Dairy export milestone strengthens Assam’s cooperative sector and opens new international opportunities for regional producers
Assam’s dairy brand Purabi Ice Cream has marked a significant milestone by entering the Bhutan market with its first-ever export shipment, highlighting the growing potential of the state’s dairy industry in international markets. The move represents a major step for Assam’s cooperative dairy sector and reflects increasing demand for value-added dairy products from the region.
The first consignment, comprising 5,627 litres of Purabi ice cream, was flagged off by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. The shipment will be supplied to key Bhutanese markets, including Thimphu, Paro, Phuentsholing, and Wangdue, expanding the reach of Assam’s locally produced dairy products beyond India.
The ice cream is produced by West Assam Milk Producers’ Cooperative Union Limited (WAMUL) under the Purabi brand and marketed through North East Dairy and Foods Limited (NEDFL). The products are made using milk sourced from dairy farmers across Assam through the cooperative network, creating new opportunities for rural producers and strengthening the state’s dairy value chain.
The export initiative was supported by the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), which assisted with documentation, regulatory approvals, and export procedures. The development highlights the growing focus on promoting Indian food and dairy products in international markets.
Assam has been investing in strengthening its dairy infrastructure, improving milk processing capacity, and encouraging value-added products to enhance farmer incomes. The entry of Purabi Ice Cream into Bhutan is expected to create further opportunities for expanding exports of dairy products from the Northeast region.
With rising demand for quality dairy products and stronger regional trade connections, the export of Purabi Ice Cream marks an important achievement for Assam’s dairy sector and demonstrates the potential of India’s regional brands to compete in global markets.