India exports first pomegranate consignment to US via sea route

New Delhi: The first commercial shipment of Indian pomegranate to America by sea has successfully reached the US East Coast with “excellent arrival quality”, the Union Commerce Ministry said here on Saturday, hoping for a surge in pomegranate export in the future just like the mango.

The inaugural sea shipment of 4,620 boxes of Bhagwa variety of pomegranates, weighing approximately 14 tons reached New York in the second week of March, well within five weeks of departure.

What contributed significantly behind the success is interventions by scientists at National Research Centre for Pomegranate, Solapur – one of the constituent laboratories under the Indian Council of Agriculture Research - to increase the fruit’s shelf-life up to 60 days.

“The shipment was met with exceptional enthusiasm in New York. The arrival quality was reported as "excellent" and customers were captivated by the remarkable visual appeal and the superior eating quality of the Indian pomegranates,” the ministry said in a statement.

The USA granted market access to India for pomegranate in 2023 following which a trial shipment was sent by air. Next year the Agriculture and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority sent over 12 tonnes of the fruit by the cost-effective sea route as a trial commercial package.

“While Indian pomegranates have always been recognised for their taste, this shipment has proven that with the right quality and consistency, Indian fresh fruits can meet the discerning tastes of the American consumer,” said an exporter.

India, the second-largest producer of horticulture crops, produces pomegranate in Maharashtra, Gujarat, Karnataka, Rajasthan and Andhra Pradesh.

"Indian farmers will achieve better realisation when their fruit gets exported to premium international markets like the USA. Indian mangoes have already reached annual exports of around 3,500 tons and we hope that pomegranates will also reach such strong numbers in the years to come," said Abhishek Dev, chairman APEDA.

In 2023-24, India exported 72,011 tons of pomegranates worth $ 69.08 million. This year, there has been a significant growth, registering 21% increase because of which the export volume stands at $ 59.76 million between April – January, 2024-2025.

Key export destinations include the United Arab Emirates, Bangladesh, Nepal, Netherlands, Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Bahrain, Oman and USA.

“Indian pomegranates, particularly the Bhagwa variety, are renowned for their rich flavour, deep red colour and high nutritional value. They are also packed with antioxidants and vital nutrients, making them a popular choice among health-conscious consumers worldwide,” the ministry said.