How to Make Tomato Ketchup in India: Business & Manufacturing Guide

Tomato ketchup is one of the most in-demand condiment products in India, widely used across restaurants, food chains, and packaged retail markets. With consistent year-round demand and scalable production potential, tomato ketchup manufacturing has become a profitable opportunity for food startups and growing brands.

This guide explains the complete how to make tomato ketchup in India, including ingredients, machinery, regulatory requirements, and how to set up a ketchup production plant efficiently. It is especially useful for entrepreneurs searching for a reliable ketchup machine supplier near me to start or expand production.

Top Reasons to Start a Tomato Ketchup Business in India

India offers possibilities for growth, revenue, and access to produce tomato ketchup opportunity for food entrepreneurs, start-ups, and SHGs. The top reason for starting a Tomato Ketchup Business.

Significant Market Opportunity 

• The tomato processing industry is a ₹4,000 crore industry in India. Ketchup and sauces are packaged in a method that they designed for consumers – there is always demand in cities, towns, and community primary schools. 

Considerable Consumer Base 

• Ketchup is a popular item in both urban and rural settings. Schools just serve ketchup-based school lunches for many kids, street-food vendors use it, families use it after school, and fast food and restaurants use ketchup. Even export markets are emerging, with an increasing number of Indian ketchup manufacturers exporting ketchup with a focus on the Middle East and Southeast Asia. 

Shelf Stable Product 

• When processed and packaged effectively, ketchup (to minimize waste from seasonal tomato availability) will last from 6-12 months, and also reduce spoilage losses by processing year-round sources of supply for the market.

Low Capital Costs

• A small ketchup factory can be established in startup mode for a capital investment of ₹2-3 lakh, affordable for small businesses/startups/SHGs. Food processing machinery, easily followed recipes, and local conditions can allow a small, easy-to-follow entry point for start-up production that could start very small and increase production as demand grows.

Profitable and Scalable

• Ketchup production yields large margins for transformation from fresh farm tomatoes to higher-value food products. It is a flexible model that can be a manual, semi-automatic line for entry-level production and move to full automation as the business grows.

What You Need to Make Tomato Ketchup in India

• Tomatoes 

It is recommended to purchase green and ripe tomatoes that are bright red and have a Brix level of around 4.5-5+. Roma or hybrid varieties will provide the best product in terms of pulp content. You can generally find the best tomatoes from farmers in states such as Maharashtra, MP, Bihar, or Andhra Pradesh. 

• Other Ingredients 

You will require sugar to provide sweetness and function as a natural preservative, vinegar or acetic acid to lower the sauce’s acidity, and spices such as onion, garlic, star anise, and cinnamon. If you have your desired, finished product presentation described in your mind.

Step-by-Step Process: How to Make Tomato Ketchup in India

Processing Procedures of Tomato Ketchup

1. Wash and blanch tomatoes (skin and seeds removed).
2. Crush tomatoes and cook down pulp into a thickened consistency.
3. Strain to get a smoother consistency.
4. Mix in sugar, vinegar, salt, and spices → Simmer to achieve desired thickness.
5. Pasteurize at 85–90°C (185–195°F) for 15-20 minutes.
6. Hot fill into sterilized bottles or pouches.
7. Seal, cool, label, and store.

Tomato Ketchup Machines for Small and Large-Scale Production

Machines for Small-Batch / Pilot Scale

• Typically, buy tomato ketchup machine locally, are less expensive and smaller than their industrial counterparts. 
• A steam jacketed kettle (20-50L) is used to make the pulp. 
• A steam jacket mixing kettle (20-50L) can either stir automatically or by hand, and helps reduce/prevent burning. 
• A filling machine (manual/semi-auto) is used to fill various types of containers, including bottles and pouches.
• A basic pasteurizer also assists with shelf life. 

Industrial Tomato Ketchup Line

• For medium to larger ketchup plant manufacturer, there is an tomato sauce machine available with several different automation controls and throughput. 
• A pulper/crusher is used to get the pulp at a batch volume.
• Cooking mixing kettles (500-1000L) are used for steam heating with auto stirring kettles. 
• A homogenizer helps provide a smooth overall product. 
• A pasteurizer (tubular/plate) is also passed for microbial safety. 
• Filling line and Capping – 1,000+ bottles per hour. 
• CIP system – Clean in place – Preference.

How to Package and Brand Your Tomato Ketchup

• You can package in various formats: glass bottles, PET bottles, sachets, and doy packs. 
• Sachets are typically used in fast-food outlets, while bottles are usually seen when purchased in the retail space, and pouches are usually only found when purchased from bulk buyers. (e.g., Studying end use would be valuable for maximizing sales). 
• Labeling must be in accordance with FSSAI and packaging standards. 

How Much Does It Cost to Start a Tomato Ketchup Business?

Read More: Affordable Tomato Sauce Making Machine Price That Boosts Your Production and Profits

Ketchup Machine Supplier Near Me: Local vs Trusted Manufacturer Comparison

Conclusion

Tomato ketchup manufacturing in India is a high-potential business when supported by the right processing knowledge and equipment. Understanding how to make tomato ketchup in India using hygienic, scalable machinery is key to maintaining quality and long-term profitability.

Foodsure Machines offers reliable tomato ketchup manufacturing solutions for small to industrial-scale production. With expert support and proven machines, setting up or expanding your ketchup plant becomes faster and more efficient.