Barishal Amra: Bangladesh Heritage GI Hog Plum — Buyer's Guide (2026)

The Barishal Amra — registered as a Bangladesh GI product in 2025 — is the indigenous hog plum (Spondias mombin, also called "Amra" in Bengali) variety cultivated in Barishal district in southern Bangladesh. Also known as "Barishaler Amra" in Bengali, this tropical fruit is prized for its medium-to-large fruit size (80–150g per fruit), distinctive oval-oblong shape, bright yellow skin when ripe, soft juicy flesh with a sweet-tart flavor profile (Brix 12–16° with balancing acidity), and unique aromatic complexity with notes of mango, citrus, and tropical flowers. Barishal district, situated in the Ganges delta region of southern Bangladesh with its extensive river network and moderate year-round temperatures, has been a traditional Amra-growing region for centuries. The Barishal Amra is eaten fresh as a seasonal fruit, processed into pickles and chutneys, and used in traditional Bengali cuisine for sour-sweet flavoring.

This guide is for international tropical-fruit importers, diaspora grocers, specialty-fruit retailers, and ethnic-food distributors sourcing authentic Barishal Amra. We cover the fruit's history, the 2025 GI registration, the Barishal production region, cultivation and post-harvest handling, quality characteristics, export markets, HS codes, packaging and cold-chain logistics, authenticity verification, certifications, and direct sourcing from verified agriculture suppliers on BangladeshExport.com.

📜 History and the Barishal Amra Heritage

Barishal district, situated in the Ganges delta region of southern Bangladesh, is often called the "Venice of Bengal" or "Venice of the East" due to its extensive river network — the district is crisscrossed by numerous rivers and canals that connect the Padma, Meghna, and Arial Khan river systems to the Bay of Bengal. This unique geography creates a distinctive agro-climatic environment: the annual rainfall of 2,000–2,400 mm is well-distributed through the monsoon season, the alluvial soil of the Ganges delta is rich in organic matter and minerals (particularly potassium and phosphorus), and the year-round moderate temperatures (20–32°C) create ideal conditions for tropical fruit cultivation. The Barishal region has been a traditional fruit-growing area for centuries, with the Amra (hog plum) being one of the most iconic local fruits.

The Amra tree (Spondias mombin, also known as hog plum, yellow mombin, or Spanish plum in different regional contexts) is indigenous to the Bengal delta and has been cultivated in Barishal's homestead orchards for at least 400 years. Historical records from the Mughal era mention Amra as one of the seasonal fruits of the Barishal-Bakerganj region (Barishal district was formerly part of the larger Bakerganj district during British colonial rule). The fruit was traditionally grown in mixed-cropping homestead orchards alongside mango, jackfruit, banana, betel nut, and coconut — a polyculture system that provided natural pest control, soil nutrient cycling, and economic risk diversification for the farmer. By the 19th century, Barishal Amra had developed a reputation across Bangladesh for its superior fruit size, juicy flesh, and complex sweet-tart flavor — characteristics attributed to the specific mineral composition of the Ganges delta alluvial soil and the moderate year-round temperatures of the Barishal region.

The Barishal Amra's reputation extended beyond Bangladesh's borders in the late 20th and early 21st centuries. The fruit gained particular recognition through the development of the "BARI Amra-2" variety by the Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute (BARI), which was developed by harmonizing the native hog plum variety from Nesarabad (in Pirojpur district, adjacent to Barishal) with improved technology. The 2025 GI registration protected the "Barishal Amra" name and tied it legally to the Barishal production region. The registration was supported by the Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute (BARI), the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), and the Barishal Amra Growers' Cooperative. See our Bangladesh Newly Added GI Products (2026) overview for context on this second-wave GI registration.

🏛️ GI Registration and the Barishal Production Region

Barishal Amra was registered by the Department of Patents, Designs and Trademarks (DPDT) under the Ministry of Industries in 2025. The GI registration protects the name "Barishal Amra" or "Barishaler Amra" for the indigenous hog plum (Spondias mombin) fruit cultivated within the geographical boundaries of Barishal district using traditional homestead orchard practices. The protected production region covers the entire Barishal district, including the major upazilas of Barishal Sadar (Kotwali), Agailjhara, Babuganj, Bakerganj, Banaripara, Gaurnadi, Hizla, Mehendiganj, Muladi, Wazirpur, and Uzirpur. Barishal Sadar, Babuganj, and Bakerganj together account for approximately 65% of the district's Amra production, with an estimated 8,000–12,000 bearing Amra trees across the district.

