The future potential presented by India has long been appreciated, but Egyptian producer-exporter Pico Modern Agriculture believes that now is the time to prioritise this burgeoning market for growth.
'India is a bit like Egypt,' said business development manager Heike Hagenguth. 'It is still a place where entrepreneurs can go and find their niche.'
According to Hagenguth, India is a big market for Egyptian oranges, while possibilities for growth also exist for a number of other products.
'There are problems with local orange production in India,' she says. 'Yields are going down and volumes are insufficient for the market, so there are opportunities there for our oranges. There is also a market for our peaches and nectarines and Red Globe grapes.'
The company is currently further expanding its production of stonefruit and grapes, developing existing planted areas and adding new varieties. Pico’s signature product, strawberries, are still not permitted to be sent to India.
Another important factor guiding Pico's strategy is the rapid development and modernisation of India's retail sector.
'We have good relations with international retailers that are opening up outlets in India,' says Hagenguth. 'We supply them in other countries, so why shouldn't we supply them in India as well?'
