New Route, New Market: India’s Pomegranates Sail to the U.S. for the First Time

21 April 2025, New Delhi: In a landmark development for India’s fresh fruit export industry, the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, has successfully facilitated the first-ever commercial sea shipment of Indian pomegranates to the United States. This historic initiative saw 14 tons of the premium Bhagwa variety sourced from Maharashtra arrive in New York, signaling a significant shift towards sustainable, large-scale fruit exports to distant markets.

Traditionally reliant on air freight for perishable exports like pomegranates, India has now demonstrated the viability of sea freight logistics—marking a cost-effective, eco-friendly, and scalable solution. The consignment, consisting of 4,620 boxes, reached the U.S. East Coast in just under five weeks and was met with high praise for its “excellent” quality and impressive shelf life.

The journey of Indian pomegranates to the U.S. market began with a series of carefully coordinated steps. After receiving market access in 2023, APEDA, in collaboration with USDA-APHIS, India’s National Plant Protection Organization (NPPO), and the ICAR-National Research Centre for Pomegranate (NRCP), conducted successful air and sea shipment trials. Crucial to this progress was the USDA’s pre-clearance program, which APEDA strategically initiated three months ahead of schedule in December 2024 to avoid regulatory delays.

The successful commercial shipment was dispatched in February 2024 by Kay Bee Exports, a leading Mumbai-based exporter and APEDA-registered entity. Sourced directly from its farms in Ahilyanagar, the company ensured both product traceability and fair benefits for farmers at the grassroots.

Kaushal Khakhar, CEO of Kay Bee Exports, expressed gratitude for APEDA’s instrumental role in enabling the shipment. “From securing market access to streamlining protocols and coordinating with USDA, APEDA’s support has been exceptional,” he said. “This successful shipment not only highlights the superior quality of Indian pomegranates but also demonstrates our commitment to delivering the best of India to global consumers.”

Chairman of APEDA, Shri Abhishek Dev, emphasized the broader vision behind this milestone: “The government has consistently championed Indian fresh fruit exports. With the U.S. already importing 3,500 tons of Indian mangoes annually, we are optimistic that pomegranates will soon follow a similar trajectory. The resulting gains will directly enhance farm incomes.”

In FY 2023-24, India exported over 72,000 metric tons of pomegranates valued at USD 69.08 million. Between April 2024 and January 2025 alone, exports have already touched USD 59.76 million—reflecting a 21% year-on-year growth. Major destinations include the UAE, Netherlands, Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka, and now increasingly, the United States.

The Bhagwa variety, known for its rich red hue, superior taste, and high antioxidant content, is poised to captivate health-conscious American consumers. With ongoing efforts to promote awareness about Indian pomegranates’ culinary versatility and nutritional benefits, exporters expect volumes to increase significantly in the coming years.

Looking ahead, stakeholders are calling for enhanced marketing campaigns in the U.S., led by APEDA, to educate consumers and retailers alike. Additionally, the creation of dedicated Export Promotion Forums (EPFs) for pomegranates ensures a multi-stakeholder push to streamline exports and remove logistical bottlenecks.

India, the world’s second-largest producer of horticultural crops, is now well-positioned to become a global powerhouse in fresh fruit exports. This successful sea shipment is not just a logistics triumph—it’s a strategic step forward in connecting Indian farmers to global premium markets.

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