The story
Kochi's natural harbour and Kerala's fishing fleets made it an early centre for seafood exports, starting with dried and canned prawns. The Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA) was set up in Kochi in 1972. Peeling sheds and freezing plants clustered in Aroor, Kochi and nearby villages, employing many women. Exporters here ship to the US, China, Europe and Japan.
In numbers
India's seafood exports in FY 2025-26 reached a record 19,72,018 tonnes worth about ₹73,890 crore (US$8.46 billion), with frozen shrimp accounting for more than two-thirds of earnings (MPEDA).
India's seafood exports hit record highs — Onmanorama (MPEDA data) · 2026
Ways in for a newcomer
- Pre-processing and peeling job-work for exporters
- Ice plants, cold storage and reefer transport
- Ready-to-cook seafood brands for domestic markets
- Testing, HACCP and compliance services
Problems the cluster faces
- US anti-dumping duties and tariffs
- Antibiotic-residue rejections
- Labour shortage in peeling sheds
- Falling catch and fuel costs for fishing boats
Businesses to start here
Frozen Fish Unit →Dried Prawns Unit →Fish Feed Plant (Floating Pellets) →Ready-to-Eat Foods (Vegetable Curries, Sweets, Rice Dishes) →