In a significant boost to India's fresh produce export sector, the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, in collaboration with the ICAR–Central Institute for Subtropical Horticulture (CISH), Lucknow, has successfully facilitated the first commercial sea shipment of premium Banganapalle mangoes from India to Singapore.

The consignment, comprising 5 metric tonnes (MT) of Banganapalle mangoes, was exported by M/s Osum Food Solutions LLP on 11 June 2026 and arrived in Singapore on 24 June 2026. The successful shipment marks an important milestone in promoting cost-effective and sustainable export logistics for India's horticultural produce while expanding market access for premium Indian mangoes.

The mangoes were sourced from Good Agricultural Practices (GAP)-certified orchards in Andhra Pradesh and processed and packed at an APEDA-recognised packhouse in Karnataka. The entire consignment was handled in accordance with the quality and phytosanitary requirements prescribed by Singapore.

Upon arrival, the importer, EC-Links Pte Ltd, Singapore, reported excellent fruit quality, appreciating the mangoes for their sweetness, uniform ripening, shelf life and overall phytosanitary condition. The consignment successfully met all import requirements, demonstrating the effectiveness of scientific post-harvest management practices and cold-chain logistics during sea transportation.

The export also generated substantial economic benefits for farmers. While domestic market prices ranged between ₹25 and ₹26 per kilogram, the export consignment realised approximately ₹50 per kilogram, nearly doubling farm-gate returns and creating enhanced value for growers.

The successful shipment highlights the growing viability of sea freight as a cost-effective, environmentally sustainable and commercially scalable mode of transport for fresh fruits. Supported by robust cold-chain infrastructure, scientific handling practices and efficient logistics management, maritime transport offers significant potential to strengthen the global competitiveness of Indian horticultural exports.

Banganapalle, one of India's most renowned mango varieties, is prized for its golden-yellow colour, pleasant aroma, fibreless pulp and rich sweetness. The variety enjoys strong demand in international markets and offers considerable potential for further expansion of India's mango exports.

APEDA has been actively promoting the use of sea freight for fresh fruit and vegetable exports through market development initiatives, infrastructure support and capacity-building measures for exporters to meet international quality standards. The successful shipment to Singapore is expected to encourage wider adoption of maritime transport for horticultural exports and further strengthen India's reputation as a reliable supplier of high-quality agricultural products in global markets.

The initiative aligns with the Government of India's broader objective of boosting agricultural exports, enhancing farmers' incomes and expanding the global footprint of Indian agricultural produce through efficient and sustainable export pathways.

Sea freight for horticultural exports gains momentum as premium Banganapalle mangoes reach Singapore through compliant cold-chain logistics. APEDA facilitated the first commercial sea shipment of premium Banganapalle mangoes from India to Singapore, using GAP-certified orchards, an APEDA-recognised packhouse, and cold-chain logistics to meet Singapore's quality and phytosanitary requirements. The shipment is presented as evidence of the viability of sea freight for fresh horticultural exports and of the commercial benefits of scientific post-harvest management and sustainable export pathways.