With the cooperation of the German government develoPPP.de program, Don Limon seeks to improve growing techniques and quality of Indian grapes by the country's grape growers. Growers have improved the quality of grapes so much that Indian grapes are now finding a good market at this time of year in the European market, which is notoriously stringent when it comes to quality standards.
Grapes from Don Limon with a brix level of 18.2
Quality and residues
“There was an article about low-quality fruit from India, but there is no issue with the quality of Indian grapes right now,” said Debjit Ghosh of Don Limon. “Within the government project field and packhouse management is trained to help producers and workers and offers feedback in order to improve quality, monitor residue levels and grow a product that can be shipped to Europe. We have monitored residue levels since last September with growers.” A part of the large emphasis on this was the misconception by European buyers that Indian grapes were covered with residues and quality was lacking. It's been tough to dispel those notions, but the hard work being done by growers, government and Don Limón is bearing positive results. In order to prove this, Debjit provided reports showing this. Please click on the following reports: report 1 and report 2.
Indian growers mainly produce the Thompson seedless variety, which is the most popular white grape in Europe. As well as from South Africa, India is one of the countries that grows the variety for export to Europe. Debjit noted that the only difference between the two grapes is that the South African variety is a bit more elongated, but both countries adhere to strict quality standards that European countries have for their imported fruit.
Window in market
That Indian fruit is now on par with premium fruit from other countries it offers Indian grape exporters a window in March and April during which they have the majority of the European market to themselves. This is the time of year when South African shipments decrease and Chilean shipments are yet to arrive on the Continent, and with South Africa pulling out early this year, this year's window of opportunity could be especially good.
“The price at this moment in the market for Indian Grapes for loose as well as punnets are quite impressive and can develop over time,” noted Debjit. “There was some heavy rainfall recently, so the producers who pack quality grapes have stopped loading fruit for Europe in order to avoid cracked or compromised fruit.” Don Limon ships premium grapes for the wholesale market and reserves its super premium grapes for retail.
For more information:
Debjit Ghosh
Don Limon
Tel: +49 40-309 5499-41
dghosh@don-limon.de
www.don-limon.de