{"id":1391,"date":"2026-10-03T12:37:42","date_gmt":"2026-10-03T12:37:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/highlandagrofood.com\/blog\/?p=1391"},"modified":"2026-10-05T12:47:48","modified_gmt":"2026-10-05T12:47:48","slug":"highland-agro-food-featured-in-forbes-india-building-a-stronger-indian-seafood-manufacturing-and-export-industry","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/highlandagrofood.com\/blog\/highland-agro-food-featured-in-forbes-india-building-a-stronger-indian-seafood-manufacturing-and-export-industry\/","title":{"rendered":"Highland Agro Food \u2014 Featured in Forbes India: Building a Stronger Indian Seafood Manufacturing and Export Industry"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">India&#8217;s seafood industry has become an important part of the country&#8217;s food export economy, with shrimp contributing significantly to international demand. As the sector develops, global seafood buyers are looking beyond production volumes. Food safety, traceability, processing standards, cold-chain management, responsible sourcing, and consistent product quality are becoming increasingly important.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Odisha has an important role in this industry because of its coastline, aquaculture activity, and seafood-producing communities. Companies operating from the state are helping connect farmers, processors, and supply-chain partners with domestic and international markets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Among the companies contributing to this development is <strong>Highland Agro Food<\/strong>, whose journey in the seafood manufacturing and processing sector has been featured in the <strong>Forbes India Manufacturing Special<\/strong>. The recognition highlights the company&#8217;s growth and its role in building a structured seafood business around processing, supply-chain management, technology, and export operations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">At the center of this journey is <strong>Mr Pratik Jena, Managing Director of Highland Agro Food<\/strong>, whose leadership as a young entrepreneur has helped take the company forward. His approach focuses on developing the company&#8217;s manufacturing capabilities while strengthening relationships across the seafood value chain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>From Seafood Supply to Integrated Manufacturing<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Modern seafood exports involve much more than sourcing raw seafood and shipping it to international markets. A reliable seafood manufacturing business needs systems covering procurement, processing, freezing, storage, packaging, quality control, and logistics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Highland Agro Food has developed an integrated seafood operation that includes farmer partnerships, aquafeed, seafood processing, and cold storage. According to the company&#8217;s information, it works with more than 1,200 partner farmers across six Indian states and operates an IQF-equipped processing facility with more than 10,500 MT of in-house cold-storage capacity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Its product portfolio includes Vannamei shrimp, Black Tiger shrimp, and sea-caught shrimp in different processed formats.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The company&#8217;s manufacturing journey reflects the broader changes taking place in India&#8217;s seafood sector. Businesses are increasingly building infrastructure that allows them to manage more stages of the supply chain instead of depending entirely on external facilities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Important areas of modern seafood manufacturing include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Consistent raw-material sourcing<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Farmer and supplier relationships<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Hygienic processing facilities<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Temperature-controlled storage<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Traceability systems<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Food-safety management<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Freezing and packaging technology<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Export documentation and logistics<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For a temperature-sensitive product such as seafood, maintaining quality throughout these stages is essential. A strong cold chain and controlled processing environment help reduce quality variations and support the requirements of international buyers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>A Young Entrepreneur&#8217;s Role in Highland Agro Food&#8217;s Growth<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The development of a manufacturing business requires long-term planning, investment in infrastructure, and the ability to adapt to changing market requirements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Mr Pratik Jena, MD of Highland Agro Food,<\/strong> represents the role of young entrepreneurship in India&#8217;s evolving manufacturing sector<strong>.<\/strong> Under his leadership, Highland Agro Food has continued to develop its seafood processing and export capabilities while building relationships with farmers and other supply-chain participants.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">His leadership has been part of the company&#8217;s journey from a seafood business to a more integrated manufacturing and export operation. The focus on processing infrastructure, cold storage, technology, quality systems, and supply-chain coordination reflects the global seafood market&#8217;s changing requirements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Being featured in the <strong>Forbes India Manufacturing Special<\/strong> adds another important chapter to this journey. The recognition highlights the company&#8217;s manufacturing development and the work involved in building a seafood business capable of serving wider markets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For young entrepreneurs entering manufacturing, the seafood sector also demonstrates that growth is not limited to the factory floor. It involves working with farmers, developing skilled teams, maintaining quality standards, investing in technology, and creating systems that can support consistent production.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Indian Shrimp Exports Depend on Quality and Traceability<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Shrimp remains one of India&#8217;s major seafood export products. Indian seafood processors serve markets across North America, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and other regions. Buyers in these markets can have detailed requirements related to product size, processing methods, packaging, food safety, documentation, and traceability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For companies such as Highland Agro Food, maintaining quality across the supply chain is therefore an important part of export operations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Traceability can help businesses monitor different stages of seafood production and processing. It can support:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Supplier monitoring<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Food-safety management<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Quality control<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Regulatory compliance<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Buyer requirements<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Responsible sourcing practices<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA) records Highland Agro Food Private Limited as a registered exporter in Odisha. Its listed product categories include frozen wild and aquaculture shrimp, along with frozen cuttlefish and squid.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Such registration is relevant to international seafood trade because exporters need to meet regulatory, documentation, and operational requirements in addition to maintaining production capacity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The company&#8217;s work with farmers is also significant. A connected supply chain can help processors maintain access to raw materials while creating opportunities for aquaculture communities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Technology Is Supporting Modern Seafood Manufacturing<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Technology has become an important part of seafood processing. Individual Quick Freezing, commonly known as IQF, is one example of processing technology used to freeze individual seafood pieces quickly. This can support portion control, storage, packaging, and distribution.