Frozen Sweet Corn is one of the safest and most profitable agri-exports from India. Unlike fresh vegetables that spoil in 3 days, IQF (Individually Quick Frozen) Sweet Corn has a shelf life of 18-24 months.
The world wants "American Sweet Corn," and India is producing it at a fraction of the cost. With a booming demand in the Middle East (for pizzas/salads) and the USA (as a side dish), Indian exporters are sitting on a goldmine.
This guide covers the specific varieties, sourcing hubs, machinery requirements, and the strict cold-chain protocols you need to follow.
1. Market Intelligence: The Numbers (2025 Outlook)
Global Demand: The market is driven by the "Ready-to-Cook" trend.
Top Importers from India:
UAE & Saudi Arabia: The biggest buyers. They import massive volumes for the HoReCa (Hotel, Restaurant, Café) sector.
Russia: Imports bulk frozen corn for industrial food processing.1
USA: Surprisingly, the US imports specific "Non-GMO" varieties from India due to cost advantages.
UK: High demand for retail packs (500g/1kg).
Pricing Power:
Sourcing Cost (Farm Gate): ₹10 - ₹15 per Kg (Fresh Cob).
Processed Cost (Ex-Factory): ₹60 - ₹75 per Kg.
Export Price (FOB): $0.90 - $1.20 per Kg (approx. ₹75 - ₹100+).
2. The Product: Varieties & HS Codes
You cannot just freeze any corn. It must be "Sugar 75" or similar high-sugar varieties.
| Product Category | HS Code | Description | Target Market |
| Frozen Sweet Corn | 0710 40 00 | Sweet Corn (Uncooked or cooked by steaming), Frozen. | Global |
Top Varieties for Export:
Sugar 75 (Syngenta): The industry standard. It has high brix (sugar content), deep golden yellow color, and perfect cylindrical shape.2
Madhu: Another popular variety with good shelf life.
Specs: Buyers look for Brix > 14% and uniform kernel size.
3. Sourcing Hubs: The "Corn Belt" of India
You need to be close to the farms because corn loses its sweetness (sugar turns to starch) within 24 hours of harvest.
Maharashtra (The King):
Hubs: Nashik, Pune, Ahmednagar, Jalgaon.
Advantage: These districts have the highest density of IQF plants and contract farmers growing Sugar 75.
Karnataka: Belagavi and Davangere regions are growing hubs.
Madhya Pradesh: Chhindwara is a major corn-producing belt, rapidly adopting sweet corn.3
4. Processing: The "IQF" Technology
You are not "freezing" the corn; you are IQF-ing it.
What is IQF? Individually Quick Frozen. The kernels are blasted with -40°C air while floating on a belt.4 This ensures they don't stick together in a lump. Every kernel remains separate and free-flowing.
The Process:
De-husking & De-cobbing: Removing outer leaves and separating kernels.
Blanching: Boiling at 90°C for 2 mins to kill enzymes (stops ripening).
Cooling: Chilling to 4°C.
IQF Freezing: Freezing to -18°C core temperature.5
5. Compliance: The "Safety" Barrier
Frozen food is high-risk. One Listeria outbreak can kill your business.
BRC (British Retail Consortium): Mandatory for exporting to the UK/Europe.
HACCP / ISO 22000: The minimum standard for Middle East/Russia.
FSSAI & APEDA: Mandatory Indian government registrations.6
Halal Certification: Strict requirement for UAE, Saudi, and Qatar.
6. Logistics & Packaging
Packaging:
Retail: 400g / 1kg / 2.5kg LDPE Polybags (Printed).
Bulk: 30kg Sacks (for HORECA/Industrial buyers).7
The "Cold Chain":
Container: 40ft Reefer Container.
Temperature Setting: -18°C.8
Warning: If the temperature fluctuates during transit (Heat Shock), the corn will release water and turn into ice blocks. Use "Data Loggers" to track temp.
7. Action Plan for Exporters
Contract Farming: Don't rely on open market purchase. Sign contracts with farmers in Nashik/Pune to supply "Sugar 75" seeds and buy back the harvest. This ensures consistent quality.
Lease, Don't Build: Setting up an IQF plant costs ₹5 Crores+. Instead, lease a line in an existing cold storage in Maharashtra (Job Work basis). Cost is approx ₹5-7 per kg for processing.
Target Private Label: Supermarkets in Dubai (like Lulu, Carrefour) are constantly looking for suppliers to pack under their "House Brand." Pitch to them.