Mumbai: In a landmark achievement for Indian horticulture exports, the first commercial sea shipment of Indian pomegranates has successfully arrived in New York, marking a major milestone in the country’s efforts to expand its fresh fruit exports to high-value international markets.
The consignment comprised 4,620 boxes (approx. 14 tons) of the premium Bhagwa variety, known for its vibrant color, superior taste, and high nutritional value. This marks the first time Indian pomegranates have been exported to the U.S. via sea route, unlocking a more cost-effective and sustainable logistics pathway compared to traditional air freight.
The initiative was spearheaded by the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), in collaboration with the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), India’s National Plant Protection Organization (NPPO), and the ICAR-National Research Centre for Pomegranate (NRCP), Solapur. The shipment was executed by Mumbai-based Kay Bee Exports, a registered exporter with APEDA.
From Market Access to Market Success
India secured market access for pomegranates in the U.S. during the 2023 season, following successful static shelf-life trials conducted by APEDA and NRCP, which demonstrated that the fruit could retain its quality for up to 60 days. In February 2024, a trial commercial sea shipment of 12.6 tons (4,200 boxes) was flagged off from the Irradiation Facility Centre (IFC) of the Maharashtra State Agricultural Marketing Board (MSAMB) in Vashi, Navi Mumbai.
To facilitate the process, APEDA implemented a USDA pre-clearance program in December 2024, bringing USDA inspectors to India well in advance to expedite inspections and approvals — a move that was instrumental in ensuring a smooth shipment.
Warm Reception in the U.S. Market
The pomegranates reached the U.S. East Coast in March 2025, well within five weeks of departure, and were met with strong enthusiasm and praise for their quality. U.S. importers reported the arrival condition as excellent, noting the fruit’s visual appeal and standout taste.
“This is a proud moment for India’s fresh produce sector,” said Abhishek Dev, Chairman, APEDA. “We’ve already seen Indian mangoes reach annual exports of 3,500 tons to the U.S., and we believe pomegranates can replicate or surpass that success. APEDA remains committed to supporting exporters through pre-clearance programs, technical facilitation, and global promotion.”
Kay Bee Exports, which sourced the fruit directly from its network of farmers, emphasized the importance of government support. “APEDA’s assistance — from securing market access and export protocols to coordinating with USDA — was critical in making this a success,” said Kaushal Khakhar, CEO, Kay Bee Exports. “We are proud to present the best of Indian pomegranates to the U.S. market.”
Industry representatives echoed the sentiment, noting that the shipment has opened new doors for Indian fruit exports. “This shipment proves that Indian pomegranates can meet the exacting standards of U.S. consumers,” said a spokesperson from the export consortium. “We are optimistic about scaling up volumes in future seasons.”
Laying the Groundwork for Future Growth
With India being the second-largest producer of horticulture crops, pomegranates are primarily grown in Maharashtra, Gujarat, Karnataka, Rajasthan, and Andhra Pradesh. To streamline the export ecosystem, APEDA has set up Export Promotion Forums (EPFs) for pomegranates, bringing together stakeholders from central and state governments, laboratories, and top exporters.
In FY 2023–24, India exported 72,011 metric tons of pomegranates valued at USD 69.08 million. The current fiscal year (April 2024 – January 2025) has already seen a 21% year-on-year growth, with exports worth USD 59.76 million. Key markets include the UAE, Bangladesh, Netherlands, Saudi Arabia, and now the USA.