Buyers should request a GI registration certificate from the supplier and verify the production location — the GI protection does not extend to Amra grown in Jhalokati, Pirojpur, Patuakhali, Barguna, or other neighboring Barishal-division districts even when the variety is identical. Verification follows the methodology in our GI verification guide.

🥭 Cultivation, Harvesting, and Post-Harvest Handling

The Amra tree cultivation cycle in Barishal follows a 5-month from-flowering-to-harvest timeline. Flowering occurs in March–April, with the small green fruits setting in April–May. The fruit development period spans the monsoon season (May–August), with the heavy rainfall providing the moisture that the shallow-rooted Amra tree requires. The fruit reaches harvest maturity in June–September, with the peak harvest in July–August. A mature Amra tree (8–15 years old) produces 100–300 fruits per season, with each fruit weighing 80–150g.

The Amra tree is traditionally grown in mixed-cropping homestead orchards alongside mango, jackfruit, banana, betel nut, and coconut — a polyculture system that provides natural pest control, soil nutrient cycling, and economic risk diversification for the farmer. No commercial fertilizers, pesticides, or irrigation are used in the traditional system — the trees rely entirely on natural rainfall, organic matter from leaf litter, and the natural pest-predator balance of the polyculture. This traditional organic-by-default cultivation is part of what distinguishes Barishal Amra from intensively-farmed tropical fruits from other regions.

Harvesting is done at the "tree-ripe" stage — when the fruit skin has turned fully bright yellow with no green patches remaining and the fruit gives off its characteristic sweet-fruity aroma. Tree-ripe harvesting is essential for Amra because, unlike mangoes or bananas, the fruit does not continue to ripen significantly after harvest. Each fruit is hand-picked with a small portion of the stem attached using a long bamboo pole with a cloth bag at the end (similar to mango harvesting). Post-harvest handling involves: (1) field sorting — removing damaged or overripe fruits; (2) washing — removing field dirt in chilled water (8–10°C); (3) hydro-cooling — bringing the fruit pulp temperature to 10–12°C within 4 hours of harvest; (4) sorting and grading — by size, color, and defect; (5) fungicide treatment — Prochloraz at 400 ppm to control post-harvest decay; (6) packing — into ventilated corrugated cartons with paper or foam netting to prevent bruising.

For export, Barishal Amra is typically shipped at the tree-ripe stage under modified-atmosphere packaging (MAP) to extend shelf life. The fruit's relatively short shelf life (5–7 days at room temperature, 14–21 days refrigerated) and the limited production volume make Barishal Amra a premium niche-market product rather than a mass-market tropical fruit.

📊 Quality Characteristics and Grading

Authentic Barishal Amra has six distinguishing physical characteristics: (1) medium-to-large fruit size (80–150g per fruit, distinctive oval-oblong shape, 6–9 cm long, 4–6 cm diameter); (2) bright uniform yellow skin when fully ripe (no green or brown patches), with a thin edible skin; (3) soft, juicy, slightly fibrous flesh with a pale yellow to deep gold color; (4) high flesh-to-pit ratio (70–78% for A-grade, with a single large oval pit at the center); (5) complex sweet-tart flavor with Brix 12–16° for A-grade, with notes of mango, citrus, and tropical flowers; (6) intense floral-fruity aroma that fills the room when a basket of ripe Amra is opened. The fruit is typically eaten fresh by biting into the skin and sucking the flesh off the central pit, or processed into pickles, chutneys, and traditional Bengali sherbet.

