In continuance with its thrust on promoting agricultural and processed food products exports to newer destinations, APEDA collaboration with Himachal Pradesh Horticultural Produce Marketing and Processing Corporation (HPMC) on 13 August exported the first consignment consisting of five unique varieties of apples – Royal Delicious, Dark Baron Gala, Scarlet Spur, Red Velox and Golden Delicious to Bahrain.

The apples are sourced from the farmers of Himachal Pradesh and exported by APEDA registered DM Enterprises. The apples will be showcased at the apple promotion program organized by leading retailer – Al Jajira group commencing from 15 August 2021, which also commences the 75th year of India’s independence celebration on the theme – Bharat Ki Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav.

The apple promotion program is also being organized for familiarizing consumers in Bahrain about varieties of apples in India. This comes when India has been expanding its footprint of mango exports to the newer countries, notwithstanding logistical challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic.

In July 2021, in a major initiative for boosting mango export potential from the eastern region, especially to middle east countries, a consignment of Geographical Identification (GI) certified Fazil mango variety sourced from Malda district of West Bengal was exported to Bahrain. APEDA exported the consignment of Fazil mango registered DM enterprises, Kolkata, and imported by Al Jazira Group, Bahrain.

APEDA has been initiating measures to boost fruits and vegetable exports from non-traditional regions and states. It has been conducting virtual buyer-seller meets and festivals to promote mango exports.

Prior to the mango shipment to Bahrain, APEDA organized a mango promotion program at Doha, Qatar. Nine varieties of mangoes, including GI certified from West Bengal and Uttar Pradesh, were displayed at the importer Family Food Centre stores.