India Achieves Historic Milestone by Shipping Pomegranates to Australia via Sea

New Delhi, Feb 17 (NationPress) India has successfully executed its first-ever commercial trial shipments of premium Sangola and Bhagwa pomegranates to Australia via sea, marking a significant advancement for the export of fresh agricultural products from the country, as stated by the Commerce and Industry Ministry on Monday.

The consignments were dispatched under the oversight of the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), in partnership with AgroStar and Kay Bee Exports.

After obtaining market access for exporting Indian pomegranates to Australia, a comprehensive work plan and Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) were established in February 2024. The initial air shipment occurred in July 2024, following the successful market access facilitation by APEDA and the National Plant Protection Organization (NPPO). This air shipment evaluated market demand, which prompted subsequent sea shipments for enhanced cost efficiency, as per a Ministry statement.

The inaugural sea-freight shipment departed from India on December 6, 2024, landing in Sydney on January 13, 2025, with 5.7 metric tons (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, consisting of 1,872 boxes (6.56 tons) of the Bhagwa variety, arrived in Brisbane on January 6, 2025. The utilization of bulk sea shipping ensured competitive pricing, benefiting farmers and creating sustainable trade opportunities. Both shipments were integrated into ANARNET, India’s traceability system, ensuring transparency and fostering consumer confidence in global markets.

This successful export not only emphasizes India's capabilities in adhering to global quality standards but also significantly benefits Indian farmers by unlocking new revenue opportunities, the statement highlighted.

Upon arrival, the pomegranates were met with an overwhelmingly positive response in Sydney, Brisbane, and Melbourne. The robust demand has already led to immediate requests for additional shipments, illustrating the potential for a lucrative and sustainable trade relationship between India and Australia. The timing of the shipment was strategically aligned with Australia’s non-producing season, maximizing market opportunities for Indian exporters.

APEDA Chairman Abhishek Dev stressed that India’s agricultural export landscape is evolving at an unprecedented rate, with fresh fruit exports elevating by 29 percent year-on-year. Pomegranates alone have experienced a 20 percent increase, showcasing the vast potential of this segment. The successful shipments of premium pomegranates to Australia affirm India's ability to deliver 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.

With the next export season commencing in September, AgroStar, INI Farms, Kay Bee Exports, and other key players are set to capitalize on this success, ensuring a consistent supply of Indian pomegranates to Australia. This development reinforces India’s status as a global leader in agricultural exports and strengthens bilateral trade ties with Australia, the statement concluded.