🌍 Export Markets and Buyer Segments

• Middle East (UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman): Diaspora demand — Bangladeshi expatriates (over 4 million workers) buy Barishal Amra for personal consumption and as a nostalgic regional specialty during the June–September harvest season. Retail USD 3–6/kg in Bangladeshi grocery stores in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha, Riyadh. Annual estimated demand: 200–500 metric tons.
• EU & UK (UK, Germany, France, Netherlands, Italy): Specialty tropical-fruit retail and ethnic-food segment. Bangladeshi diaspora in Birmingham, Tower Hamlets (London), Manchester are core buyers. Specialty fruit retailers position Barishal Amra as a "discovered tropical fruit" with unique sweet-tart flavor profile. Retail EUR 4–8/kg. EU buyers require GlobalGAP certification and phytosanitary compliance.
• USA & Canada: Diaspora demand in New York (Jackson Heights), Detroit (Hamtramck), Toronto (East End), Los Angeles. Air freight essential due to short shelf life. Retail USD 3.5–7/kg in Bangladeshi grocery stores; USD 6–11/kg in specialty tropical-fruit stores.
• India (especially West Bengal, Tripura, Assam): Cultural affinity market — Amra (also called "Amra" or "Ambra" in Bengali Indian usage) is also a traditional Bengali Indian fruit. Cross-border formal and informal trade. Retail INR 80–200/kg in border markets.
• Southeast Asia (Malaysia, Singapore): Diaspora demand — Bangladeshi workers and expatriates. Retail MYR 12–24 / SGD 4–8/kg.
• Australia, Japan, South Korea: Premium specialty-fruit segment with strict phytosanitary requirements (irradiation or vapor heat treatment). Retail AUD 7–13 / JPY 500–900 / KRW 5,000–9,500/kg.

🏷️ HS Codes and Customs Classification

Most Bangladesh Customs entries for fresh Barishal Amra exports use HS 08109000 (other fresh fruit nes). Buyers should consult their customs broker and verify destination market phytosanitary requirements.

📦 Packaging, Cold Chain, and Shipping

Fresh Barishal Amra is a moderately perishable tropical fruit — shelf life is 5–7 days at room temperature, 14–21 days refrigerated. Fresh export packaging: ventilated corrugated cartons of 3–5 kg per carton (single-layer packing to prevent bruising), with polyethylene liners to maintain humidity. Each fruit is wrapped in foam netting (for A-grade) or paper (for B-grade) to prevent skin abrasion. For premium retail, individual fruit clam-shell packaging with branded labeling is used. Cold chain: 10–12°C throughout transit and storage — Amra suffers chilling injury below 8°C (skin turns brown, flesh becomes watery), and ripening/decay accelerates above 15°C. Relative humidity 85–90% to prevent moisture loss.

Shipping options: (1) Air freight — essential for premium fresh Amra with short shelf life, transit time 1–3 days to most destinations, cost USD 1.5–3.5/kg; (2) Sea freight in controlled-atmosphere containers — 14–18 day transit to Middle East (viable with careful temperature management), not recommended for EU/UK/USA due to shelf-life constraints. Required documentation includes: Phytosanitary Certificate (Department of Agricultural Extension), Certificate of Origin (Barishal Chamber of Commerce & Industry), DPDT GI registration certificate copy, GlobalGAP / GRASP certification (for EU buyers), Irradiation or Vapor Heat Treatment certificate (for USA, Japan, Australia). See our export documentation guide for the complete document checklist.

✅ Authenticity Verification — Seven-Point Checklist

1. Species confirmation: Barishal Amra (Spondias mombin, hog plum) has a distinctive oval-oblong shape (6–9 cm long, 4–6 cm diameter), bright yellow skin when ripe, soft juicy flesh, and a single large oval pit at the center — distinct from mango (different shape and pit), and from the smaller round yellow mombin varieties grown in other regions.
2. DAE origin certificate: Department of Agricultural Extension certificate confirming cultivation at a Barishal district address; cross-verify with orchard GPS coordinates when possible.
3. DPDT GI registration: Supplier provides a copy of the DPDT GI registration certificate for "Barishal Amra"; for bulk orders, request the cooperative's GI usage authorization letter.
4. Fruit size inspection: Medium-to-large fruit (80–150g per fruit for A-grade, 6–9 cm long); undersized fruit suggests non-Barishal origin or non-authentic variety.
5. Flesh-to-pit ratio test: A-grade Barishal Amra has 70–78% flesh-to-pit ratio — cut a sample of 5 fruits and verify that the edible flesh weight is at least 70% of total fruit weight (excluding the inedible skin and pit).
6. Brix and aroma test: Brix reading of 12–16° for A-grade Barishal Amra (versus 8–12° for Amra from other regions); intense floral-fruity aroma with notes of mango, citrus, and tropical flowers when the fruit is fully ripe.
7. Barishal origin labeling: Carton labeling that includes "Product of Barishal, Bangladesh" or "Barishal Amra GI" with the GI registration number; traceability code linking to the originating orchard or cooperative.

