First fresh Indian pomegranates arrive in Australia

The first fresh Indian pomegranate exports to Australia have arrived to a strong response, almost five years after market access was granted. Indian exporter Kay Bee Exports airfreighted the inaugural shipment of pomegranates on Saturday 30 August, which was received by Fresh Produce Group in Melbourne and presented at Fine Food Australia 2024 on 2-5 September. Chief executive Kaushal Khakhar said the fruit received a strong response. “Everyone has commented on the excellent eating quality of the fruit, noting that it is soft and sweet. All customers we have shipped to have placed repeat orders,” said Khakhar. “The fruit was available at specialised stores across Melbourne and Sydney, which were early adopters.” Indian pomegranates were first granted access to Australia back in 2020; however, the protocol required in-transit cold treatment at temperatures below 2°C, which was not viable. There was a more feasible irradiation option included in the protocol, but this was not ...