India Seafood Market in Singapore: A Guide to the Best Seafood Restaurants and Markets

If you're a seafood lover in Singapore, you'll be pleased to know that the city-state has a thriving seafood market that imports fresh seafood from all over the world. One of the key players in this market is India, which supplies a variety of seafood products to Singapore. In this article, we'll take a closer look at the India seafood market in Singapore, including its overview, challenges, and opportunities.

The India seafood market in Singapore is a significant contributor to the country's seafood supply. According to Trading Economics, Singapore imported meat, fish, and seafood preparations worth US$11.82 million from India in 2022. The seafood products that India exports to Singapore include frozen shrimp, fish fillets, crab meat, and squid, among others. These products are sold in various markets and supermarkets across Singapore, including Tekka Wet Market, Holland Drive Market, and Bukit Merah View Market and Food Centre.

As the demand for seafood continues to rise in Singapore, the India seafood market faces both challenges and opportunities. Some of the challenges include competition from other seafood suppliers, fluctuating prices, and regulatory issues. However, there are also opportunities for growth, such as expanding product lines, improving quality control, and exploring new markets. In the following sections, we'll delve deeper into the India seafood market in Singapore and explore these issues in more detail.

Key Takeaways

• India is a significant player in Singapore's seafood market, supplying a variety of seafood products to the country.
• The India seafood market faces challenges such as competition from other suppliers and regulatory issues, but there are also opportunities for growth.
• To succeed in the Singapore seafood market, India seafood exporters need to focus on expanding their product lines, improving quality control, and exploring new markets.

Overview of India Seafood Market

If you're interested in the India seafood market, you'll want to know about its market characteristics, key players, and import regulations.

Market Characteristics

The India seafood market is expected to recover by 2022, boosted by a rise in domestic demand. According to ResearchAndMarkets.com, the market is expected to grow annually by 8.29% between 2023 and 2028. In 2023, the revenue in the fish and seafood market is projected to reach US$51.45bn.

India achieved an all-time high in seafood exports during the fiscal year 2022-23, shipping 17,35,286 MT of seafood worth Rs. 63,969.14 crore (US$ 8.09 billion) despite several challenges in its major export markets like USA, according to Press Information Bureau.

Key Players

The India seafood market has several key players. According to Expert Market Research, the major players in the market include:

• WestCoast Group
• Devi Seafoods
• Apex Frozen Foods
• Falcon Marine Exports
• Nekkanti Sea Foods

Import Regulations

If you're planning to import seafood into India, there are several regulations you need to be aware of. According to SeafoodSource.com, the Indian government has implemented new seafood import regulations that affect all exporting countries. The regulations require that all seafood entering India be accompanied by a health certificate issued by the competent authority of the exporting country. Additionally, the regulations require that all seafood imports be subject to laboratory testing to ensure compliance with Indian food safety standards.

Singapore's Demand for Indian Seafood

If you're interested in the seafood market in Singapore, you might be curious about the demand for Indian seafood. Singapore is a major importer of seafood, with a total value of $1.9 billion in 2020. Indian seafood is a popular choice among Singaporean consumers, and it is imported through various distribution channels.

Consumer Preferences

Singaporean consumers have a diverse range of preferences when it comes to seafood. According to a report by ResearchAndMarkets.com, the demand for seafood in Singapore is driven by factors such as health benefits, taste preferences, and cultural traditions. Indian seafood, in particular, is popular due to its unique flavours and health benefits.

Some of the most popular Indian seafood products in Singapore include shrimp, fish, and crab. Indian shrimp is highly sought after due to its quality and taste, and it is imported in large quantities. Indian fish, such as pomfret and mackerel, are also popular among Singaporean consumers due to their distinct taste and nutritional value. Crab is another popular Indian seafood product, and it is imported in both fresh and frozen forms.

Distribution Channels

Indian seafood is imported into Singapore through various distribution channels. According to Trading Economics, Singapore imports Indian meat, fish, and seafood preparations worth millions of dollars every year. The seafood is imported through various channels, including wholesalers, retailers, and foodservice providers.

