India has successfully exported 14 tonnes of Bhagwa pomegranates to the US via sea freight — a first for the country. Supported by APEDA, this marks a shift from expensive air freight to cost-effective, cold-chain-enabled sea logistics.
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In a major boost to India’s agri-export capabilities, consumers in New York, USA, can now savour the premium Bhagwa variety of Indian pomegranates, delivered via sea route for the very first time. Around 14 tonnes of these prized fruits — equal to 4,620 boxes — landed on the US East Coast in the second week of March 2025. The shipment made its journey across the ocean in less than five weeks, marking a significant logistical achievement.
Known for their vibrant red hue, robust flavour, and high nutritional content, Bhagwa pomegranates are popular among health-focused consumers globally. These fruits are naturally rich in antioxidants and essential nutrients, which add to their international appeal.
Kay Bee Exports, a prominent Mumbai-based exporter and an APEDA-registered entity, shipped this historic consignment. The fruits came directly from Kay Bee’s farms, ensuring that the financial gains from this milestone reach Indian farmers directly. This direct sourcing approach enhances farmer incomes and strengthens the farm-to-market value chain.
This landmark commercial shipment followed a successful trial conducted in February 2024. In that pilot, India exported 4,200 boxes of pomegranates to the US in partnership with InI Farms. The shipment originated from the Irradiation Facility Center (IFC) under the Maharashtra State Agricultural Marketing Board (MSAMB) in Navi Mumbai, showcasing early progress in cold-chain-enabled sea logistics for perishables.
In December 2024, APEDA played a critical role in advancing the export potential of Indian pomegranates by facilitating the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) pre-clearance program. This program addressed key regulatory and logistical challenges, streamlining the process for Indian exporters looking to enter the US market with fresh produce.
Abhishek Dev, Chairman of APEDA, highlighted India’s continued efforts to strengthen its position in the global agri-export space. “APEDA has been supporting the export of Indian fruits like mangoes and pomegranates to USA by funding the pre-clearance program. Indian farmers will achieve better realization when their gets exported to premium international markets like USA.” He noted that Indian mangoes currently account for about 3,500 tonnes in annual exports and expressed optimism about replicating that success with pomegranates. “We hope that pomegranates will also reach such strong numbers in the years to come.”
The breakthrough represents more than just a successful sea shipment — it signals a shift in how Indian exporters can approach markets previously deemed viable only via air freight. Sea shipments offer reduced costs, extended shelf life, and increased scalability, all of which enhance the competitiveness of Indian produce abroad.
As the demand for cost-effective and high-quality agricultural products grows in global markets, India’s ability to meet these expectations through innovation in logistics and close stakeholder collaboration stands to reshape its agri-export landscape. With strategic support from APEDA, partnerships with USDA, and the active participation of exporters like Kay Bee and InI Farms, India is well-positioned to expand its footprint in premium markets like the US.
