Indian grape producers are hoping to build on previous success in the UK market and establish a solid reputation as a quality supplier. Producers begin supplying the UK in March and come into their own once Chile exits the deal.
In recent years, Indian producers have targeted the UK market with greater gusto but a number of challenges continue to face the industry. Critics have complained about the high level of pesticides used in some vineyards and indeed, some shipments have been rejected because of exceedences of Maximum Residue Levels (MRLs).
However, those growers and exporters serious about shooting for Europe have clamped down on excess residue levels and are maintaining MRL compliance.
Indeed, the industry is taking excess pesticide concerns seriously and the National Research Centre for Grapes is responsible for looking after an elaborate residue monitoring plan. Some producers are also increasing the number of samples they send to laboratories for residue testing. Laboratories in turn are upgrading their facilities and personnel are being given more training to achieve the desired standards of testing.
A number of smaller producers have tried to enter the market with varying levels of success. Some were accused of lacking the sufficient knowledge to produce a top quality product, others simply could not afford to invest.
It takes a great deal of commitment to supply the UK market but those producers who can meet key requirements believe that there are rich pickings to be had.
Grape harvesting begins in mid February, with volumes generally available until the end of May.
According to leading table grape producer Euro Fruits, the Indian export industry is structured around out of season global competitors as players try to take advantage of a window of opportunity.
“As the Chilean season precedes the Indian season, late Chilean produce is certainly competition,” says Euro Fruits Bharat Thosar. He notes that Chilean volumes begin to taper off in mid-March and believes that Peru and Brazil could be potential competitors, if they are able to extend their season.
Ashok Motiani of Freshtrop Fruits says that Argentina and Egypt are also India’s major competitors but it is making attempts to stave off the competition.
According to Freshtrop Fruits, a number of factors work in India’s favour. “Abundance of sunlight during our season makes our grapes sweet and weather conditions during this period make it possible for India to be a reliable supplier,” says Motiani.
India’s low labour costs also allow the country to be competitive, notes PK Exports managing director, Vivek Kapadnis.
PK Exports begins supplying the UK in the third week of February. “We export green seedless Thompson grapes to the UK,” says Kapadnis, adding that it also supplies black seedless and Flame seedless grapes to its other export markets.
“The UK market is an important, prestigious market to us,” Kapadnis says. “The main challenges are meeting the quality parameters.”
Meanwhile, Euro Fruits claims to have been India’s largest exporter of table grapes to Europe for the past 12 seasons. The producer has achieved EurepGAP and BRC certification and is also busy setting up a new post harvest facility for the forthcoming season. “We are also aiming for IFS certification,” Thosar notes.
Euro Fruits believes that the major trends to have affected the Indian grape market in recent years are centred around fruit exports. Producers are now placing more emphasis on issues such as documentation, due diligence, food safety, compliance and certification.
Euro Fruits says it is well equipped to meet these requirements. “With sound traceability systems in place, and a 100 per cent MRL compliance record for several years, we are well positioned,” Thosar claims.
Freshtrop Fruits intends to increase its shipments this year. With more volumes expected to land in Europe, growers have to be ready to meet the exacting standards.
“The challenges for Indian growers are to achieve the required berry size, observe all food safety requirements and get necessary certifications,” Motiani says. “This is a great opportunity for Indian farmers to get a good price for their grapes as this window is not effectively serviced by any other producing country.”
Freshtrop Fruits further believes the industry can boost its standing in the grape sector by packing in punnets and being mindful of customer awareness of pesticide residues.
The company is in the process of setting up its third post-harvest handling facility in Kaledhone in the Satara district in southern Maharashtra.
“We are constantly increasing the number of growers in our EurepGAP group, aiming to soon achieve the target of 100 per cent supplies from EurepGAP farms,” Motiani says. “We have also achieved the coveted BRC certification for one of our packhouses and aim to extend this to our other packhouses as well.”
“Growers are trying to produce a better quality product while controlling costs as well as adopting good agricultural practices to remain competitive in the very dynamic UK market.”
2005 has been an important year for Freshtrop Fruits. It has invested in an IT infrastructure for its entire operation, including a farm management system for its growers. “Using the new system, we not only aim to streamline our produce management, but also be a step ahead in compliance with food safety related issues and due diligence,” Motiani explains.
“Our product will be traceable right up to punnet level, rather than carton level. This system is available online and all our customers will be able to not only track their shipments but also view complete information pertaining to crop pesticide applications and residue analysis results of any grower or his plot without having to wait.”
Motiani believes that Freshtrop Fruits’ recent investments will allow it to showcase its commitment to food safety. “Apart from providing a single portal of information on our product history, it aims to boost consumer confidence with pro-active information. We are certainly very excited about the possibilities with this system and are conducting trials so that it can be used during the coming season.”
Freshtrop Fruits is, he says, committed to its export markets and 100 per cent of its shipments will be tested in approved laboratories before being packed. Motiani adds that all data can be accessed instantly, if and when required, by its customers.
As growers are busy adapting and sharpening their growing operations, it seems churlish to mention that other methods of production are currently not a pressing concern.
Organic production is still at an early stage, with few large scale vineyards in operation. PK Exports notes that awareness of organic production is increasing in India, but weather limitations affect the deal.
“Organics remains a research subject rather than a commercial scale project,” Thosar says.
Freshtrop Fruits agrees. “Research and seminars are regularly held to educate farmers on the production of organic grapes but commercially viable quantities are still some time away,” Motiani says.
However, with the amount of time and effort growers are currently ploughing into their operations, many feel that they can offer the assurances their customers demand.
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