Indian pomegranates to hit Australian supermarkets for the first time

Indian pomegranates will soon appear on Australian shelves for the first time in another positive development in the Australia-India agricultural relationship.

Australia’s High Commissioner to India, Barry O’Farrell AO, said today, India is well placed to satisfy Australia’s growing demand for pomegranates, which is fuelled by their use in restaurants and in cooking shows.

This follows the completion of an import protocol for fresh pomegranate fruit from India following an import risk assessment involving significant collaboration and discussions between Indian and Australian authorities.

Celebrated for centuries for their clusters of ruby red arils, pomegranates are a superfood packed full of vitamins, nutrients and anti-oxidants.

“While Australia already produces pomegranates, India is well placed as one of the world’s largest pomegranate producers to meet shortfalls in the Australian market,” O’Farrell said.

“Our growing two-way trade in agricultural products means consumers in India can enjoy Australian walnuts, almonds, and beer made from Australian malting barley, to name a few. Australian consumers can likewise savour Indian mangoes, table grapes and – now – pomegranates,” O’Farrell added.

“There are many other examples, which provides consumers in Australia and India with greater choice along with trade benefits for our economies, and the livelihoods of our farmers.”

“There are biosecurity conditions which must be met by Australian importers, and I encourage Indian exporters to work with their customers and Indian export authorities to ensure Australia’s importing country requirements are met.”