First-ever 3.5 ton jackfruit exported overseas via sea route

Business Desk :

Jackfruit has now been exported overseas via sea for the first time besides air shipment. In May this year, Dhaka-based export company Universe Style shipped 3,500 kg (3.5 tons) of jackfruit to Dubai via the sea route.

Despite taking over 26 days in transit, the quality of the jackfruit remained intact, raising hope for sea-route jackfruit exports. Exporters say if the government ensures necessary support and facilities, sea freight could open up a new horizon for fruit exports, reports, BSS.

Saifuzzaman Manik, Managing Director of Universe Style, said, “It is indeed possible to export jackfruit overseas via sea. In May, we exported 3,500 kg of jackfruit to Dubai. The ship was scheduled to reach Dubai’s Jebel Ali port in 12 days from Chattogram seaport, but it took nearly 26 days. Yet, the jackfruits remained in good condition.

Over 35% of the fruits retained their normal skin color, while the remaining 60% had slightly darkened exteriors, but the internal quality of the fruit was unaffected. Based on this experience, we have decided to continue exporting various local fruits like jackfruit and pineapple via sea. We have already decided to set up a warehouse in Tangail for pineapple exports.”

According to the Plant Quarantine Wing of the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), Bangladesh exports jackfruit to the Middle East, the UK, France, Germany, Sweden, and Ireland.

Among these, demand is highest in the Middle East. Until now, exporters have preferred air freight due to the ability to deliver fruit quickly overseas. A.K.M. Mofidul Islam, Deputy Director (Export) of the Plant Quarantine Wing of the DAE, said, “In the 2024-25 fiscal year, a total of 1,083 tons of jackfruit have been exported from Bangladesh.