November 26, 2025

Why HORECA Distributors Are Increasing Imports from India and Southeast Asia?

The dynamic HORECA (Hotel, Restaurant, Catering) industry has witnessed a significant surge in import activity from India and Southeast Asia in recent years. Importers and distributors operating in this vibrant sector are increasingly sourcing products ranging from disposables, kitchenware, cleaning supplies, to packaging materials from these regions. This shift is driven by evolving market demands, competitive pricing, quality assurances, and increasingly seamless export operations that match HORECA’s fast-paced supply chain needs.

Understanding why India and Southeast Asia are becoming magnets for HORECA sourcing is essential for wholesalers and importers seeking to optimize their procurement strategies.

Global HORECA Market Snapshot and Sourcing Trends

The global HORECA sector continues its steady growth trajectory with an estimated market size surpassing USD 3.2 trillion in 2024. Hospitality’s recovery post-pandemic and expanding food delivery services fuel increasing requirements for bulk consumables, disposables, and kitchen essentials. An estimated 70% of HORECA consumables are imported, underscoring the industry’s dependency on cost-effective, reliable international supply.

Region	Market Share in HORECA Consumable Exports (2024)	CAGR (2022–2024)
India	28%	14.5%
Southeast Asia	22%	12.8%
China	35%	4.5%
Others	15%	6.0%

Growing emphasis on sustainable packaging, hygiene certification, and regulatory compliance are driving HORECA buyers to evaluate suppliers beyond price alone. Flexible MOQs, quick delivery, and OEM co-branding options are increasingly critical criteria.

Read more about GCC’s Jute Bag Products

What HORECA Distributors Look for in Suppliers ?

Distributors sourcing for HORECA demand:

Consistent Quality & Certification: Products compliant with FDA, EN standards, and local food safety regulations, including biodegradable disposable options.
Range Breadth & Specialty Items: Wide-ranging supply — from plastic disposables, tableware, napkins to kitchen tools, cleaning chemicals, and packaging solutions.
Custom OEM and Private Label Capabilities: Co-branding, custom packaging, multilingual labeling, and certified barcoding to help build retailer and F&B brand trust.
Efficient Logistics & Order Management: Mixed SKU container consolidation, flexible MOQ, transparent tracking, and regional warehousing for faster restocking.
Price-Performance Balance: Competitive FOB pricing paired with high export document accuracy to avoid delays and penalties.

GCC’s HORECA Product Portfolio Insights

Product Category	Sub-Products	Certifications & Technical Highlights	Product Link
Disposable Tableware	Plates, cups, cutlery (biodegradable & reusable)	ASTM, EN13432 certified, FSC pulp options	Disposable Tableware
Paper Napkins & Tissues	Multi-ply napkins, facial tissues, wet wipes	Certified softness, FSC, ISO compliant, variety of scents	Paper Napkins & Tissues
Kitchenware & Tools	Plastic containers, serving bowls, utensils	Food-grade polymers, BPA-free, ISO 9001 certified	Kitchenware & Tools
Cleaning & Sanitation	Disposable gloves, wipes, sanitizers	Compliant MSDS, antimicrobial coatings	Cleaning & Sanitation

Each product undergoes batch testing, sample retention, and includes complete export documentation (COA, MSDS, TDS) ensuring importers’ peace of mind.

Read More about GCC’s Plasticware Products

How GCC Empowers HORECA Importers ?

Quality You Can Rely On: Certified quality, batch traceability, and third-party laboratory validation.
Flexible Packaging Solutions: Private-label, customizable cartons with multilingual barcodes.
Efficient Consolidation: Mixed SKU container loading to optimize freight and inventory.
Responsive Logistics: Regional warehousing in Africa, Asia, and Middle East ensuring 95%+ on-time deliveries.
Dedicated Service: Specialized account teams assist with compliance, order management, and technical queries.

Thus, GCC enables HORECA distributors and importers to navigate sourcing complexities while capturing growth opportunities efficiently.

The Competitive Edge: India and SE Asia’s Role

India is rapidly advancing its export capabilities with growing OEM capacities, competitive labor costs, and adherence to international compliance frameworks. Southeast Asia complements with eco-conscious manufacturing, innovation in compostable disposables, and modern infrastructure for faster lead times.

The combined rise of these regions empowers importers to diversify their supply base, access new products faster, and provide end-clients with premium, sustainable consumables at competitive prices.

Explore GCC’s full HORECA product portfolio and experience export-grade sourcing advantage → GCC HORECA Products

References & Sources