Assam Exports First International Consignment of Purabi Ice Cream to Bhutan
Marking a significant milestone for Assam's dairy sector and the North Eastern Region's processed food exports, the first international consignment of 5,627 litres of Purabi Ice Cream was exported from Assam to Bhutan on July 28, 2026. The shipment was flagged off by Chief Minister of Assam, Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma, in Guwahati, opening new avenues for value-added dairy exports from the region.
North East Dairy and Foods Limited (NEDFL) exported the shipment, which will supply Purabi Ice Cream to key markets across Bhutan including Thimphu, Paro, Phuentsholing, and Wangdue. The inaugural consignment comprises a diverse range of products including cups, family packs, cones, and gallon packs, catering to both retail consumers and institutional buyers in Bhutan.
The ice cream is manufactured by the West Assam Milk Producers' Cooperative Union Limited (WAMUL) and marketed by NEDFL, using milk procured through Purabi Dairy's extensive cooperative network of dairy farmers across Assam. The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, facilitated the shipment by extending support in export documentation, regulatory compliance, market access facilitation, and stakeholder coordination.
Bhutan's geographical proximity provides a natural advantage for expanding dairy exports from Assam and serves as an important gateway for enhancing the presence of Made-in-Assam dairy products in neighbouring international markets. NEDFL plans to diversify its export portfolio by introducing additional Purabi Dairy products with longer shelf life and progressively increasing export volumes in line with market demand.
The initiative is expected to strengthen the international presence of dairy products from the North Eastern Region, create sustainable export opportunities for the dairy industry, and enhance income prospects for thousands of dairy farmers associated with Assam's cooperative milk network. APEDA continues to work closely with State Governments, exporters, Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), cooperatives, and other stakeholders to enhance the global competitiveness of India's agricultural and processed food products.