Apeda in collaboration with USDA APHIS supports commercial sea shipment of Indian pomegranates to USA

Commercial shipment of Indian Bhagwa variety pomegranates was facilitated by APEDA.

Indian pomegranates are known for its nutritional values, deep colour & rich flavour.

Ministry of Commerce and Industry stated, about 4,620 boxes of pomegranates weighing approx. 14 tons were shipped.

The product batch was sent by Kay Bee Exports, a major fruits and vegetables exporter from Mumbai.

Kay Bee Exports is a registered exporter with APEDA.

Pomegranates were sourced directly from Kay Bee's farms.

In 2023, APEDA in collaboration with USDA APHIS successfully conducted trial shipment of pomegranates to USA.

In 2024, trial commercial shipment was done in collaboration with Inl Farms and Maharashtra State Agriculture Marketing board from Irradiation Facility Center.

APEDA invited USDA inspectors 3 months prior to the shipment to ensure smooth arrival process.

In March 2025, the first shipment reached U.S East Coast within 5 weeks.

The Bhagwa variety was praised for its superior quality and taste.

The initiative aims to help Indian farmers by creating sustainable export opportunities.

This step is a significant milestone in the Indian Fresh Fruit Exports.