The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) has facilitated the maiden export consignment of 1.755 metric tonnes of certified organic Palmyra Jaggery Powder from Gobichettipalayam in Tamil Nadu's Erode district to Varna, Bulgaria. The consignment was flagged off on October 15, 2026.

The shipment, certified under India's National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP) and European Union (EU) organic standards, marks a step towards introducing traditional Indian Palmyra-based products to overseas markets and diversifying the country's organic export portfolio.

The product has been manufactured and exported by Wellbeing Foods, Erode, in collaboration with Chetty Exports Private Limited, Chennai. The consignment will be transported by sea through Chennai Port, with Bulgaria-based Sow Life Ltd serving as the overseas importer and distributor.

According to the initiative's details, the project covers 137 acres of organic cultivation and aims to improve market access for farmers engaged in Palmyra-based production. The reported price realisation is approximately 15–22 per cent higher for farmers and 17 per cent higher for the manufacturer compared with the domestic market, creating opportunities to improve returns across the value chain.

Derived from Palmyra blossom nectar, Palmyra Jaggery Powder is a traditional Indian sweetener with potential for value addition and wider international acceptance. Its use as an alternative to refined sugar could also support demand for traditional sweeteners in overseas markets.

APEDA Chairman Abhishek Dev flagged off the consignment. The event was attended by APEDA Secretary Saswati Bose, senior officials, representatives of the exporting companies, international partners, farmers and other stakeholders involved in the export value chain.

The initiative is expected to strengthen market linkages for Tamil Nadu's traditional Palmyra products while creating additional opportunities for organic producers and supporting sustainable livelihoods.

APEDA continues to promote Indian agricultural exports through market development, quality compliance and connections between domestic producers and international buyers. The maiden shipment to Bulgaria is expected to create opportunities for further expansion of India's traditional and value-added organic products in global markets.