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Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA) has secured a $250,000 grant through the Australian Government's Centre for Australia-India Relations (CAIR) Maitri Grants Program to accelerate the development of India's sheepmeat market and create new commercial opportunities for Australian sheepmeat producers.
The funding will support MLA's India–Australia Red Meat Innovation & Excellence Program, a three-year initiative designed to strengthen Australia's position in one of the world's largest and fastest-growing consumer markets by improving retail capability, building industry partnerships and increasing awareness of Australian sheepmeat among Indian businesses and consumers.
India's growing middle class, rising disposable incomes and expanding modern retail sector present significant long-term opportunities for Australian sheepmeat exports. Exports to India have continued to build momentum in 2026, with 128.53 tonnes of Australian sheepmeat exported to the market so far this year.
Through the program, MLA will work with leading retailers, wholesalers and foodservice operators across key cities including Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru and Kochi to showcase world-leading Australian red meat expertise, strengthen retail capability and support category growth.
MLA General Manager International Markets Andrew Cox said the grant would help position the Australian sheepmeat industry to take advantage of emerging opportunities in a market with enormous future potential.
"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 will 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.
It will also develop a network of industry ambassadors to champion Australian red meat knowledge and skills throughout the market.
"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.
"Through collaboration with retail, wholesale and foodservice partners, we aim to build lasting industry connections that create value for businesses in both countries while increasing awareness and understanding of Australia's high-quality sheepmeat products."
Austrade Trade & 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.
"The Aussie Meat Academy provides training on premium Australian sheepmeat, its various cuts, retail display and presentation to butchers, store managers and floor staff."
"This retail training will strengthen Australia's footprint across the retail supply chain and deliver the best cuts of premium Australian lamb to customers across India."
Centre for Australia-India Relations Chief Executive Officer Ryan Neelam said initiatives such as MLA's program were helping create lasting economic benefits for both nations.
"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 Neelam said people-to-people and business-to-business connections remained central to the Australia-India relationship.
"People-to-people connections are at the heart of what makes this relationship endure. Maitri celebrates the shared stories, ideas and creative exchange that bring Australia and India closer together."
Mr Cox said the investment would support MLA's broader strategy of building demand for Australian sheepmeat in emerging international markets.
"We thank the Centre for Australia-India Relations for its support. This investment will help accelerate MLA's engagement in India and contribute to the broader goal of strengthening economic and people-to-people ties between Australia and India," Mr Cox said.
