India Sends First Pomegranate Shipment from Mumbai to Melbourne

APEDA has successfully facilitated the first shipment of Indian pomegranates from Mumbai to Melbourne. This initiative highlights India's robust export capabilities and the direct benefits to Indian farmers. The consignment was showcased at Fine Food Australia 2024 and adheres to stringent international quality standards.

The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) oversaw the first shipment of Indian pomegranates from Mumbai to Melbourne on August 31, 2024, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry announced Thursday. Cleared in Melbourne, the consignment was featured at Fine Food Australia 2024 at the APEDA India pavilion, accentuating the global appeal of Indian pomegranates. This milestone shipment was executed by M/s. Kay Bee Exports, a prominent Mumbai-based fruits and vegetables exporter registered with APEDA.

The consignment consisted of pomegranates sourced directly from M/s. Kay Bee Exports' farms, ensuring that the grassroots benefits of this export reach Indian farmers. The pomegranates were meticulously packed at an Australia-approved packhouse in Ahmednagar, meeting stringent international quality standards.

The shipment, weighing 1.1 metric tons (MT) and containing 336 boxes (each 3.5 kg), underwent necessary irradiation treatment at the MSAMB IFC in Vashi, Navi Mumbai, as per the agreed work plan. Australia granted market access to Indian pomegranates in 2020, opening a lucrative avenue for Indian farmers. An export work plan and Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) were signed in February 2024, streamlining the process.

As the world's second-largest producer of horticulture crops, India's major pomegranate production occurs in Maharashtra, Gujarat, Karnataka, Rajasthan, and Andhra Pradesh. APEDA has established Export Promotion Forums (EPF) for pomegranates, aiming to boost exports and streamline the supply chain. These forums include representatives from various governmental departments, laboratories, and leading exporters, ensuring a collaborative promotion effort. In 2023-24, India exported 72,011 metric tons of pomegranates worth USD 69.08 million to several countries including the UAE, Bangladesh, Nepal, the Netherlands, Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Bahrain, and Oman.

This initiative not only strengthens India's market presence globally but also directly supports Indian farmers by creating sustainable export opportunities. APEDA, a statutory body under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India, is committed to promoting Indian agro and processed food exports. Their initiatives include organizing B2B exhibitions, exploring new markets, and collaborating with Indian Embassies to promote natural, organic, and GI-tagged agro-products.

(With inputs from agencies.)