Pomegranate is one of the oldest known fruits, often considered a 'superfood' for its high nutritional content. It is commonly believed that this fruit originated from Iran and the northern part of India. It also has a classical Latin name, 'Malum granatum', which means 'grainy apple'. Botanically, this fleshy fruit is classified as a berry (though it doesn't look like a berry). Interestingly, mentions of pomegranate appear in ancient Indian texts like the Rigveda and Atharvaveda, where it was linked to fertility, prosperity, and divine blessings. Its relevance is also seen in Greek mythology, where the pomegranate was known as the 'fruit of the dead,' believed to have arisen from the blood of Adonis. In ancient Rome, newlywed women wore crowns woven from pomegranate leaves, and the pomegranate juice was used to treat infertility.
Popularly known as ‘jewels of winter’, pomegranate has been an important source of food and medicine across cultures and civilizations for thousands of years. People began cultivating pomegranate in Egypt even before the time of Moses, and it was introduced to America in the late 16th century by Spanish settlers. Today, it is among the most profitable fruits exported worldwide. From fresh fruit retailers to nutraceutical brands and juice processors, global demand for fresh pomegranates is rapidly growing.
With the rising global awareness about superfoods and natural health boosters, the pomegranate fruit has gained considerable traction. The global trade market for pomegranate buyers and sellers is ripe with opportunities due to a number of factors. Here are the major factors driving the pomegranate trade.
It's also worth noting that pomegranates are a unique crop, not widely cultivated in many parts of the world. This limited supply allows growers to command higher prices, making it a profitable commodity. It presents a strong opportunity for exporters as well, especially from India. It is because the demand for Indian pomegranates, particularly the Bhagwa variety, is consistently high.
It’s important to learn that India ranks 7th in the world in pomegranate production, with an output of around 31.87 lakh metric tonnes (Source: Export Import Data). And more than half of this production comes from the state of Maharashtra.
Now that you know why pomegranate is in high demand in global trade, here are some key considerations to be taken into account when exporting this commodity.
Key Considerations for Pomegranate Exporters:
To stay competitive, it’s essential to be aware of the top pomegranate varieties that perform well in international trade. Here are some of the most popular types.
These are the most in-demand pomegranate varieties, and you can trade in any or all of them. Beyond fresh fruit, there are also strong export opportunities in processed pomegranate products, including pomegranate powder (used in food supplements, health drinks, and cosmetics), frozen arils (for smoothie and yogurt markets), and pomegranate concentrates and juices (key ingredients in beverages and syrups).
You can also expand your offerings into allied fruit categories to build cross-category buyer relationships. These may include:
Here are some key market insights that you should know to make smart, data-backed decisions for export business growth.
Global Pomegranate Market Size:
Source: Zion Market Research
Top 3 Pomegranate Importers Worldwide (2024):
Source: Volza
1. What is the rate of 1 kg of pomegranate?
Although the 1 kg pomegranate price can vary based on the location and quality, it usually ranges from ?52 to ?246.
2. Is there a market for pomegranates?
Yes. With a market size of $6.18 billion in 2024 and a projected value of $13.11 billion by 2034, growing at a CAGR of 7.2%, there is a strong and steadily expanding global market for pomegranates. The rising demand for this commodity makes it a profitable option for exporters.
3. Why is pomegranate so costly?
Pomegranate can be costly due to many reasons, such as high demand, seasonal availability, labor-intensive harvesting, cold-chain logistics, and premium grading requirements.
4. Which Indian city is famous for pomegranates?
Solapur in Maharashtra is famous for pomegranate production in India.
5. Who is the largest producer of pomegranates worldwide?
India is the world’s largest producer of pomegranates, contributing approximately 50% of global production.
6. Who are the biggest pomegranate importers?
Russia, UAE, and Netherlands are the biggest pomegranate importers worldwide.
7. What are the main export varieties of pomegranates?
The main export varieties of pomegranates include Bhagwa, Ganesh, Arakta, Kandhari, Dholka, and Wonderful.
8. What is the volume of pomegranate exports from India?
In the year 2023-2024, India exported around 72,011 tons of pomegranates, with a value of $69.08 million.
9. What is the pomegranate HSN code?
08109010 is the pomegranate HSN code.
10. Can pomegranates be shipped?
Yes, pomegranates can be shipped via cold-chain sea freight or air cargo, depending on target market proximity and quality retention needs.
11. Where are the best pomegranates from?
The quality of pomegranates depends on variety, climate, and cultivation practices. Some of the best pomegranates come from India (especially the Bhagwa variety from Maharashtra), Iran (traditionally known for its rich-flavored, deep red arils), Spain (produces high-quality varieties like Spanish Ruby), USA (known for the Wonderful variety).
12. Which climate is best for pomegranates?
Mediterranean climates with hot, dry summers and cool winters (typical of the Indian belt and parts of Iran, Turkey, the USA are considered best for pomegranates.
In a historic move, 4,620 boxes of Maharashtra’s Bhagwa pomegranates (approximately 14 tonnes) arrived in New York by sea, supported by 60-day shelf-life trials. This marks a 21% year-on-year surge in India’s pomegranate exports, valued at USD 59.8 million, to the U.S. and global markets. (Full Story: Times Now)