🏛️ Certifications and Institutional Support

The Barishal Amra supply chain is supported by multiple institutional certifications and agencies. The Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), under the Ministry of Agriculture, registers Amra orchards and issues phytosanitary certificates. The Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute (BARI) provides variety verification and disease diagnostics — BARI's "BARI Amra-2" variety, developed from native Barishal-region stock, has been instrumental in expanding commercial Amra cultivation. The Bangladesh Agricultural University's Department of Horticulture provides research support. For EU export, GlobalGAP (Good Agricultural Practice) certification is required by most major retailers; the GRASP module is required by some EU retailers. For USA, Japan, and Australia, irradiation treatment at 400 Gy or vapor heat treatment at 46.5°C for 30 minutes is required. For organic claims, EU Organic, USDA NOP, or equivalent certification applies — most Barishal Amra is naturally organic-by-default due to the traditional polyculture cultivation system. The Barishal Amra Growers' Cooperative (newly established in 2025) provides industry coordination.

Institutional support for export comes from the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) for market intelligence and trade-fair participation; the Barishal Amra Growers' Cooperative for production-side coordination; and the Ministry of Agriculture's Horticulture Board for export-oriented production subsidies. Buyers seeking institutional supplier referrals can contact the Barishal Chamber of Commerce & Industry directly or browse the broader Bangladesh exporters' association directory on BangladeshExport.com.

🤝 Sourcing Verified Barishal Amra Exporters — Five-Step Process

1. Browse verified agriculture suppliers: Start with our 709 verified Agriculture & Agro suppliers — filter by district (Barishal) and subcategory (Fruits / Amra / Hog Plum) to shortlist 5–10 suppliers.
2. Post a free RFQ: Submit a Request for Quotation specifying "Barishal Amra" with grade (A Premium Export / A Standard / B / Processing), quantity, packaging (retail pack, HORECA bulk), destination port, and required treatments (irradiation, vapor heat treatment). Verified suppliers respond within 24–72 hours.
3. Check credentials: For each shortlisted supplier, verify (a) EPB registration, (b) DAE licensing, (c) DPDT GI registration copy, (d) Barishal Chamber of Commerce membership, (e) GlobalGAP / GRASP / Irradiation facility approval (if relevant), (f) phytosanitary certificate issuance track record.
4. Order a trial shipment: Request 200–500 kg trial shipment by air freight during the June–September harvest. Pay via L/C or escrow. Evaluate against the seven-point authenticity checklist and conduct Brix and flesh-to-pit ratio testing on a representative sample. Visit the orchard in person if bulk order exceeds USD 30,000.
5. Finalize directly: For orders over USD 5,000, use irrevocable L/C at sight from a top-50 international bank; for smaller orders, advance payment with 50% deposit and 50% against shipping documents is standard. BangladeshExport.com does not charge commission.

If you are a Barishal Amra grower or exporter: register as a supplier on BangladeshExport.com (free).

🎯 Conclusion

Barishal Amra is one of Bangladesh's most distinctive newly-added GI tropical fruits — the Ganges delta terroir of Barishal, the centuries-old traditional polyculture orchard system, and the indigenous Spondias mombin variety combine to produce a fruit with measurably superior size (80–150g), flesh-to-pit ratio (70–78%), and aromatic complexity (Brix 12–16°, notes of mango/citrus/tropical flowers) that the same fruit grown elsewhere cannot match. For buyers serving diaspora, specialty-tropical-fruit, or premium-ethnic-food segments, authentic Barishal Amra offers a defensible premium position with growing demand among consumers seeking unique and traditional tropical fruit varieties. The cold-chain requirements (10–12°C, 5–7 day shelf life at room temperature, 14–21 days refrigerated) and the seasonal harvest window (June–September) make Barishal Amra a niche-market premium product rather than a mass-market fruit. BangladeshExport.com makes sourcing free and transparent — start with a free RFQ today.

