Often known as “God’s Own Country,” Kerala can fascinate the world through natural beauty and the richness of culture, not to forget the unique products highly demanded by the masses. Traditionally, most selling products in Kerala include handicrafts, spices, coir products, and forestry-based items, which have acquired immense value in their domains because they are layered with heritage. This blog will explain some of the most selling products in Kerala
1. Kasavu Sarees: The Essence of Class
Kasavu sarees, with their striking golden borders and pristine white or cream base, embody Kerala’s sartorial elegance. Traditionally worn during festive occasions like Onam and weddings, these kerala sarees are a timeless essence of Kerala’s cultural ethos and present excellent business ideas for those looking to celebrate and share this cultural treasure with a broader audience.
Kasavu sarees from Kerala are woven using cotton or silk, which gets the golden zari or metallic threads to be embedded into them. Traditional handloom weaving is conserved through Kerala government-backed initiatives for handloom and collectives of artisans. The craftsmanship of these kerala sarees ensures their durability, making them a favourite among customers who value both tradition and quality. Kasavu sarees generate 15% of Kerala’s textile revenue, and this forms the bedrock of the state’s traditional textile business while offering promising business ideas for entrepreneurs to promote and expand the legacy of these timeless garments.
The Kerala Kasavu saree has modern interpretations in terms of contemporary designs for the younger audience and the urban market. The golden borders of the traditional kerala attire are blended with pastel shades, embroidery, and innovative fabrics to make the attire appealing to a global audience. Collaborations with designers from Kerala have boosted their popularity, making them a go-to choice for high-profile events. This change taps into the demand in international markets, such as the Gulf countries and parts of Europe, where the Indian diaspora shows strong interest. It also opens doors for entrepreneurs to innovate and expand the appeal of this iconic kerala attire.
The Aranmula Kannadi from Kerala is a handcrafted metal-alloy mirror and a product of the village. It is one of Kerala’s most marvellous business products due to its special reflective property.
Cultural Significance and Craftsmanship
The mirrors are used in auspicious rituals and are said to attract good fortune and prosperity. This unique blend of spiritual and artistic value makes them treasured by both homeowners and collectors throughout Kerala . The craft’s secret is preserved by just eight artisan families, adding exclusivity and boosting its business appeal.
Market Dynamics
With an annual production limit of approximately 1,500 pieces, Aranmula Kannadis are priced between ₹10,000 and ₹1,00,000. Recent inclusion in UNESCO’s heritage craft list has heightened its appeal among international collectors and cultural enthusiasts as efficient business . This recognition for Kerala has opened new markets and increased export potential The rising popularity of these mirrors in the US and Europe showcases their growing stature as luxury business artefacts.
The coir industry from Kochi Kerala, using the lowest coconut husk, signifies business with sustainability and innovation. These business products range from traditional mats to modern geotextiles, leading the vanguard of eco-friendly production.
Economic Contribution
Kochi Kerala accounts for 85% of India’s coir exports, totalling an impressive ₹2,000 crore in 2023. Kerala’s adaptation to international business trends is marked by new innovative products as coir-based geotextiles that find use in checking erosion, and composite materials for durable and eco-friendly construction, to name a few.
Global Interest
The increasing demand for eco-friendly business products as successful business ideas has fueled Kochi Kerala’s coir business exports, mainly to markets in Europe, North America, and Australia. Biodegradable packaging made from kerala coir has also gained business popularity in tandem with the global effort to reduce plastic usage.
Kerala is globally recognized as the cradle of Ayurveda, offering a wide range of herbal wellness business products. From therapeutic oils to herbal teas, Kerala has successfully integrated ancient wisdom into modern lifestyles.
Market Expansion
The Ayurveda industry in India’s state of Kerala is estimated to be over ₹8,000 crore, and Ayurvedic tourism is a major part of that. Companies like Kottakkal Arya Vaidya Sala and Kerala Ayurveda Limited have brought modern branding and distribution into the Ayurvedic business product, making it available in markets across Europe, the US, and the Middle East.
Emerging Opportunities
The growing interest of consumers in natural and holistic health solutions in India has increased the demand for Ayurvedic business products. Innovations such as organic skincare, Ayurvedic nutraceuticals, and wellness retreats have further cemented Kerala’s reputation as a hub for natural health.
Kerala’s handicrafts, from exquisite rosewood carvings and intricate coir sculptures to beautifully designed kitchenware and equipment, showcase the state’s rich artistic heritage. These unique creations go beyond mere souvenirs; they embody Kerala’s cultural essence, making them must-have items for fashion-forward homes, modern kitchens, and lifestyle enthusiasts.
