The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) facilitated the flag-off of a consignment of frozen food products from Sonipat in Haryana to Canada on 1 October 2026. The export was led by Aterna Foods Producer Company Limited, a Farmer Producer Organisation (FPO), and the shipment weighed 24 metric tonnes with 2,295 boxes of frozen food products.
APEDA and Agricultural Export Promotion
APEDA is a statutory body under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India. It was established under the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority Act, 1985, for the development and promotion of exports of scheduled agricultural and processed food products.
APEDA supports exporters through market development, quality improvement, infrastructure support, and financial assistance for export-related activities. The authority also works with producer groups, exporters, and food processing units for access to overseas markets.
Farmer Producer Organisations in Export Trade
A Farmer Producer Organisation is a collective of farmers registered as a producer company, cooperative, or similar entity under Indian law. FPOs are used for aggregation, grading, processing, and marketing of farm produce, including export-oriented products.
In this case, the shipment included green peas, mixed vegetables, peas and carrots, sweet corn, and samosa. The total shipment value was CAD 35,140, and APEDA supported the exporting unit under its Financial Assistance Scheme.
Frozen Food Exports and Value Chains
Frozen food products are processed foods preserved at low temperatures for storage, transport, and retail distribution. Common frozen export items from India include vegetables, ready-to-cook products, and value-added food items.
The National Institute of Food Technology Entrepreneurship and Management (NIFTEM) was associated with the export effort. NIFTEM is an institute under the Ministry of Food Processing Industries and works in food technology, entrepreneurship, and management.
Important Facts for Exams
- APEDA was created under the APEDA Act, 1985.
- FPOs are collective institutions formed by farmers for aggregation and marketing.
- Canada is a major destination for Indian processed food exports.
- Frozen vegetables and ready-to-cook products form an important segment of India’s processed food trade.
APEDA functions under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. NIFTEM is linked with food technology and entrepreneurship in India.
