Attracting more than 200 delegates, ranging from farmers to industrialists to entrepreneurs to policy makers, across the country, the first edition of the Indian Grape Forum 2019, organized by Media Today Group, was a success. The discussions centered on the whole gamut grape cultivation and trade and covered such issues as introduction of new varieties, expanding exports, new markets, on-line deliveries and so on. The forum also presented big opportunities to network and promote business.
The forum took note of the heavy rains in Maharashtra since October that played spoil sport for fruit growers and traders. The incessant downpour caused widespread damage to high-value horticulture crops such as grapes, pomegranates and vegetables, due to which, farmers were facing several challenges in maintaining the quality and meeting trade commitments in different overseas markets.
During the discussions, speakers said India’s grape production is estimated to come down by at least 100,000 tonnes as late rains delayed pruning. Despite reduced supplies, exports are expected to rise to a record 205,000 tons on strong demand from the European Union and Russia.
“Indian grapes are reaching more than sixty counties. Market demand and consumer preferences are deciding supply of particular grape types in the market. So market intelligence has become a very important tool for sustaining grape supply in foreign market,” said Jagannath Khapre, President, All India Grape Exporters Association.
Considering the recent weather conditions he said, “The export of grapes to Bangladesh and the Middle East, which begins in November, will be delayed by about a month. Exports to Europe may also remain lower than the previous year.” Moderated by S. Jafar Navqi, the technical session had Nitin Ingale, Origin Fruit Direct B. V., The Netherlands, Anand Sejwal, President, Fresh Vegetables & Fruits exporters Association (VAFA) and Amit Kalya, Director of Kalya Exports who all explained the export market scenario.
They accepted that India is becoming an increasingly attractive market for European fruit and vegetable producers as income levels rise, while Indian exporters are also eyeing new opportunities in the European market. Nitin Ingale predicted that European exporters would focus increasingly on India.
They presupposed that India should also explore the possibility of export of grapes to Russian Federation and Ukraine. Concerted attention needs to be paid for exporting grapes to these countries. India has exported to Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia and Vietnam.
Moreover because of free trade agreements with Thailand and Singapore, exports of grapes are likely to accelerate. India needs to devise a proper marketing strategy and aggressive campaign to nurture these markets.
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Indian Grape Forum
Tel: +91-11-29535593
Email: indiangrapeforum@gmail.com