Bengaluru firm receives 1st salmon consignment under UK-India CETA

In a milestone for the UK-India Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), Bengaluru-based Sashimi Foods Private Limited on Friday received the first tariff-free consignment of GI-tagged Scottish salmon, marking one of the earliest commercial successes of the landmark trade pact.The 82-kg shipment of fresh Scottish farmed salmon, valued at around $800, arrived just two weeks after the UK-India CETA came into force on July 15, 2026. The consignment was produced by Bakkafrost Scotland and imported by Sashimi Foods, reflecting the agreement's immediate impact in reducing trade barriers and expanding bilateral business opportunities.
Under the CETA, India's earlier 33 per cent import tariff on Scottish salmon has been eliminated, improving market access for UK exporters while making premium imported seafood more affordable for Indian consumers, according to the British Deputy High Commission in Bengaluru.
According to agency reports,representatives of the British Deputy High Commission and Sashimi Foods marked the arrival of the inaugural shipment at an event in Bengaluru. Owen Richards, Deputy Head of Mission at the British Deputy High Commission, Bengaluru, said the consignment demonstrated the practical benefits of the trade agreement within weeks of its implementation."The arrival of the first tariff-free shipment of Scottish salmon in Bengaluru is a clear demonstration of the practical benefits of the UK-India CETA. Just weeks after the agreement entered into force, businesses are already benefiting from improved market access and reduced trade barriers," Richards said.
Kedarnath Reddy, CEO and Managing Director of Sashimi Foods, said the removal of tariffs has enabled premium Scottish salmon from Bakkafrost Scotland to reach India at more competitive prices, supporting the company's efforts to supply high-quality, sustainably sourced seafood to consumers across the country.According to a British Deputy High Commission official, Indian importers are expected to bring in 300 kg to 400 kg of Scottish salmon every week under the CETA, with weekly imports valued at around $4,000-$5,000, indicating growing demand for premium seafood in the Indian market.

(State Correspondent)