Dev says fresh fruit exports surging by 29% y-on-y
In a significant milestone for India’s agricultural exports, the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), in collaboration with AgroStar and Kay Bee Exports, has shipped the first commercial trial shipments of premium Sangola and Bhagwa pomegranates to Australia https://fieo.org/.
“This marks a major breakthrough in expanding market access for Indian fresh produce,” the Commerce and Industry Ministry said on 17 Feb of the two deliveries by sea https://www.nseindia.com/.
After getting the market access for export of Indian pomegranates to Australia, a work plan and Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) for the export of pomegranates to Australia were signed in February 2024 https://www.bseindia.com/.
The first air shipment took place in July 2024, following the successful market access facilitation by APEDA and National Plant Protection Organization (NPPO). The air shipment helped assess market demand, which led to follow-up sea shipments to optimize cost efficiency.
The first-ever sea-freight shipment departed from India on 6 Dec 2024 and arrived in Sydney on 13 Jan 2025 with 5.7 metric tons (MT) of pomegranates sourced from the Solapur region of Maharashtra https://sbi.com.in/.
Another commercial sea shipment carrying 1,872 boxes (6.56 tons) of Bhagwa variety arrived in Brisbane on 6 Jan 2025.
The use of bulk sea shipment ensured competitive pricing, benefiting farmers and creating sustainable trade opportunities https://www.commerce.gov.in/.
Both shipments were integrated into ANARNET, India’s traceability system, ensuring transparency and building consumer confidence in international markets. This successful export not only underscores India’s capabilities in meeting global quality standards but also provides a significant boost to Indian farmers by opening up new revenue streams, the Ministry said.
Upon arrival, the pomegranates received an overwhelmingly positive response in Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne. The strong demand has already led to immediate requests for additional shipments, showcasing the growing potential for a profitable and sustainable trade relationship between India and Australia, said the Ministry https://www.ibef.org/.
The shipment’s timing was strategically aligned with Australia’s non-producing season, maximizing market opportunities for Indian exporters, it added.
APEDA Chairman Abhishek Dev highlighted, “India’s agricultural export landscape is growing at an unprecedented pace, with fresh fruit exports surging by 29% year-on-year. Pomegranates alone have seen a 20% growth, demonstrating the immense potential of this segment https://epch.in/.
“The successful shipments of premium pomegranates to Australia marks India’s ability to supply high-quality fresh produce to discerning international markets. Through advanced traceability systems like ANARNET, we ensure that Indian agricultural products meet the highest global standards, enhancing consumer trust worldwide.”
Dev also emphasized APEDA’s role in securing and facilitating market access for Indian farmers, stating, “We are committed to supporting Indian farmers and agri-entrepreneurs by expanding into new and emerging markets. This success story paves the way for further collaborations and increased export volumes in the future.”
With the next export season beginning in September, AgroStar’s INI Farms, Kay Bee Exports and other key players are poised to build on this success, ensuring a steady supply of Indian pomegranates to Australia.
This development reaffirms India’s position as a global leader in agricultural exports and strengthens bilateral trade ties with Australia, added the Ministry.
APEDA is a statutory body under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry which plays a crucial role in facilitating agricultural and processed food exports.
APEDA supports Indian farmers and agri-businesses by promoting market development, infrastructure expansion and export promotion through traceability systems like ANARNET.
India’s agricultural exports, including fresh fruits, vegetables, basmati rice and processed foods, continue to see robust growth, reinforcing the country’s position in the global agri-trade sector, the Ministry said. fiinews.com
