India’s first ever sea shipments of premium pomegranates to Australia have successfully arrived, marking a major achievement in the agricultural export sector.
In a historic move for India’s agricultural export landscape, the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) has helped facilitate the first-ever sea shipments of premium pomegranates to Australia. This monumental step was made possible in collaboration with AgroStar and Kay Bee Exports, with the shipment including varieties like Sangola and Bhagwa pomegranates, grown in the Solapur region of Maharashtra.
The journey to this milestone began in February 2024, when India gained market access for pomegranate exports to Australia. A Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) and work plan were signed to ensure smooth export practices. Initially, the pomegranates were shipped via air in July 2024, a move that assessed market demand and laid the foundation for cost-efficient sea freight shipments.
On 6 December 2024, the first ever sea shipment of 5.7 metric tons (MT) of Sangola pomegranates left India for Sydney, arriving on 13 January 2025. Packed into 1,900 boxes, each weighing 3 kg, the shipment received an overwhelming response. A second commercial shipment carrying 6.56 tons (1,872 boxes) of Bhagwa pomegranates also made its way to Brisbane, arriving on 6 January 2025.
To ensure full transparency and consumer confidence, both shipments were incorporated into ANARNET, India’s advanced traceability system, which tracks agricultural products throughout their journey. This guarantees that Indian products meet the highest international standards.
The strategic timing of the shipments, coinciding with Australia’s non-producing season, maximised market opportunities. The arrival of the pomegranates in Sydney, Brisbane, and Melbourne was met with positive feedback, further solidifying the demand for Indian pomegranates. Immediate requests for additional shipments highlighted the potential of a profitable and sustainable trade relationship between the two countries.
The successful export of pomegranates to Australia is a significant milestone for Indian agriculture and its growing export sector. APEDA Chairman Abhishek Dev expressed his confidence in India’s agricultural future, noting that fresh fruit exports alone have surged by 29% year-on-year, with pomegranates seeing a 20% growth. Through initiatives like ANARNET, India is setting a benchmark in global agricultural trade.
Dev also emphasised APEDA’s role in supporting Indian farmers by expanding access to new markets. He highlighted how the success story of pomegranate exports to Australia paves the way for future collaborations and increased export volumes.
Looking ahead, key players such as AgroStar’s INI Farms, Kay Bee Exports, and others are poised to build on this success and continue supplying premium pomegranates to Australia. This breakthrough strengthens India’s position as a global leader in agricultural exports and enhances trade ties with Australia.
