Key facts
- India exported US$25 million of pomegranate in FY2024-25.
- Largest destinations by value: UAE; Netherlands; Saudi Arabia; Sri Lanka; USA (new)
- 2 production clusters mapped, in Maharashtra; Karnataka; Gujarat; Rajasthan, Maharashtra; Gujarat; Karnataka; AP; TN; WB.
- Market guides for 21 countries, each with destination requirements and transit times.
- Certifications available from the supply base: FSSAI licence, APEDA RCMC, Phytosanitary certificate, HACCP, BRCGS Food Safety and more.
- Typical minimum order: One 40' reefer (about 4,000-4,500 cartons / about 14-17 MT) (typical).
Product overview
India is one of the world's largest pomegranate producers, with the Bhagwa (Kesar) variety dominating exports thanks to its deep red arils, glossy saffron-red skin and soft seeds. Production is concentrated in Maharashtra (Solapur, Nashik, Sangli, Ahmednagar), Karnataka (Bagalkot) and Gujarat (Kutch). Trade press reports exports of about US$ 59.76 million for April-January FY2024-25 (+21%, tier 5 - ESTIMATED partial year).
Main markets are the UAE, the Netherlands, Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, with a sea route to the USA opened recently (irradiation protocol). EU-bound fruit is registered and residue-tested through APEDA's AnarNet traceability system.
Pomegranates are graded by weight (e.g. 200-250 g, 250-300 g, 300-350 g, 350 g+), colour and surface blemish, and can be sea-freighted at about 5-7 °C for 6-8 weeks of storage life. Arils are a value-added line for food service and retail.
HS note: Ready-to-eat arils may be classified under 0811 (frozen) or 0813/2008 depending on processing.
Specifications
| Fruit weight grades | 200-250, 250-300, 300-350, 350-400 g+ (typical) |
|---|---|
| Aril colour | Deep red (Bhagwa) |
| TSS | ≥ 15-16 °Brix (typical) |
| Shipping temperature | 5-7 °C, RH 90-95% (typical) |
| Residues | Within destination MRLs; AnarNet for EU |
Typical commercial values. Final specifications are fixed per contract and verified by lab report or pre-shipment inspection.
Grades & variants
Bhagwa / Super Bhagwa - by weight band
Main export variety, sized by fruit weight.
Arils (fresh / frozen)
Ready-to-eat arils for food service and retail.
Packaging, MOQ & container loading
| Packing | Sizes | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cartons | 3-5 kg single-layer cartons with trays | Sized by count |
| Arils | 100-500 g punnets / IQF bags |
Container load (estimate): 20' GP about 7-8 MT · 40' HC about 14-17 MT. Reefer at 5-7 °C
Customisation: Weight grades, branded cartons, arils
Where we source in India
Producing regions and manufacturing clusters our supplier network draws from.
Maharashtra
Solapur, Nashik, Sangli, Ahmednagar
Solapur Pomegranate GI (registry not re-verified); ICAR-NRC Pomegranate
Karnataka
Bagalkot, Vijayapura
Secondary supply
Gujarat
Kutch, Banaskantha
Growing area
Market requirements by region
European Union
Netherlands is the main EU hub; EU-bound fruit must be registered and tested via APEDA AnarNet.
United States & Canada
USA: Indian pomegranates require irradiation under an APHIS protocol; a sea route was reported opened recently (tier 5) - confirm APHIS conditions.
Gulf (GCC)
UAE: Dubai Municipality FIRS requires the importer to register the company and each food item (label assessment) before arrival; Arabic/English labelling per GSO 9; India-UAE CEPA preference with a CEPA certificate of origin. UAE and Saudi Arabia are leading markets (tier-5 press); sea-freight reefers via Jebel Ali and Dammam.
South Asia
Sri Lanka and Bangladesh buy by sea and road.
General guidance, not legal advice. Confirm current requirements with your customs broker or the regulator.
Quality control
- • APEDA AnarNet registration and residue testing for EU
- • Packhouse grading and pre-cooling
- • Phytosanitary inspection
- • Temperature logger
Certifications available
- • FSSAI licence
- • APEDA RCMC
- • Phytosanitary certificate
- • HACCP
- • BRCGS Food Safety
- • Geographical Indication (GI)
Held by the producing supplier for the specific lot; copies shared with the quote.
Shipping documents
- • Commercial invoice
- • Packing list
- • Bill of lading
- • Certificate of origin (preferential where an FTA applies)
- • Phytosanitary certificate
- • Residue test report (APEDA traceability system where applicable)
- • Pre-cooling and reefer temperature record
- • GlobalG.A.P. certificate copy (if specified)
- • Irradiation certificate (USA)
Trade data
| Period | Flow | Value (USD mn) | Status | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FY2024-25 | India exportsLine: Pomegranate | 25 | estimated | — |
Top destinations: UAE; Netherlands; Saudi Arabia; Sri Lanka; USA (new)
Export markets
Frequently asked questions
What is Bhagwa pomegranate?
India's main export variety, with saffron-red skin, deep red arils and soft seeds; also known as Kesar or Super Bhagwa.
How long do pomegranates last in transit?
About 6-8 weeks at 5-7 °C with high humidity, which allows sea freight to Europe and the Gulf.
What is AnarNet?
APEDA's traceability and residue-monitoring system for pomegranate exports to the EU.
Do you supply pomegranate arils?
Fresh and frozen arils are available from partner processors for food service and retail.
Request a quote for Fresh Pomegranate (Bhagwa) and Arils
Tell us grade, quantity and destination. We reply with options, packaging and pricing on your Incoterm.
