• The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) announced the global resurgence of the traditional Indian Goli Soda, rebranded as Goli Pop Soda. 

• This iconic beverage, once a household staple, is making a remarkable comeback on the global stage, driven by its innovative reinvention and strategic international expansion.

• The product has already made strong inroads in global markets, with successful trial shipments to the USA, UK, Europe, and Gulf countries.

• Under a strategic partnership with Fair Exports, India has ensured steady deliveries of Goli Pop Soda to Lulu Hypermarket, one of the largest retail chains in the Gulf region.

• The revival of this beverage, which had nearly disappeared due to the dominance of multinational beverage companies, marks a significant milestone in India’s efforts to promote and export authentic, homegrown food and beverage products in the global markets.

• What sets Goli Pop Soda apart is its innovative packaging, featuring a unique pop opener that recreates the nostalgic fizzy burst Indian consumers fondly remember. This rebranding has captivated international markets, positioning the drink as an exciting and trendy product.

What is APEDA?

• The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) was established by the government under the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority Act passed by Parliament in December 1985. The Act came into effect on February 13, 1986.

• APEDA, which replaced the Processed Food Export Promotion Council (PFEPC), has its headquarters in New Delhi.

• It has 16 regional offices across India.

APEDA has been entrusted with the responsibility of export promotion and development of following scheduled products:

i) Fruits, Vegetables and their Products

ii) Meat and Meat Products

iii) Poultry and Poultry Products

iv) Dairy Products

v) Confectionery, Biscuits and Bakery Products

vi) Honey, Jaggery and Sugar Products

vii) Cocoa and its products, chocolates of all kinds

viii) Alcoholic and Non-Alcoholic Beverages

ix) Cereal and Cereal Products

x) Groundnuts, Peanuts and Walnuts

xi) Pickles, Papads and Chutneys

xii) Guar Gum

xiii) Floriculture and Floriculture Products

xiv) Herbal and Medicinal Plants

xv) De-oiled rice bran

xvi) Green pepper in brine

xvii) Cashew Nuts and its Products.

• In addition to this, APEDA has been entrusted with the responsibility to monitor the import of sugar as well.

• APEDA also functions as the Secretariat to the National Accreditation Board (NAB) for the implementation of accreditation of the Certification Bodies under National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP) for organic exports.

(The author is a trainer for Civil Services aspirants.)