Assam's Purabi Ice Cream Embarks on First Export to Bhutan
In a significant milestone for Assam's dairy industry, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma flagged off the inaugural export consignment of Purabi ice cream to Bhutan on July 28, 2026. The shipment, consisting of 5,627 litres of ice cream, is the first of its kind from Assam and aims to penetrate major markets in Bhutan, including Thimphu, Paro, Phuentsholing, and Wangdue.
The ceremony was attended by key government officials, including Minister for Cooperation Kaushik Rai, and representatives from various organizations involved in the export. The ice cream is produced by the West Assam Milk Producers' Cooperative Union Limited (WAMUL) and is marketed by North East Dairy and Foods Limited (NEDFL), using milk sourced from dairy farmers across Assam.
The expansion of Purabi Dairy, supported by the World Bank-funded APART project, has played a crucial role in this development. The project facilitated the increase in plant capacity from 60 to 150 TLPD. The export was made possible with the support of the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), which assisted NEDFL in completing the necessary export procedures.
Chief Minister Sarma emphasized the importance of this export for Assam's dairy cooperatives and rural producers, highlighting the government's commitment to enhancing market access and supporting value addition. The consignment includes a variety of ice cream formats, such as cups, family packs, cones, and gallon packs, designed to cater to both retail and institutional consumers in Bhutan.
Kaushik Rai, Minister for Cooperation and Chairman of NEDFL, remarked on the achievement, noting the significance of the Purabi value chain in this milestone. He expressed plans to establish a strong distribution network in Bhutan and gradually expand the range of Purabi products internationally.
Sunita Rai from APEDA highlighted the agency's role in promoting exports from Northeast India and assisting organizations in meeting international trade requirements. The geographical proximity of Bhutan offers a strategic advantage for the supply of dairy products from Assam, providing opportunities for further expansion in neighboring markets.
Looking ahead, NEDFL intends to explore the export of additional Purabi Dairy products, focusing on those with longer shelf lives. This initiative is expected to enhance Purabi Dairy's market presence while supporting Assam's dairy farmers and developing the state as a growing hub for quality dairy production.
