India Exports First-Ever Consignment of GI-Tagged Indi and Puliyankudi Limes to the UK

The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India, has facilitated the first-ever air shipment of 500 kg of India’s GI-tagged limes to the United Kingdom, marking a major milestone in expanding the global reach of India’s region-specific horticultural produce.

🔹 Key Highlights

• Historic Export Consignment:
  A total of 350 kg of Indi Lime from Vijayapura, Karnataka and 150 kg of Puliyankudi Lime from Tenkasi, Tamil Nadu were air-shipped to the UK on 28th October 2025.
• Milestone for India’s GI Produce:
  The consignment represents India’s first international export of these two Geographical Indication (GI)-tagged lime varieties, enhancing the visibility of India’s unique agricultural heritage on the global stage.
• Role of APEDA:
  APEDA played a pivotal role in facilitating this shipment, aligning with its mandate to promote agricultural and processed food exports and to support farmers and producer groups in international market access.

🔹 Indi Lime – Pride of Vijayapura, Karnataka

• Grown primarily in the Vijayapura district, the Indi Lime is celebrated for:
  • Superior quality and zesty aroma
  • High juice yield
  • Balanced acidity, making it ideal for culinary and beverage use

🔹 Puliyankudi Lime – The “Lemon City” Specialty of Tamil Nadu

• Puliyankudi, located in Tenkasi district, is popularly known as the “Lemon City of Tamil Nadu.”
• The Puliyankudi Lime (Kadayam variety) stands out for:
  • Thin peel and strong acidity
  • High ascorbic acid content – 34.3 mg per 100 g
  • Juice content around 55%
• Its distinct chemical and sensory properties have made it a prized local and now international product.

🔹 Significance of the Export

• The export initiative is expected to:
  • Promote global recognition of India’s GI-tagged horticultural produce
  • Boost farmers’ income through better market access
  • Enhance brand India’s image in global agri trade
  • Create awareness about India’s region-specific, high-quality agricultural produce

Source: PIB