Indian pomegranates hit Australia’s shelves

New Delhi: India achieved a milestone with the exports of its horticulture shipments of premium Sangola and Bhagwa pomegranates to Australia. Credit goes to Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), AgroStar, and Kay Bee Exports for the achievement of this success. In this regard, a work plan and Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) were inked in February last year.

The first shipment occurred in July 2024, using the cargo ship for cost efficiency. After that, a shipment of 5.7 metric tons (MT) of fresh pomegranates from Maharashtra’s Solapur was transported to Australia through sea route. Bhagwa pomegranates got a place in Brisbane’s super market after another lot reached on January 6, 2025. The fruits were packed in 1,900 boxes so that they remained fresh after reaching there.

Also Read: Buxar: Social media buzzes as locals steal flower pots after CM’s event

APEDA Chairman Abhishek Dev underscored the swift growth of India’s fresh fruit exports; pomegranate exports have gone up at the rate of 20% annually. APEDA has left no stone unturned in the expansion of global market access. ANARNET, India’s traceability system, monitored the shipments, guaranteeing high quality and transparency as well.

People of Australia have given a positive response to Indian pomegranates; demand has been increasing. The timing was also perfect. With the initial success, exporters such as AgroStar’s INI Farms and Kay Bee Exports are gearing up for the next season. It seems the coming year will further increase India’s fruit exports.