National Makhana Udyog at IFE 2025, ExCeL London, UK
National Makhana Udyog took part in IFE 2025 at ExCeL London from 17 to 19 March 2025, its first international food exhibition, and showed Katihar makhana to UK and European buyers.
Short answer: National Makhana Udyog exhibited at the International Food & Drink Event (IFE) 2025 at ExCeL London, UK, from 17 to 19 March 2025. It was our first participation in an international food exhibition, and it took place with the support of the Ministry of MSME, Government of India, and the Department of Industries, Government of Bihar.
About IFE 2025 at ExCeL London
IFE is one of the largest food and drink trade events in the United Kingdom. Producers, importers, distributors and retail buyers from many countries meet there under one roof. Our stall (no. 1016J) stood in the Bihar pavilion, next to the Bihar Industries Department's Mega Food Park display.
For a makhana (fox nut) producer from Katihar, Bihar, the show was a chance to present the product and its story directly to buyers who had mostly seen it only as a small snack aisle item. Makhana grows in ponds in north Bihar, and Katihar is one of the districts where it is cultivated and processed.
What we showed at the stall
- Phool makhana (popped fox nut): bulk packs and retail packs.
- Roasted and flavoured makhana: jars, pouches and stand-up packs. See makhana packaging for the pack formats we offer.
- Makhana farming information: a banner showing the full journey from pond cultivation to the popped seed, with the message "Makhana is not a lotus seed".
- Moso International products: our export partner, Moso International Private Limited, displayed its range at the same stall.
Buyer interest from the UK and Europe
During the three days we spoke with visitors from the UK and other European markets about grades, packaging, shelf life and shipping. Many buyers wanted to understand how makhana is grown, how it is processed and how it is packed for export. Enquiries and samples are handled through our export team after the event.
If you import into the UK, read our UK importer page. For shipping terms, payment terms, lead time and shelf life, see the export and commercial terms.
What we explain to buyers
These are the questions importers ask most often, and the answers we gave at the stall.
- Grades: export lots are handpicked (HP) grades from 4 Sutta+ to 6 Sutta+. Sizes run from 12.7 mm to 24 mm depending on the grade. See the makhana grades page.
- Moisture: 8 to 11% for all grades, and 5% on request.
- Trial and container orders: an export trial order by air can start from 8 kg. A 20 ft container carries about 2 to 2.5 tonnes and a 40 ft container about 4.2 to 5.2 tonnes.
- Roasted makhana: the makhana is first roasted in an air fryer. On customer demand, seasoning is then added with avocado oil, olive oil or pure ghee. Ready flavours are Peri Peri, Salt & Pepper and Lemon & Mint.
- Packaging: bulk woven PP bags with a double-layer inner liner, retail packs from 100 g to 400 g for phool makhana, and pouches, jars and cans for roasted makhana.
- Commercial terms: EXW, FOB or CIF as agreed in the quotation. Payment is 50% advance and 50% against the commercial invoice, and LC is accepted. Lead time is 2 to 15 working days, with transit time additional.
- Shelf life: 12 to 18 months for phool makhana and 6 to 12 months for roasted makhana, for unopened packs.
Media coverage
The participation was reported in Hindi newspapers, including Dainik Bhaskar (Katihar edition, 18 March 2025) and Dainik Jagran. The reports quote our founder, Gulfaraj, who said that taking part in IFE for the first time was a matter of pride, and that the aim is to give Katihar's makhana a global identity and a fair price for farmers. You can find these and other reports on our media coverage page.
Why this matters for makhana buyers
- It shows that our factory in Charkhi, Korha, Katihar (Bihar) is working for the international market, not only the Indian one.
- Buyers can meet the team in person at international shows, and ask for samples and specifications.
- Export orders are supplied through Moso International Private Limited. See our makhana export page for details.
How to start a conversation with us
- Tell us the product (phool makhana, roasted makhana or powder), the grade and the pack size you need.
- Share your quantity and destination port, so the quotation can state the right shipping terms.
- We send the quotation and, if you want, trial samples. After approval, the order is prepared and shipped.
Please check current import conditions for your country with your importer or customs broker before ordering.
Frequently asked questions
When and where was National Makhana Udyog at IFE?
At IFE 2025, ExCeL London, UK, from 17 to 19 March 2025, at stall 1016J.
Was this the first international exhibition?
Yes. IFE 2025 was our first participation in an international food exhibition.
Who supported the participation?
The Ministry of MSME, Government of India, and the Department of Industries, Government of Bihar.
Which products can a UK or European buyer order?
Phool makhana in HP grades, roasted and flavoured makhana, and makhana powder. Private label packing is also available. See our private label makhana page.
How can a UK or European buyer request samples?
Use the form on our export page or call +91 94721 25387. Please share the grade, pack size and quantity you need.
Contact the export team: Charkhi, Korha, Katihar, Bihar 854108, India. Phone +91 94721 25387.
Looking for a reliable makhana supplier?
National Makhana Udyog is a makhana manufacturer from Katihar, Bihar with a 12,000+ sq ft facility. We hold FSSAI, GST, MSME ZED Silver and IEC, and export through our group company Moso International Pvt Ltd. We supply bulk phool makhana, roasted & flavoured makhana, export-quality fox nuts and private label makhana across India and to importers worldwide.
