Bhubaneswar/Balangir, June 24 (UDN): In a landmark achievement for India’s agricultural and processed food export sector, Odisha has successfully exported the country’s first-ever consignment of dried whole egg powder to Austria, marking a significant breakthrough in India’s efforts to expand value-added food exports to premium global markets.
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The maiden shipment, comprising 22.6 metric tonnes of dried whole egg powder, was exported by Balangir-based OVO Farm Pvt. Ltd. with facilitation and support from the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA).
The export assumes added significance as it marks the entry of an Odisha-based food processing enterprise into the highly regulated European market, known for its stringent food safety and quality standards. Industry experts believe the development will pave the way for greater participation of Indian egg processors in high-value international markets.
To cater to export demand, OVO Farm established a state-of-the-art egg processing facility in Balangir in 2025. The unit manufactures dehydrated egg products in compliance with Export Inspection Council (EIC) norms, European Union hygiene regulations and internationally accepted food safety standards.
The facility is certified under the globally recognised FSSC 22000 Version 6 food safety management system and also possesses HALAL and KOSHER certifications, enabling it to access diverse international markets.
Dried whole egg powder is widely used in bakery, confectionery, ready-to-eat foods, pasta, sauces, nutritional supplements and pharmaceutical products due to its long shelf life, ease of transportation and high nutritional value.
The consignment was virtually flagged off by APEDA Chairman Abhishek Dev in the presence of senior officials from the Odisha government, representatives of the Fisheries and Animal Resources Development Department, Balangir district administration and industry stakeholders.
Officials said APEDA has extended support to the exporter through various financial assistance and export promotion schemes aimed at strengthening food processing infrastructure, quality management systems and export readiness.
The successful export is expected to boost Odisha’s agro-processing ecosystem, create new opportunities for poultry farmers and allied industries, and attract further investments in food processing infrastructure across the state.
Industry stakeholders view the development as a major step towards enhancing farmers’ incomes through value addition and strengthening India’s position as a reliable supplier of high-quality processed food products in global markets.
With increasing international demand for processed egg products, the achievement is being hailed as Odisha’s “Golden Egg” moment, reinforcing the state’s emergence as a promising hub for value-added poultry exports.