First Consignment of Indian Pomegranates Exported to Australia, Showcased at Fine Food Australia 2024

Mumbai: The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) successfully facilitated the first consignment of Indian pomegranates from Mumbai to Melbourne, Australia. This landmark event underscores India’s growing capabilities in meeting global quality standards while opening new revenue streams for Indian farmers.

The consignment, which weighed 1.1 metric tons and included 336 boxes of premium pomegranates, was successfully cleared in Melbourne and showcased at Fine Food Australia 2024 at the APEDA India pavilion. This platform highlighted the global appeal of Indian pomegranates to international buyers and further solidified India’s position as a major player in the global fruit export market.

Market access for Indian pomegranates was granted by Australia in 2020, with a detailed work plan and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) signed in February 2024 to streamline the export process. This has opened a lucrative market for Indian farmers, particularly those in key pomegranate-producing states like Maharashtra, Gujarat, Karnataka, Rajasthan, and Andhra Pradesh.

APEDA, in its efforts to boost pomegranate exports, has established Export Promotion Forums (EPF) to address supply chain challenges and promote the fruit internationally. These forums comprise representatives from various government departments, state authorities, laboratories, and leading exporters, creating a coordinated effort to expand India’s footprint in the global pomegranate market.

During the financial year 2023-24, India exported 72,011 metric tons of pomegranates worth USD 69.08 million to countries such as the United Arab Emirates, Bangladesh, Nepal, and the Netherlands. The opening of the Australian market represents a significant opportunity for further growth.

The consignment sent to Australia was handled by M/s. Kay Bee Exports, a leading exporter of fruits and vegetables based in Mumbai. The pomegranates, sourced directly from their farms and packed at an Australia-approved facility in Ahmednagar, met the strict international standards required for export. The produce underwent necessary irradiation treatment in Navi Mumbai before shipment, ensuring it adhered to the agreed protocols.

APEDA’s efforts to support agro-exports, especially perishable products like fruits and vegetables, include developing sea protocols that help maintain product freshness over long distances. This initiative, along with their B2B exhibitions and collaborations with Indian embassies, continues to bolster India’s presence in global markets.