In 2022, exports of Kerala’s handicrafts surged by 12%, fueled by rising demand in Europe, the US, and Japan. Artisans are now crafting pieces that combine utility with elegance, catering to modern urban households, high-end shopping experiences, and functional kitchen spaces. This adaptability has helped position Kerala’s handicrafts as premium lifestyle products in the global market.
Artisans are embracing sustainable materials like bamboo and recycled wood, incorporating them into not only home décor but also functional items like kitchen tools and cookware. This approach aligns Kerala’s handicrafts with the growing demand for eco-friendly fashion, home goods, and kitchenware. Government programs and NGOs provide training and support, helping preserve traditional skills while updating designs to suit contemporary tastes. These efforts ensure Kerala’s handicrafts remain relevant and desirable in a competitive, service-oriented retail landscape.
Kerala, including regions like Thiruvananthapuram and Kozhikode and kochi , has been a global business hub for the spice market for centuries, trading in black pepper, cardamom, nutmeg, and cinnamon. Known locally as “masala” in Malayalam, these spices are prized not only for their flavor but also for their medicinal virtues, making them a cornerstone of the global spice business.
Economic Statistics
In 2023, Kerala’s spice exports reached ₹18,000 crore, with 60% of those exports comprising organic-certified spices. Regions like Kozhikode and Thiruvananthapuram have adopted advanced farming techniques, including intercropping and precision farming, to boost productivity and ensure sustainability in spice cultivation.
Global Reach
Fair-trade certifications and organic farming practices have propelled Kerala’s spice business, from Thiruvananthapuram’s spice farms to premium markets in Europe and North America. The rising demand for organic and sustainable food products continues to strengthen Kerala’s reputation as a leader in the global spice trade.
Banana chips, a quintessential snack from Kerala, are famous for their unique flavour, which is due to their preparation in coconut oil. They also present exciting ideas for expanding the market with innovative packaging and global distribution.
Market Growth
The exports of banana chips in Kerala in 2023 have been recorded to increase by 30%. The GCC countries are showing a huge demand for it. Producers have come up with baked, air-fried, and low-sodium variants that cater to the health-conscious, making them a popular choice in restaurants as well.
Cultural Significance
Banana chips are often seen in festivals and celebrations. This has made them a significant part of Kerala’s culinary heritage. Their popularity among tourists has also made them a must-have souvenir.
Coconuts are the backbone of Kerala’s economy, supporting a wide array of industries from food to cosmetics.
Economic Insights
In 2023, Kerala’s coconut exports reached ₹4,500 crore, driven by products like coconut oil, sugar, flour, and activated charcoal. The demand for coconut-based health foods, such as gluten-free flour and coconut sugar, has surged in markets like the US and Japan.
Sustainability Practices
Due to these sustainable coconut farming practices in the state of Kerala, more value is added on its exports. The utilization of by-products such as coir and husk as material for different types of environment-friendly productions also adds further utility to coconut cultivation profitably.
Some of India’s best tea and coffee are produced by Munnar and Wayanad high-altitude plantations. The brews here are loved not just for unique flavours but also as environment-friendly productions driving sales.
Market Trends
Tea exported from Kerala in the year 2023 added to ₹2,300 crores, and white, as well as oolong varieties were increasingly becoming favourites for the niche markets. There was an attempt by many plantations in Wayanad towards eco-tourism like offering plantation tours along with organic coffee.
Global Appeal
Premium teas and single-origin coffees from Kerala are highly sought after in international markets, particularly in Europe and the US. Their organic certification and sustainable farming practices align with global consumer preferences.
– Global market expansion through organic certification and sustainable farming practices.
– Increased visibility through Kerala’s tourism and export govt policies.
– Rising demand for eco-friendly and culturally significant products.
– Competition from machine-made and synthetic alternatives.
– High entry barriers for small-scale producers in global markets.
– Scaling up production while maintaining traditional methods.
To effectively reach a global audience, partnering with anSEO company in Kerala in enhancing online visibility.
The best products to sell in Kerala depend on your target audience and current market trends. Based on the information mentioned, here are some promising options:
By capitalizing on Kerala’s natural and cultural strengths, businesses can find plenty of opportunities to thrive locally and in global markets.
Kerala’s best-selling products are more than just commodities-they reflect the rich cultural heritage of the state, sustainable practices, and innovative spirit. Amid global consumers focusing on authenticity and eco-friendliness, Kerala’s offerings can do extremely well. The state needs to identify its challenges and grasp the emerging opportunities to make a difference on the world stage.