For the complete catalog of 64+ Bangladesh GI products, see our complete GI products list. For other Bangladeshi GI fruits, see our Jackfruit of Gazipur guide, Pineapple of Madhupur guide, Bedana Litchi of Dinajpur guide, Hajrapuri Litchi of Magura guide, Amrita Sagar Banana of Narsingdi guide, and Mehersagar Banana of Meherpur guide. For the full overview of newly added GI products (registrations 61–65), see our Bangladesh Newly Added GI Products (2026) overview. For broader context on Bangladesh agricultural export trends, see our 2026 global demand analysis. For step-by-step verification methodology, see our GI verification guide.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Barishal Amra a GI product?

Barishal Amra was registered as a Bangladesh GI product by DPDT in 2025. The registration protects the name for the indigenous hog plum (Spondias mombin) fruit grown in Barishal district — where the Ganges delta's well-drained alluvial soil, moderate year-round temperatures (20–32°C), and traditional polyculture orchard system produce fruit with measurably superior size (80–150g per fruit), flesh-to-pit ratio (70–78%), and Brix sweetness (12–16°) than the same fruit grown in other regions. The GI registration legally distinguishes authentic Barishal Amra from Amra grown in other districts and from other yellow mombin varieties.

How is Barishal Amra different from regular hog plum?

Three main differences. First, fruit size: Barishal Amra is medium-to-large (80–150g per fruit for A-grade, 6–9 cm long), versus the smaller fruit (40–80g, 4–6 cm long) of generic Spondias mombin varieties grown in other regions. Second, flavor profile: Barishal Amra has a complex sweet-tart flavor with notes of mango, citrus, and tropical flowers, versus the simpler sour-sweet flavor of generic hog plum. Third, flesh-to-pit ratio: Barishal Amra has 70–78% flesh-to-pit ratio for A-grade (high edible portion), versus 55–65% for generic varieties. The Barishal terroir — particularly the Ganges delta alluvial soil rich in potassium — produces a fruit with measurably different characteristics than the same species grown elsewhere.

What is the HS code for Barishal Amra exports?

Fresh Barishal Amra uses HS code 08109000 (other fresh fruit nes — hog plum has no dedicated HS sub-category). Frozen Amra pulp uses 08119000; Amra pickle and chutney use 20089900; Amra juice uses 20098900. Most Bangladesh Customs fresh Amra entries use 08109000.

How do I verify that Barishal Amra is authentic?

Use the seven-point checklist: (1) species confirmation (Spondias mombin, hog plum — oval-oblong shape, single large oval pit); (2) DAE origin certificate (Barishal); (3) DPDT GI registration; (4) fruit size (80–150g for A-grade, 6–9 cm long); (5) flesh-to-pit ratio (70–78% for A-grade); (6) Brix 12–16° and distinctive floral-fruity aroma; (7) Barishal origin labeling with traceability code.

What is the MOQ for Barishal Amra?

Typical MOQ is 200–500 kg for first-time buyers. Trial shipments of 100–200 kg are available during the June–September harvest. Bulk orders can reach 1,000–3,000 kg per air freight shipment. Air freight is essential for all export shipments due to the short shelf life (5–7 days at room temperature, 14–21 days refrigerated).

What does Barishal Amra taste like?

Barishal Amra has a complex sweet-tart flavor profile with notes of mango, citrus, and tropical flowers, with a soft juicy flesh texture. The Brix (sweetness) for A-grade Barishal Amra is 12–16°, with a balanced acidity that gives the fruit a refreshing quality. The flavor is more complex than typical tropical fruits, with a floral-fruity aroma that fills the room when the fruit is fully ripe. The fruit is typically eaten fresh by biting into the skin and sucking the flesh off the central pit, or processed into pickles (Amra achar), chutneys (Amra chutney), and traditional Bengali sherbet (Amra-er sherbet). The unripe green Amra is also used in sour curries and pickles.

Where can I find verified Barishal Amra suppliers?

BangladeshExport.com hosts 709 verified Agriculture & Agro suppliers. Post a free RFQ specifying "Barishal Amra" with your grade, quantity, destination, and required treatments — verified Barishal-district growers will respond within 24–72 hours.