Varanasi Flags Off First Biscuit Export Shipment to Oman

VARANASI — India has achieved a significant milestone in its regional export strategy with the successful dispatch of the first-ever biscuit shipment from Varanasi to Oman. Facilitated by the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), the 40-metric tonne consignment represents a major boost for the food processing industry in eastern Uttar Pradesh.

The export, handled by the Varanasi-based manufacturer M/s Shree Tirupati Balajee Industries Pvt. Ltd., follows the landmark signing of the India-Oman Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). This development underscores the effectiveness of current trade frameworks in opening international doors for regional agri-export hubs.

Integration into Global Supply Chains

The biscuit consignment began its journey from the Karkhiyan Food Park in Varanasi. The shipment is slated to travel by road to the Inland Container Depot (ICD) in Kanpur for customs clearance, before being transported to the Jawaharlal Nehru Port (JNPT) in Mumbai for its final sea voyage to Oman.

According to APEDA, this initiative is part of a larger strategy to integrate India’s inland agricultural regions into global supply chains. By leveraging the trade concessions provided under the CEPA, the government aims to increase the global presence of value-added food products manufactured in emerging industrial clusters.

APEDA’s Role in Market Access

APEDA has been instrumental in preparing local exporters for international competition. Through active support programs, the authority facilitated the company's participation in prestigious global trade exhibitions, including AAHAR 2026 and Gulfood 2026. These platforms allowed the Varanasi-based manufacturer to showcase its product portfolio—which includes glucose, milk-based, and premium digestive biscuits—directly to international buyers, eventually leading to this successful breakthrough in the Omani market.

Official Sources

According to official releases from the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, the shipment is the first of many planned for the region. APEDA Chairman Abhishek Dev highlighted the achievement during a virtual ceremony, describing it as a "historic milestone" for a landlocked region like Varanasi. He emphasized that the combination of trade facilitation measures and aggressive promotion is inspiring other local exporters to explore international avenues.

"Organizers stated that the successful export of this 40-tonne consignment reflects the growing capabilities of Uttar Pradesh's food processing sector and demonstrates the tangible benefits of the India-Oman CEPA in creating new revenue opportunities for regional manufacturers."

Why It Matters

The export of value-added products like biscuits from Varanasi is significant for India’s broader export growth objectives. It shifts the focus from exporting raw agricultural commodities to exporting finished, value-added goods, which command higher margins and support local employment. For the Omani market, it diversifies the supply of high-quality Indian consumer goods, further strengthening the bilateral trade and economic relations between the two nations.

Key Facts at a Glance

• Consignment Size: 40 metric tonnes of biscuits.

• Manufacturer: Shree Tirupati Balajee Industries Pvt. Ltd., Varanasi.

• Trade Framework: Export facilitated under the India-Oman CEPA.

• Strategic Goal: Integrating eastern Uttar Pradesh’s food processing sector into international markets.

• Future Outlook: Additional shipments are planned to Oman and neighboring Gulf markets in the coming months.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What products are included in this biscuit export?

The consignment includes a variety of shelf-stable and premium biscuits, such as glucose, milk-based, and digestive variants produced in Varanasi.

2. How does the India-Oman CEPA impact these exports?

The CEPA improves market access for Indian exporters by reducing trade barriers, making it easier and more cost-effective for processed food products to enter the Omani market.

3. Why is this shipment considered a milestone for Varanasi?

Varanasi, traditionally known for textiles and tourism, is increasingly becoming an industrial hub. This is the first time such a large volume of processed food has been exported directly from this landlocked region to Oman.

4. What role does APEDA play in these exports?

APEDA facilitates market access by helping companies meet international quality standards, providing platforms at global trade fairs, and assisting with logistics and trade compliance.

Source: Press Information Bureau (PIB), Ministry of Commerce & Industry, APEDA