Varanasi: In a major boost to Uttar Pradesh’s export ambitions and Varanasi’s growing footprint in global markets, a 40-metric tonne consignment of Banaras-made biscuits has been exported to Oman for the first time.Manufactured at the Karkhiyan Food Park in Varanasi, the shipment marks the entry of Banarasi biscuits into the Omani market following their successful launch in Sharjah last year. The development is being seen as a significant milestone for the region’s food processing industry and a step forward in strengthening India-Oman trade ties.The company manufactures a wide range of baked products, with its key offerings spanning everyday biscuits and premium cookies. Its biscuit portfolio includes glucose, milk plus, and digestive variants, while its cookie range features shortbread, export-grade cookies, and cream-filled varieties.The company specializes in manufacturing various shelf-stable and cream-filled biscuit varieties under the Anmol brandThe consignment was transported by road to the Inland Container Depot in Kanpur before being moved to Mumbai’s Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT), from where it was shipped to Oman via the sea route.With this export, consumers in Oman will now get a taste of Banarasi biscuits with their tea. The shipment, flagged off recently from Karkhiyan Food Park in Varanasi’s industrial area, is being hailed as a major economic achievement for the region.According to data from the Directorate General of Commercial Intelligence and Statistics (DGCIS), India’s total exports of biscuits stood at approximately Rs 3,642 crore in the financial year 2025-26. UP contributed around Rs 33 crore to these exports.India’s total biscuit exports to Oman are valued at approximately Rs 52.33 crore, while UP’s current contribution to this market stands at around Rs 0.27 crore.Officials said the consignment reflects strengthening bilateral trade relations between India and Oman and aligns with the proposed Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). As the first major biscuit shipment from Varanasi to Oman, it is expected to create new opportunities for exporters in the region.Joining the programme virtually, APEDA chairman Abhishek Dev described the export from a landlocked region like Varanasi as a historic achievement. He said such initiatives have become easier with trade facilitation measures under CEPA and would inspire other local exporters to explore international markets.APEDA regional head CB Singh said, “We are working to promote agricultural exports from the Varanasi region. Earlier, fresh produce such as mangoes, chillies and okra was exported from here. Last year, biscuit exports to Sharjah began, and now Oman has emerged as another major market for industries in Purvanchal.”During the programme organised by APEDA, Varanasi-based manufacturer-exporter Tirupati Balaji Industries Pvt. Ltd. dispatched the 40-metric tonne consignment.APEDA has been providing local exporters with access to global platforms and facilitated the company’s participation in prominent national and international trade fairs, including Aahar 2026 and Gulfood 2026. These initiatives helped Banarasi products reach overseas markets and connect with new buyers.“The Yogi govt’s industry- and export-friendly policies have laid a strong foundation for making UP a new hub of global trade. Our vision is to create new opportunities for farmers, industries and local youth by taking agricultural and processed food products from Varanasi to more countries around the world,” said Prateek Agarwal, director of Tirupati Balaji Industries Pvt. Ltd.
