India Makhana Market - Overview and Outlook by Potential Growth

India Makhana Market Synopsis:

India Makhana Market Size Was Valued at USD 10.78 Billion in 2024, and is Projected to Reach USD 24.08 Billion by 2032, Growing at a CAGR of 10.57% From 2025-2032.

Makhana (Euryale ferox Salisb) is an aquatic herb cultivated for its nutritional and edible seeds. The seeds are black and rounded and characterized by their hard seed coats (shells). For its seeds, this plant is specifically grown in north Bihar, West Bengal, Manipur, and M.P. 90% of India's and the world's makhana are produced in Bihar, with 80% of that production taking place in the state's north-eastern area.

Over the next upcoming years, the India Makhana market is poised for significant growth due to increasing awareness around healthy snacking, the rising popularity of superfoods, and the growing demand for organic and natural products. With expanding urbanization and changing consumer preferences, the market is expected to see an upsurge in both domestic consumption and export potential. The role of e-commerce and the advent of innovative, flavored makhana products will further fuel market expansion.

India Makhana Market Growth and Trend Analysis:

Government Support Accelerates India's Fox Nut Industry Growth

• The Indian fox nut (Makhana) market shows strong upward market momentum due to its growing export potential in addition to rising consumer demand for wellness-minded snacks. The largest producer position of India enables the country to fulfill global market requirements while exporting its products to major markets including Europe and North America and Asia and the Middle East. The Indian fox nut market shows increasing demand for organic snacks that are both gluten-free and plant-based due to worldwide consumers focus on healthy eating choices.
• Indian exporters use market growth to improve processing methods and quality standards to reach international export opportunities. Government initiatives through export subsidies as well as agricultural incentives create new opportunities for profit growth in the market which benefits Indian farmers and manufacturers. The fox nut market in India demonstrates promising prospects for extended growth through advancement of production technologies and branding and product innovation strategies which strengthen Indian leadership in global functional food segments.
• Furthermore, Government support accelerates India's fox nut industry growth for instance, in February 2025, the status of being India's largest Makhana producer has not solved Bihar's difficulties to meet domestic and global market requirements. Its complete economic potential has been limited by three major issues including poor productivity standards and limited processing centers and weak marketing infrastructure. A Makhana Board received approval through the Union Budget 2025-26 alongside other similar government initiatives for tea and coffee promotions. The Makhana Board will focus on increasing production while implementing advanced processing techniques and value-adding measures to farmers and developing successful marketing strategies to enhance agricultural economy in the state.

Lack of Modernisation

• The reliance on manual labour, combined with a lack of modernisation in farming techniques, constrains production capacity and limits scalability. This has resulted in rising prices, sometimes soaring by as much as 80 per cent, creating volatility in the market. At the same time, producers largely farmers are not reaping the benefits. While demand for the makhana continues to soar, its supply remains limited due to several critical challenges. The production process is highly labour-intensive, with minimal mechanisation. Harvesting makhana requires highly skilled labour.

Rising Global Demand for Healthy, Flavored, and Gluten-Free Snacks

• The Indian fox nut (Makhana) market expands steadily due to consumers worldwide seek healthy gluten-free snacks with dietary nutrients. India stands as the biggest producer and exporter of fox nuts thereby opening extensive possibilities for enterprises seeking this growing market. Companies that source products directly from both farmers and processing facilities within Makhana-growing areas create an environment of product visibility and premium quality standards. A technology-enhanced supply chain system provides effective order completion capabilities that ensure quick delivery to both domestic and international customers.
• Makhanas now feature different flavors such as Smoked Himalayan Salt and Jalapeno Cheese and Thai Sweet Chilli and Peri Peri which is followed by products like Cheese & Herbs, Barbeque, Black Pepper Aachari Masti, and Sour Cream & Onion. The growing global customer base for Indian Makhana exporters remains successfully supported by an extensive distribution network. Manufacturers who produce and export Makhana benefit from shifting consumer tastes for healthier snacks due to this trend gives them strong market prospects to increase their position in the global fox nut supply.

Unorganized Nature of the Supply Chain

• The India Makhana market, despite its growing popularity as a healthy snacking option, faces several challenges and barriers that limit its full potential. One of the primary barriers is the fragmented and unorganized nature of the supply chain, with most Makhana cultivation and processing concentrated in Bihar, leading to regional dependency and inconsistent supply. Traditional harvesting and manual processing techniques further result in low productivity and quality inconsistency, affecting scalability and export competitiveness

India Makhana Market Segment Analysis:

India Makhana Market is segmented based on product type, nature, application, and distribution channel.

By Product Type, Roasted Makhana segment is expected to dominate the market during the forecast period

• Roasted Makhana will lead the Indian market during the projection period due to it showcases health benefits and consumers choose it as their preferred nutritious snack choice. Consumers can use Roasted Makhana as their weight management food as it contains 50-60 calories per cup and features a low-calorie content. Roasted Makhana contributes multiple essential nutrients to diets due to it contains phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, potassium, protein, iron and fiber which work together for strong bones and improved immunity while decreasing the possibility of heart disease and diabetes.
• Roasted Makhana's low-fat composition contributes to its status as a health-conscious snack alternative over unhealthy processed foods such as chips and cookies. Market demand for healthy consumers drives roasted Makhana forward as the main segment of India's fox nut market while increased distribution and varied flavors attract growing consumer interest. The market supports this trend by increasing production while implementing marketing strategies and expanding distribution through both retail and e-commerce platforms.

By Distribution Channel, Online Retail segment held the largest share in the projected period

• The Indian food and grocery market stands as the sixth largest globally as its retail sector drives 70% of all sales. Food processing stands as a crucial sector within this market segment since it represents 32% of national food sector production. The sector generates 8.80% Manufacturing GVA alongside 8.39% in Agriculture GVA while supplying 13% of total Indian exports from its foundation of substantial industrial investments.
• The Indian fox nut market has shifted its focus to modern retail platforms as the online retail segment controls the leading share in forecasted years. Online sales growth of Makhana has been accelerated through e-commerce platform penetration together with consumer preference for convenient shopping and digital availability of premium priced and flavored and roasted products. Increased supply chain performance along with digital marketing approaches made the online retail section dominate India's fox nut market business.

India Makhana Market Active Players:

• Bhagyalaxmi Foods Pvt. Ltd.

• Canpac Foods Ltd.

• Caryopses Pvt. Ltd.

• Deliciano Global Pvt. Ltd.
• Everlasting Natural Products Pvt. Ltd.
• Gopala Fresh Produce Private Limited
• Hindustan Foreign Traders (HFT Group)
• Indulge Foods Private Limited
• K.K. Products
• Madhubani Makhana Private Limited
• Mahaveer Udhyog
• Manju Makhana Enterprises
• Maruti Makhana
• Nijjer Agro Foods Ltd.
• Rajeev Foods Pvt. Ltd.
• Sattviko
• Shakti Sudha
• Vishal Nuts
• Other Active Players

Key Industry Developments in the India Makhana Market:

In December 2024, to promote and expand the market for Bihar’s key agricultural product, makhana, along with other food products, the Bihar government has organized a two-day 'Makhana Mahotsav' in Bengaluru. This event aims to showcase the nutritional benefits, culinary versatility, and economic potential of makhana while creating opportunities for farmers, traders, and food industry stakeholders to connect with wider markets. The festival features exhibitions, tasting sessions, and discussions on enhancing production, marketing, and value addition in the makhana industry