Wholesalers are the primary importers of Indian seafood in Singapore. They import large quantities of seafood and distribute it to retailers and foodservice providers. Retailers, such as supermarkets and specialty stores, sell Indian seafood products directly to consumers. Foodservice providers, such as restaurants and hotels, use Indian seafood in their dishes and menus.

In conclusion, Indian seafood is in high demand in Singapore due to its unique flavours and health benefits. The seafood is imported through various distribution channels, including wholesalers, retailers, and foodservice providers. If you're interested in the seafood market in Singapore, Indian seafood is definitely worth considering.

Challenges and Opportunities

Logistical Hurdles

When it comes to exporting seafood from India to Singapore, logistical hurdles are a major challenge. The lack of adequate cold storage and transportation facilities is a significant issue faced by the Indian seafood industry. This often results in the spoilage of products, leading to losses for both exporters and importers. However, with the implementation of modern technology and improved infrastructure, this challenge can be overcome.

Another challenge is the complex regulatory environment for seafood exports. There are several regulations and standards that must be met to export seafood to Singapore. These regulations include health and safety standards, labeling requirements, and import regulations. It is essential to comply with these regulations to avoid any legal issues and ensure the smooth export of seafood to Singapore.

Market Potential

Despite the challenges faced by the Indian seafood industry, there is significant market potential in Singapore. Singapore is a major seafood market in Asia, and demand for seafood products is growing. The rising demand for seafood has led to an increase in the import of seafood products from India.

India is one of the largest seafood producers globally and has a diverse range of seafood products. The Indian seafood industry can leverage this diversity to cater to the Singaporean market's varied preferences. Indian seafood products such as shrimp, crab, and fish are popular in Singapore, and exporters can capitalise on this demand.

Another opportunity for the Indian seafood industry is the use of technology to improve the supply chain. Advanced inventory management systems and other technologies can help streamline operations and ensure timely delivery of products to Singapore. By leveraging technology, Indian seafood exporters can increase efficiency, reduce waste, and improve profitability.

In conclusion, while there are challenges to exporting seafood from India to Singapore, there are also significant opportunities. By improving logistics and complying with regulations, Indian seafood exporters can capitalise on the growing demand for seafood in Singapore. With the use of technology and innovation, the Indian seafood industry can overcome challenges and achieve success in the Singaporean market.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do the prices at India seafood markets in Singapore compare to other local markets?

The prices at Indian seafood markets in Singapore are generally competitive with other local markets. However, the prices can vary depending on the type of seafood and the time of year. It's best to shop around and compare prices before making a purchase.

What are the usual operating hours for seafood markets with Indian products in Singapore?

Seafood markets with Indian products in Singapore usually open early in the morning, around 4 am, and close by noon. If you're looking for fresh seafood, it's best to visit these markets early in the morning.

Can you give me a rundown of the reviews for Indian seafood markets in Singapore?

There are several Indian seafood markets in Singapore that have good reviews. Some of the most popular ones include the Tekka Market, the Little India Arcade, and the Mustafa Centre. Customers have praised the quality of the seafood and the variety of products available.

When did the Indian seafood market in Singapore first open its doors to the public?

It's unclear when the first Indian seafood market in Singapore opened its doors to the public. However, Indian seafood has been a popular choice in Singapore for many years, and there are now several markets that specialize in Indian seafood.

Could you list some popular wet markets in Singapore where Indian seafood is available?

In addition to Indian seafood markets, there are several wet markets in Singapore where Indian seafood is available. Some popular ones include the Tiong Bahru Market, the Pasir Panjang Wholesale Centre, and the Jurong Fishery Port.

Has Tekka Market reopened since its closure in 2023, and if so, what are its new operating times?

Tekka Market, a popular Indian market in Singapore, closed temporarily in 2023 for renovations. The market has since reopened and is now open daily from 6 am to 9 pm. Customers can find a wide variety of Indian seafood and other products at Tekka Market.