Assam's dairy industry has achieved a significant milestone with the first-ever export of Purabi Ice Cream to Bhutan, marking the state's entry into international dairy markets. The inaugural consignment of 5,627 litres was flagged off in Guwahati by Assam Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma on 28 July 2026. The shipment will be distributed across key Bhutanese cities including Thimphu, Paro, Phuentsholing and Wangdue, where products will be available to both retail customers and commercial buyers. According to a Ministry of Commerce & Industry statement, this export marks a significant milestone in Assam's dairy sector and is expected to open new opportunities for value-added dairy exports from the North Eastern Region.
The export has been executed by North East Dairy and Foods Limited (NEDFL), which markets Purabi Dairy products. The ice cream is manufactured by the West Assam Milk Producers' Cooperative Union Limited (WAMUL), using milk procured from thousands of dairy farmers associated with Purabi's cooperative network across Assam. The first international shipment includes a comprehensive range of products including ice cream cups, cones, family packs and gallon packs, allowing the company to cater to different consumer segments in Bhutan. According to recent reports, Purabi Dairy's milk-processing capacity has been significantly expanded from 60,000 to 150,000 litres per day through the World Bank-funded APART program, with the project including a dedicated ice cream production line.
The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) played a crucial role in facilitating the export by assisting with regulatory approvals, export documentation, market access and coordination between various stakeholders. As per the Ministry of Commerce & Industry statement, APEDA supported the shipment by assisting with export documentation, regulatory compliance, market access, and coordination among stakeholders, enabling the smooth movement of the consignment across the border. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma emphasized that "Purabi ice cream's entry into the Bhutanese market will create new opportunities for dairy cooperatives and rural producers. The state government will continue to support the production of value-added products and the expansion of market access." Bhutan has been chosen as the first export destination due to its geographical proximity and strong trade links with Assam, with the successful shipment expected to serve as a gateway for expanding the reach of Made-in-Assam dairy products into neighbouring countries.
Welcoming the development, Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal described the export as a landmark achievement for India's dairy sector. In a post on X, Goyal said, "A sweet milestone for India! The export of Purabi Ice Cream by the West Assam Milk Producers' Cooperative Union Limited to Bhutan was flagged off by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma ji." He added that "Facilitated by APEDA, this achievement reflects the growing strength and global competitiveness of India's dairy sector while opening new avenues for our dairy farmers. The initiative will create new income opportunities, expand access to international markets and strengthen the livelihoods of our dairy farmers across the North Eastern region."
Following the successful launch, NEDFL plans to gradually expand its export portfolio by introducing more Purabi Dairy products with longer shelf lives, while increasing export volumes based on consumer demand in overseas markets. The company is also considering exporting other Purabi dairy products, particularly those with a longer shelf life. According to APEDA, the initiative is expected to enhance export opportunities for the region's dairy industry, improve market access for cooperative producers, and create higher income prospects for thousands of dairy farmers associated with Assam's milk cooperative network. APEDA said it will continue collaborating with state governments, cooperatives, Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), exporters, and other stakeholders to improve the global competitiveness of India's agricultural and processed food products while supporting export-led growth for farmers and agri-businesses.
