Fruitnet’s Fresh Produce India event offers chance to learn how Dutch technology could open up new market opportunities for Indian fruit and veg suppliers
Dutch expertise has the potential to help transform India’s fresh produce supply chains and enable retailers in the country to tap into growing consumer demand at home and abroad, according to public-private initiative HortiRoad2India.
As leading players in the fruit and veg business head to Mumbai for the return of Fruitnet’s key annual networking event Fresh Produce India, a group of Dutch companies are also in the country to explore new opportunities for their high-tech greenhouse technology and distribution solutions, which they say offer greater efficiency, profitability and sustainability.
“We believe we can make great impact on India’s food system together,” says Desh Ramnath, India director at Dutch Greenhouse Delta, and coordinator of HortiRoad2India.
Using an approach dubbed Fork2Farm, the group explores market demand and then creates business models that address consumer needs, Ramnath explains.
“Through our high-tech greenhouses, innovative technology, and distribution solutions, and an efficient supply chain, Indian growers will be able to deliver fresh, high-quality products on time that meet all the requirements of the retailer and the growing middle class,” he adds. “This approach also promises opportunities for exporting products abroad, for instance to the Gulf region.”
The trade mission heads to Mumbai, Kochi, and Bengaluru on 20-29 March. There, it will propose feasibility studies and the development of business plans.
“This will allow us to conceive a comprehensive supply chain solution that can be developed within a relatively short timeframe,” Ramnath notes.
HortiRoad2India is set to feature prominently in Fresh Produce India’s expo area on 21-22 March. It will also hold free knowledge sessions during the event, on Thursday 21 March from 15:00 onwards.
Following the expo, the mission continues to Kochi, Kerala, where it will meet with retailers, the hospitality sector, traders, and government officials.
The trip concludes in Bengaluru, where the cluster will meet with existing connections from previous trade missions to India.
Book your ticket for Fresh Produce India here on the official event website.