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A 2025 Infomerics report described Highland Agro Food&#8217;s processing infrastructure as having a total processing capacity of 100 MT per day, including plate-freezing and IQF capacity, along with 10,500 MT of freezing capacity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Modern seafood manufacturing can also use technology in areas such as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Automated processing equipment<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Cold-storage monitoring<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Digital traceability<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Quality inspection<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Packaging systems<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Production planning<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Inventory management<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These systems can help reduce avoidable variations between batches and support the documentation required for different export markets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">However, technology is only one part of manufacturing. Skilled workers remain essential for seafood processing. Proper handling, hygiene, inspection, quality checks, and compliance procedures need to be maintained throughout production.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For Highland Agro Food, investment in manufacturing infrastructure forms part of its wider effort to develop a dependable seafood supply chain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Building a More Responsible Seafood Supply Chain<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Sustainability and responsible sourcing are becoming increasingly relevant to the international seafood industry. Buyers, retailers, regulators, and consumers want greater visibility into how seafood is produced, processed, and transported.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Responsible aquaculture can involve resource management, farmer support, traceability, environmental considerations, and compliance with recognised standards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Highland Agro Food&#8217;s website lists certifications and standards including BAP, IFS Food, BRCGS, FSSC 22000, HACCP, Halal, and ASC. These standards and certifications relate to areas such as food safety, quality management, processing systems, and responsible aquaculture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For Odisha, the growth of organised seafood manufacturing can have wider economic effects. A stronger seafood value chain can create demand across several connected areas, including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Aquaculture and farming<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Seafood processing<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Cold storage<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Transportation<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Packaging<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Quality control<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Food-safety management<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Export services<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Logistics<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This makes seafood manufacturing more than an export activity. It is also connected with employment, farmer networks, infrastructure development, and supporting industries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Forbes India Recognition and the Road Ahead<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Being featured in the <strong>Forbes India Manufacturing Special<\/strong> represents an important milestone in Highland Agro Food&#8217;s journey. The feature brings attention to the company&#8217;s development within the manufacturing sector and its efforts to build an integrated seafood operation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The journey also reflects the role of leadership in building a growing manufacturing company. Under the leadership of <strong>Mr Pratik Jena, MD and a young entrepreneur<\/strong>, Highland Agro Food is working to strengthen its processing infrastructure, supply-chain relationships, and presence in the seafood export industry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The company&#8217;s story is also connected with the larger development of India&#8217;s food-processing sector. As international markets become more focused on food safety, traceability, consistency, and responsible sourcing, seafood manufacturers need to continuously improve their systems and capabilities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For Odisha, this development offers an opportunity to connect the state&#8217;s aquaculture resources and coastal communities with modern food-processing infrastructure and international markets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Conclusion<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">India&#8217;s seafood industry is evolving as international buyers place greater emphasis on food safety, traceability, technology, processing standards, and responsible sourcing. Odisha has the unique opportunity to strengthen its position by combining its seafood resources with modern manufacturing and export infrastructure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Highland Agro Food&#8217;s journey reflects this change. Its farmer network, processing facilities, cold-storage infrastructure, technology, certifications, and export operations show how an integrated seafood business can connect different parts of the value chain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Its feature in the <strong>Forbes India Manufacturing Special<\/strong> marks an important point in that journey and highlights its development within the manufacturing sector.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">With <strong>Mr Pratik Jena, MD and a young entrepreneur, leading the company forward<\/strong>, Highland Agro Food continues to build on its manufacturing capabilities and its connections with farmers, employees, supply-chain partners, and international seafood markets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>India&#8217;s seafood industry has become an important part of the country&#8217;s food export economy, with shrimp contributing significantly to international demand. As the sector develops, global seafood buyers are looking beyond production volumes. Food safety, traceability, processing standards, cold-chain management, responsible sourcing, and consistent product quality are becoming increasingly important. Odisha has an important role [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1392,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","ast-disable-related-posts":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"set","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"categories":[5],"tags":[21,18],"class_list":["post-1391","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-blog","tag-frozen-prawns-exporter-india","tag-highland-agro-food"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/highlandagrofood.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1391","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/highlandagrofood.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/highlandagrofood.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/highlandagrofood.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/highlandagrofood.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1391"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/highlandagrofood.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1391\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1397,"href":"https:\/\/highlandagrofood.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1391\/revisions\/1397"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/highlandagrofood.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1392"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/highlandagrofood.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1391"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/highlandagrofood.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1391"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/highlandagrofood.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1391"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}