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This marks a breakthrough in expanding market access for Indian fresh produce
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 completed India’s first-ever commercial trial shipments of premium Sangola and Bhagwa pomegranates respectively to Australia via sea. This marks a breakthrough in expanding market access for Indian fresh produce.
After getting market access for the 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. The first air shipment took place in July 2024, following the successful market access facilitation by APEDA and the 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 December 6, 2024, and arrived in Sydney on January 13, 2025, with 5.7 metric tonnes (MT) of pomegranates sourced from the Solapur region of Maharashtra, packed into 1,900 boxes, each containing 3 kg of premium fruit. Another commercial sea shipment carrying 1,872 boxes (6.56 tons) of Bhagwa variety arrived in Brisbane, Australia, on January 6, 2025. The use of bulk sea shipment ensured competitive pricing, benefiting farmers and creating sustainable trade opportunities. 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.
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. The shipment’s timing was strategically aligned with Australia’s non-producing season, maximizing market opportunities for Indian exporters.
Abhishek Dev, Chairman of APEDA, emphasised “India’s agricultural export landscape is growing at an unprecedented pace, with fresh fruit exports surging by 29 per cent year-on-year. Pomegranates alone have seen a 20 per cent growth, demonstrating the immense potential of this segment. The successful shipments of premium pomegranates to Australia mark 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.”