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APEDA Facilitates India’s First Sea Shipment of 12.26 Tons of Premium Pomegranates to Australia

India’s fresh fruit exports are surging, with a 29% year-on-year increase, and pomegranates alone seeing a 20% rise. This growth provides Indian farmers with new revenue streams and greater market opportunities.

KJ Staff

India has achieved a significant milestone in its agricultural export sector with the successful completion of its first-ever commercial sea shipment of premium Sangola and Bhagwa pomegranates to Australia. This accomplishment is the result of collaboration among the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), AgroStar, and Kay Bee Exports. It represents a breakthrough in expanding market access for Indian fresh produce.

Following the approval for pomegranate exports to Australia, a work plan and Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) were signed in February 2024, paving the way for future shipments. The first air shipment in July 2024 helped gauge market demand, which led to the shift toward sea freight to optimize cost efficiency.

The first sea shipment of pomegranates left India on December 6, 2024, and arrived in Sydney on January 13, 2025. This shipment, sourced from Maharashtra’s Solapur region, carried 5.7 metric tons (MT) of pomegranates, packed in 1,900 boxes, each containing 3 kg of premium fruit. Another shipment of Bhagwa variety, totaling 6.56 tons, arrived in Brisbane on January 6, 2025.

The decision to use bulk sea shipment helped secure competitive pricing, benefiting farmers and paving the way for sustainable trade relations. Both shipments were tracked using ANARNET, India’s traceability system, ensuring transparency and building consumer trust. This accomplishment highlights India’s growing expertise in meeting international quality standards, offering farmers new revenue opportunities through the global market.

The pomegranates received a warm reception upon arrival in Sydney, Brisbane, and Melbourne. The strong demand has already led to requests for additional shipments, signaling a promising and profitable trade relationship between India and Australia. The timing of the shipments, coinciding with Australia’s non-producing season, has maximized market potential for Indian exporters.

APEDA Chairman Abhishek Dev remarked that India’s agricultural exports are growing rapidly, with fresh fruit exports rising by 29% year-on-year. Pomegranates alone have seen a 20% increase in exports, showcasing the immense potential of this sector. He also emphasized APEDA’s commitment to supporting farmers and agri-entrepreneurs by opening new markets and facilitating access to global opportunities.

As the next export season approaches, AgroStar’s INI Farms, Kay Bee Exports, and other stakeholders are ready to build on this success. 

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