The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), in collaboration with AgroStar and Kay Bee Exports, successfully completed India’s first-ever commercial trial shipments of premium Sangola and Bhagwa pomegranates respectively to Australia via sea. This marks a major breakthrough in expanding market access for Indian fresh produce, reinforcing the country’s position in the global agricultural trade and unlocking new revenue opportunities for farmers.
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In a landmark achievement for India’s agricultural exports, the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), in collaboration with AgroStar and Kay Bee Exports, has successfully completed the first-ever commercial trial shipments of premium Sangola and Bhagwa pomegranates to Australia via sea. This milestone marks a significant breakthrough in expanding market access for Indian fresh produce and enhancing global trade opportunities for Indian farmers.
Following the approval for Indian pomegranates to enter the Australian market, a comprehensive work plan and Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) were established in February 2024. The initial air shipment in July 2024, facilitated by APEDA and the National Plant Protection Organisation (NPPO), provided valuable insights into market demand, paving the way for cost-effective sea shipments.
The first sea-freight shipment, carrying 5.7 metric tons (MT) of pomegranates from Maharashtra’s Solapur region, left India on December 6, 2024, and reached Sydney on January 13, 2025. Packed into 1,900 boxes, each containing 3 kg of premium fruit, this shipment was soon followed by another commercial consignment of 6.56 MT of Bhagwa pomegranates, which arrived in Brisbane on January 6, 2025, with 1,872 boxes. The adoption of bulk sea shipments ensured competitive pricing, creating a sustainable trade model beneficial for both Indian farmers and Australian consumers.
A crucial component of these shipments was their integration into Anarnet, India’s traceability system. This advanced tracking mechanism guarantees transparency, quality assurance, and enhanced consumer confidence in global markets. The successful execution of these exports highlights India’s capability to meet stringent international quality standards while expanding revenue streams for its farmers.
Upon arrival, the pomegranates received an enthusiastic response in Sydney, Brisbane, and Melbourne. The growing demand has already prompted further shipment requests, underscoring the potential for a profitable and long-term trade relationship between India and Australia. Strategically timed to coincide with Australia’s off-season for pomegranates, the shipments maximized market opportunities for Indian exporters.
Abhishek Dev, Chairman of APEDA, emphasized India’s rapid agricultural export growth, stating, “India’s fresh fruit exports have surged by 29% year-on-year, with pomegranates alone witnessing a 20% growth. The successful shipment of premium pomegranates to Australia reinforces India’s capability to supply high-quality fresh produce globally. With advanced traceability systems like Anarnet, we ensure compliance with the highest international standards, fostering consumer trust.”
He further reiterated APEDA’s commitment to securing and facilitating market access for Indian farmers. “We are dedicated to supporting Indian farmers and agri-entrepreneurs in expanding into new and emerging markets. This achievement lays the foundation for increased export volumes and deeper global collaborations in the future,” Dev added.
This milestone not only strengthens India’s position as a global agricultural powerhouse but also opens doors for further expansion into high-value markets, ensuring long-term benefits for Indian farmers and the economy.
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