markets.
- Bureau Veritas: International certification and testing body providing food safety, agricultural commodity inspection, and traceability certification services. Comparable to APEDA's certification and quality assurance role for Indian exports, though operating as a commercial private-sector provider that APEDA-certified exporters must often engage with to meet importing country requirements.
- Eurofins Scientific: Leading global food testing laboratory network providing residue, contaminant, and pesticide testing services that Indian agricultural exporters must use to comply with importing country regulations. Comparable to APEDA's quality assurance role but at the laboratory testing layer rather than the certification/registration layer. An ecosystem participant supporting APEDA's export certification mandate.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority social profiles
Digital presenceThe Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles1 record
The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority
What does The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority do?
APEDA is a government statutory authority that develops and promotes the export of scheduled agricultural and processed food products from India. It provides registration, certification, traceability, market intelligence, and financial assistance to exporters through regional offices and dedicated online portals. APEDA also organizes and supports trade fair participation to expand India's agricultural export footprint.
Is The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority a public or private company?
The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority is a private company. It is classified as state government owned and is currently operating.
When was The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority founded?
The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority was founded in 1985. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority based?
The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority is headquartered in Delhi, India, in the Asia region.
How does The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority make money?
Two revenue lines are on record. Exporter Registration and Certification Fees are the primary driver. The others are financial Assistance Schemes (FAS).
Who are The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are MPEDA (Marine Products Export Development Authority), USDA Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS), JETRO (Japan External Trade Organization), KOTRA (Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency), ApexBrasil (Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency) and New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE). Brazilian Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAPA) is listed as a broad incumbent. Others are SGS (Société Générale de Surveillance), Bureau Veritas and Eurofins Scientific.
Does The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority have an API?
No public API is recorded for The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority.
What industry is The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority in?
The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority's product category is Agricultural Export Promotion. Its primary akta.pro industry code is BPADANAF, Sanitary & Phytosanitary (SPS) & Food Safety Regulatory Cooperation, with a secondary code of BPADAOAC, Official Development Assistance (ODA) Program Management. Its NAICS code is 92614 and its SIC code is 9721.