Why Veraval in Gujarat matters to international seafood buyers — the species landed there, the seasons, and what it means for sourcing.
Veraval, on the Saurashtra coast of Gujarat, is one of the most important fishing harbours on India’s west coast. It is home to a large fishing fleet and a concentration of export-oriented processing plants and cold storages — which is why Foods King India is based here.
What is landed
The Arabian Sea off Gujarat supports a wide range of commercially important species. Landings at Veraval include ribbon fish, several croaker species, pomfret, threadfin bream, reef cod, seer fish, mackerel, and cephalopods such as squid, cuttlefish and octopus, along with sea-caught shrimp.
Seasons matter
Fishing on India’s west coast pauses each year during the monsoon under a seasonal fishing ban, usually covering June and July. Fishing resumes in August, and many species are landed in good volumes through the post-monsoon and winter months. Buyers who plan ahead — for example by contracting before the season opens — can secure better availability and consistent sizes.
What it means for buyers
- Freshness: short distances between harbour and plant help maintain raw material quality.
- Choice: a large number of processors makes it possible to match plant capability to the order.
- Visibility: a team based locally can inspect raw material and production in person rather than relying on remote reports.
If you are planning purchases for the coming season, contact our team for current availability and size ranges.