Along with these changes comes opportunities for the future, especially when it comes to new grape varieties, which could lead to destinations. Indian farmers have been showing interest in new varieties, an interest which Nagesh Shetty shares.
"New varieties could offer the possibility of being able to offer new coloured varieties earlier to East Asian markets. We have been discussing the possibilities with farmers, but I think that it will take some time before we get out of the standard set of Thompson, Black, and Flame seedless and go into a Crimson or Autumn Royal for main stream export. There has to be a procedure in place, along with giving farmers access to the plants. It will take some time before we get to that point. Of course, we would like to have it happen as soon as possible."
In terms of grape exports, the company does not have a huge presence in the EU, with approximately 50 containers per season. When asked if he would be interested in expansion within the EU, "It is definitely something we would be interested in, as long as we are able to get some good clients, with firm contracts. We are not really interested in taking unnecessary risks at the moment," Mr. Shetty responded.
The Chinese market was a little depressed early on the the season which caused some delays. The company will be sending the first containers later on in the season.
Diversified role in Russia
Deccan Produce is playing a more diversified role in Russia and have recently ventured into supplying onions and potatoes to the Russian market. "Our existing customers, given the current situation, started requesting products such as potatoes and onions. Volumes have been steadily increasing and could become more organised in time to come. However, I do not see Deccan Produce as a potato export company. Grapes and pomegranates will remain our focus and we might venture into other products in the future." said Mr Shetty.
Mango season
The company will start with mango exports around mid-April. Nagesh says that the prices are just right around the time that they start their exports and that it also ties in nicely with the end of the grape season. The mangoes are primarily sent out by air. Deccan is looking at exporting the Alphonso and Kasar varieties this year and he believes that they will have good volumes.
New markets are always something that the company has an eye out for and Eastern Europe has been showing interest and could possibly become a new market in the future.
When asked about the possibility of exporting mangoes to Russia; "Mangoes do not have the acceptability in the Russia and Eastern European markets, but I don't see why Indian mangoes should only be meant for the UK. Why not eastern or mainland Europe?
We need to market our mangoes in order to make them more mainstream. It is a table mango, which means that it needs to be kept at room temperature and is not a mango that you can store in the fridge. It is a good, exotic fruit, and I think that it would be possible to increase the markets, and demand with education." Nagesh concludes.
For more information:
Nagesh Shetty
Deccan Edibles Pvt. Ltd.
Tel: +91-22-28346281 / 28258395
Fax: +91-22-28391031
Email: sales@deccanproduce.com