Assam has achieved a significant milestone in its dairy sector with the successful export of its first-ever international consignment of Purabi Ice Cream to Bhutan. The initiative marks the state’s entry into global dairy trade and is expected to create new export opportunities for value-added dairy products from the Northeast while improving income prospects for local dairy farmers.
The consignment, exported by North East Dairy and Foods Limited (NEDFL), will be distributed across major Bhutanese markets, including Thimphu, Paro, Phuentsholing, and Wangdue.
🥛 Supporting Assam’s Dairy Farmers
Purabi Ice Cream is manufactured by the West Assam Milk Producers’ Cooperative Union Limited (WAMUL) using milk procured from Purabi Dairy’s extensive cooperative network across Assam. The export directly connects thousands of dairy farmers to international markets, creating new avenues for value addition and income generation.
The first shipment includes a diverse range of products, such as:
- 🍦 Ice cream cups
- 👨👩👧 Family packs
- 🍫 Cones
- 🥣 Gallon packs
These products are designed to cater to both retail consumers and institutional buyers in Bhutan.
🌍 APEDA Facilitates International Market Access
The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) played a key role in enabling the export by assisting with export documentation, regulatory compliance, market access and coordination among stakeholders.
The initiative aligns with APEDA’s broader strategy to promote agricultural and processed food exports from India’s North Eastern Region while enhancing the global competitiveness of regional dairy products.
📈 Expanding Export Opportunities
Bhutan has emerged as a natural export destination for Assam’s dairy products due to its geographical proximity and established trade relations.
Following this successful shipment, NEDFL plans to expand its export portfolio by introducing additional Purabi Dairy products with longer shelf life while gradually increasing export volumes based on market demand.
The initiative is expected to strengthen Assam’s dairy industry, improve market access for cooperative producers and support export-led growth across the region.
