New Delhi

For the first time, Cherries from Kashmir have been exported to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates for sale in supermarkets, heralding an era of agri-exports from the Union Territory of J&K.

The first consignment which arrived from New Delhi was launched at the Lulu Supermarket in Riyadh, according to a tweet from the Embassy of India.

Indian Embassy in Riyadh posted these images of the events from the Luly Supermarket in Riyadh on X:

Cherries from Jammu & Kashmir arrive in Saudi Arabia !

The first ever consignment of premium cherries from Jammu & Kashmir has arrived in the Kingdom & are available to be savored by all.
Embassy Commercial team led by Counsellor (Commerce) Ms Manusmriti visited the Lulu… pic.twitter.com/je150UVwDR

— India in Saudi Arabia (@IndianEmbRiyadh) June 17, 2025

This gives a major push to the Valley’s horticulture sector, which offers a wide variety of fruits not grown in other parts of India.

The virtual flag-off ceremony was presided over by Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) Chairman Abhishek Dev, Salem M.A from Lulu Group, and senior officials from Jammu and Kashmir, APEDA.

This inaugural shipment of fresh cherries is being exported to the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, marking the beginning of a structured global export pipeline for Kashmiri horticultural products.

Calling the development a “strategic move,” Abhishek Dev said: “This commercial shipment to the Gulf is not just a trade transaction—it’s a symbolic leap for the entire horticulture value chain of Jammu and Kashmir. APEDA remains committed to building infrastructure and capacity that enable our farmers to meet global quality and logistics benchmarks.”

The consignment, comprising meticulously harvested and sorted cherries from Kashmir’s lush orchards, was supplied by Izhan, a local agri-entrepreneur and exporter.

“With their vibrant colour, rich taste, and natural nutritional value, Kashmiri cherries are perfectly positioned to thrive in the global market,” said Izhan, emphasising the fruit’s competitive edge in terms of both quality and consumer appeal.

This export has raised hopes for the growers of other high-quality fruits from Jammu & Kashmir, including apples, walnuts, and saffron.

The cherries were sourced through collaborative efforts involving farmer producer organizations (FPOs) and the UT’s Horticulture Department.

APEDA General Manager Vinita Sudhanshu  said, “Kashmiri cherries have unmatched export potential due to their superior quality and taste. This initiative aligns with our broader vision of enhancing India’s agri-export footprint by tapping into high-value niche markets with distinctive regional produce,” she said.

The Lulu Group, one of the largest retail chains in the Middle East with a significant presence in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, is playing a crucial role in facilitating market access.

Officials confirmed that the cherries will be made available at Lulu’s premium retail outlets in Saudi Arabia and the UAE, catering to a growing demand for fresh and exotic fruits in the region.

The successful dispatch of this cherry consignment marks the beginning of what stakeholders hope will become a sustained export model for other high-quality fruits from Jammu & Kashmir, including apples, walnuts, and saffron.

It also underscores the Centre’s commitment to strengthening the agri-export ecosystem across India’s northernmost Union Territory.

A senior horticulture official from the UT administration said they are not just exporting fruit, we are exporting the brand of Kashmir. This is a step towards empowering our farmers, creating jobs, and showcasing the best of our land to the world,” he said.

ALSO READ: Arshel Akhter campaigns to make cycling a way of life for people of Guwahati

On June 03, for the first time, cherries from Jammu and Kashmir were transported to Mumbai by train, marking a major step in moving perishable goods quickly and safely by rail.