Innovative export ideas for small businesses in India

E-commerce is booming worldwide, and this surge presents unprecedented opportunities for small business owners in India to expand their reach, export their products, and tap into a global customer base. According to Eximpedia, the most exported products from India in 2024 include petroleum products, gems and jewellery, textiles and garments, medicines, tea, and more.¹ But, export opportunities don’t have to be limited to these product categories. 

If you’re looking for promising and potentially profitable export ideas for your business, look no further. This blog will explore new ventures aligned with current global consumer trends.

Trending overseas export business ideas in India 

India has a rich cultural heritage, a history of skilled artisans, and something to offer the world in almost every product category. From textiles to traditional instruments, spices, teas, and wellness, there is plenty to explore regarding small export business ideas, allowing entrepreneurs to showcase "Made in India" quality and craftsmanship on the world stage.

1. Cultural and artisanal products

According to Grand View Research, the global handicrafts market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.7%, from US$708 billion in 2023 to US$983 billion in 2030¹. This global demand for unique, handcrafted products presents a lucrative opportunity for Indian businesses. Consider these new export ideas to take advantage of:

• Subscription boxes: Offer a delightful surprise with curated boxes featuring handcrafted items from different regions of India. Each box could tell a story about the artisans and their unique skills, creating a deeper connection with customers.
• Ethical sourcing and storytelling: Build a brand that resonates with eco-conscious consumers by sourcing artisanal goods and sharing the stories behind the products, highlighting the cultural heritage and the skilled craftsmanship involved.

2. Personalized wellness with natural products

According to The Global Wellness Institute, the global wellness economy, consisting of categories like spas, personal care and beauty, traditional medicine, wellness tourism, mental wellness, nutrition, and physical activity, is forecasted to hit US$78.5 trillion by 2027². If you own or run a business in this space, it might be worth looking into some of these new ideas for the export of wellness products from India:

• Customized Ayurvedic product blends: Offer personalized consultations to understand individual needs and create custom blends of Ayurvedic products tailored to specific health goals.
• Organic skincare focusing on specific concerns: Develop organic skincare lines using traditional Indian ingredients like turmeric, neem, sandalwood, and aloe vera, targeting specific skin concerns like acne, aging, or hyperpigmentation. This taps the growing demand for natural, alternative, and effective skincare solutions.
• Sustainable and ethically sourced wellness subscriptions: Curate subscription boxes featuring organic and natural wellness products from India, emphasizing sustainability and ethical sourcing practices to appeal to environmentally conscious consumers.

3. Sustainable fashion with an Indian twist

According to GlobeNewswire, the global sustainable fashion market was valued at US$7.80 billion in 2023 and is expected to reach US$33.5 billion by 2030, equalling a CAGR of 22.9%³! For businesses in India, this is a unique opportunity to combine India's rich textile tradition with the growing demand for sustainable fashion to create a unique export offering for global markets:

• Upcycled vintage textiles: Breathe new life into vintage Indian textiles by creating contemporary fashion pieces or unique clothing lines that blend Indian aesthetics with contemporary global fashion trends, appealing to the eco-conscious consumer and showcasing India's textile heritage.
• Eco-friendly ethnic wear: Traditional Indian clothing uses sustainable materials like organic cotton and natural dyes, ensuring ethical production practices. This caters to the growing demand for sustainable and ethically made fashion.

4. Gourmet Indian food experiences

The global appetite for Indian cuisine is growing rapidly. According to a 2023 report by the National Restaurant Association, the number of Indian restaurants worldwide has grown by 25 percent in the last five years⁴. This burgeoning popularity, coupled with the rise of meal kits and online food delivery platforms, presents a lucrative opportunity when considering export business ideas in India. 

Indian cuisine is uniquely suited to be transported worldwide due to the widespread reliance on dried spices and flavorful ingredients that retain their quality and taste over long distances. Here are a few ideas to tap into this growing market:

• Regional Indian specialty food boxes: Curate boxes featuring authentic regional specialties from different parts of India, offering a culinary journey through the country's diverse gastronomic landscape.
• Healthy and convenient Indian meal kits: Provide meal kits with pre-portioned ingredients and easy-to-follow recipes for popular Indian dishes, catering to the demand for convenient and healthy meal options.
• Artisanal spice blends and gourmet sauces: Create unique spice blends and sauces inspired by traditional Indian flavors, offering global consumers a taste of authentic Indian cuisine.

Export from India to the world with DHL Express

While developing a compelling product or service is crucial for any aspiring exporter, logistics must be considered when conducting international business. Efficient supply chain management is the backbone for any small business from India looking to expand and export to overseas markets, ensuring that products reach customers across the globe in a timely, cost-effective, and reliable manner. 

Partnering with an export logistics company like DHL Express can be a game-changer for small businesses seeking to establish a global presence. 

We provide comprehensive international shipping solutions tailored to your specific needs, including express shipping services, simplified customs clearance, flexible and sustainable shipping options, competitive international shipping rates and dedicated support. 

Ready to take your small business global? Create a DHL Express business account today and start exporting worldwide today.