APEDA Facilitates First Sea Export of Value-Added Millet Foods to New Zealand

Ø APEDA-Facilitated Business Networking Opens New Export Market for Indian Millet-Based Functional Foods

Ø Export of Value-Added Millet Functional Foods Expected to Boost Farmer Incomes and Strengthen India's Agri-Export Ecosystem

Key Highlights

· The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) facilitated the first-ever sea shipment of botanical-infused ready-to-cook millet functional foods from Karnataka to New Zealand.

· The consignment, weighing one metric tonne, was exported on 3 June 2026 by M/s Infini Agrotek LLP, Bengaluru.

· The shipment marks a significant milestone in promoting value-added millet-based products in international markets.

· The export order was secured through business networking and buyer connections established at APEDA-supported events, including:

o World Food India 2025

o Indus Food 2025

o Gulfood 2026

· APEDA Chairman Abhishek Dev virtually flagged off the shipment and encouraged exporters to leverage APEDA’s export promotion initiatives and trade fairs.

· The export reflects the growing global demand for innovative millet-based functional foods derived from India's traditional grains.

· Increased exports of value-added millet products are expected to:

o Boost demand for millet crops.

o Enhance incomes of millet-growing farmers.

o Strengthen India's agri-export ecosystem.

o Create opportunities across the millet value chain.

· Millets are becoming an important part of India's agricultural exports due to:

o High nutritional value.

o Climate resilience.

o Rising international consumer demand.

Significance

This landmark shipment opens a new export market in New Zealand for Indian millet-based functional foods and highlights India's growing capability in exporting innovative, value-added agri-food products while supporting farmer prosperity and export diversification.

[ABS News Service/05.06.2026]

In a significant boost to India's agri-food exports, the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) facilitated the flagging off of the first-ever sea shipment of botanical-infused ready-to-cook millet functional foods from Karnataka to New Zealand on June 4, 2026.

The export consignment, comprising one metric tonne of value-added millet-based products, was shipped by M/s Infini Agrotek LLP, Bengaluru. The shipment reflects the growing global demand for innovative millet-based products derived from India's traditional grains and underscores the expanding opportunities for value-added agricultural exports from the country.

The exporter had actively participated in APEDA-supported trade promotion events, including World Food India 2025, Indus Food 2025 and Gulfood 2026. Participation in these exhibitions enabled the company to connect with international buyers, expand its customer base and strengthen its presence in global markets. The export order from New Zealand is the outcome of sustained market outreach and business networking facilitated through APEDA's trade promotion initiatives.

The shipment was virtually flagged off by Chairman, APEDA, Shri Abhishek Dev, IAS. Congratulating the company on this achievement, he appreciated the company's efforts in developing innovative millet-based products and successfully expanding into international markets.

During the interaction, the exporter was encouraged to leverage APEDA's export promotion initiatives and continue participating in trade fairs and exhibitions to further expand market reach and explore new business opportunities.

The export of botanical-infused millet functional foods highlights the growing potential of India's value-added agricultural products and is expected to benefit millet-growing farmers through enhanced demand and improved market access. Such initiatives contribute to strengthening India's agri-export ecosystem while generating opportunities across the millet value chain.

APEDA continues to facilitate exports of agricultural and processed food products through market development initiatives, capacity-building programmes and participation in major domestic and international trade events. The successful shipment demonstrates the increasing global acceptance of innovative millet-based products and reinforces the growing potential of India's millet sector in international markets.

Millets have emerged as an important component of India's agricultural export basket owing to their nutritional benefits, climate resilience and rising consumer demand across global markets. The development and export of value-added millet products are creating new opportunities for farmers, food processors and exporters while contributing to the diversification and expansion of India's agri-food exports.