India has sent the first-ever sea shipment of botanical-infused ready-to-cook millet functional foods from Karnataka to New Zealand, marking a new export milestone for value-added millet products.
The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), under the Commerce and Industry Ministry, facilitated the shipment, which was flagged off on 3 June.
The consignment, weighing one metric tonne, was shipped by Bengaluru-based Infini Agrotek LLP, according to the ministry.
According to the ministry, the shipment reflects growing international demand for innovative millet-based products made from India’s traditional grains and opens a new export market for value-added millet functional foods.
The ministry said the exporter had participated in APEDA-supported trade promotion events such as World Food India 2025, Indus Food 2025 and Gulfood 2026.
These events helped the company connect with international buyers, expand its customer base and strengthen its presence in global markets.
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The export order from New Zealand came through sustained market outreach and business networking facilitated through APEDA’s trade promotion initiatives.
The shipment was virtually flagged off by APEDA Chairman Abhishek Dev.
He appreciated the company’s efforts in developing innovative millet-based products and entering international markets.
The export of botanical-infused millet functional foods is expected to benefit millet-growing farmers through higher demand and improved market access.
It is also expected to create opportunities across the millet value chain.
Millets have become an important part of India’s agricultural export basket because of their nutritional value, climate resilience and rising consumer demand in global markets.
The ministry said the development and export of value-added millet products are creating new opportunities for farmers, food processors and exporters while supporting the diversification of India’s agri-food exports.
Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal also highlighted the shipment on social media, describing millets as a “small grain making big global impact” and linking the export to the government’s efforts to popularise Shree Anna globally.
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