India's Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), in collaboration with AgroStar and Kay Bee Exports, successfully completed the first-ever commercial sea freight shipment of Sangola and Bhagwa pomegranates to Australia. This achievement marks a significant step for Indian fresh produce and opens new opportunities in global markets.
February 2024, India received permission to export pomegranates to Australia, following which a work plan and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) were established. The first air shipment took place in July 2024, enabling the assessment of market demand. Based on this, a sea freight shipment was planned to optimize costs.
The first sea shipment departed from India on December 6, 2024, and reached Sydney on January 13, 2025, carrying 5.7 metric tons of pomegranates sourced from the Solapur region of Maharashtra. Additionally, another sea shipment of 1,872 boxes (6.56 tons) of Bhagwa pomegranates arrived in Brisbane on January 6, 2025. The sea shipment helped reduce costs, allowing farmers to receive better prices and opening new business opportunities.
Both shipments were tracked through ANARNET, India’s traceability system, ensuring quality and transparency. The pomegranates received an overwhelmingly positive response in Sydney, Brisbane, and Melbourne, leading to immediate requests for additional shipments. This success has opened up new market opportunities for Indian pomegranates during Australia’s off-season.
APEDA’s Vision and Future Plans: Abhishek Dev, Chairman of APEDA, highlighted that India’s fresh fruit exports are growing at an annual rate of 29%, with pomegranate exports alone increasing by 20%. He emphasized that through advanced traceability systems like ANARNET, India is meeting global quality standards, which has enhanced consumer trust in international markets.
APEDA is committed to helping Indian farmers and agri-entrepreneurs access new markets. With this success, AgroStar, INI Farms, Kay Bee Exports, and other key players are ready to maintain a steady supply of Indian pomegranates to Australia in the upcoming export season starting in September 2025.
This achievement strengthens India’s position as a leader in global agricultural exports and enhances the India-Australia trade relationship.
