-
Posted by David Sexton
- |
-
22 July, 2026
ACCELERATING development of India’s market for lamb is the aim of a $250,000 grant provided to Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA).
The MLA grant comes via the Commonwealth government's Centre for Australia-India Relations (CAIR) Maitri Grants Program to accelerate the development of India's sheepmeat market.
India's growing middle class, rising disposable incomes and expanding modern retail sector have been described as presenting “significant long-term opportunities” for Australian sheepmeat exports.
Some 128.53 tonnes of Australian sheepmeat have been exported to India this year.
MLA will work with leading retailers, wholesalers and foodservice operators across key cities including Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru and Kochi to showcase Australian red meat expertise.
MLA general manager international markets Andrew Cox said the grant would help position the Australian sheepmeat industry to take advantage of emerging opportunities.
“India represents a long-term growth opportunity for Australian lamb and mutton, and this funding provides an important platform to strengthen industry capability, foster deeper commercial relationships and support sustainable market development,” Mr Cox said.
The program is to provide technical support to Indian retail partners, establish best-practice centres of excellence for meat retailing and deliver training through MLA's Aussie Meat Academy.
"The India–Australia Red Meat Innovation & Excellence Program will bring together Australian and Indian industry experts to share knowledge, exchange ideas and showcase world-leading practices in red meat retailing, merchandising and consumer engagement," Mr Cox said.
Austrade trade and investment commissioner, South Asia, Todd Miller, said the initiative would help strengthen Australia's presence in India's rapidly evolving retail sector.
"Austrade is delighted to support Meat & Livestock Australia in its strategy to increase awareness of Australian lamb in India," Mr Miller said.
Centre for Australia-India Relations chief executive Ryan Neelam said initiatives such as MLA's program were helping create lasting economic benefits.
"By supporting initiatives across technology, business, education and cultural sectors, we're not just strengthening diplomatic ties, we're building the foundations for partnerships that create real, lasting benefits for people in both countries," Mr Neelam said.
Mr Cox said the investment would support MLA's broader strategy of building demand for Australian sheepmeat in emerging international markets.
