Vikram Puri from Mahindra Shubhlabh said, "Rains were moderate during the monsoon and this has ensured sufficient water supply in most of the regions. While a few unseasonal rains have done some damage in Nashik it is not likely to affect export volumes. Most farmers have scheduled pruning to escape these unseasonal rains. EU shipments as early as November clearly indicate a growing level of MRL compliance of Indian Grapes."India is expected to export around 5000 containers this season, which is a similar volume to last year. The winter is expected to be normal and so far there is not much pressure from diseases. Vikram expects volumes harvested in the month of March will be higher compared to those in the same month last year.
Mahindra Shubhlabh began the first harvesting this season in November although it was a very small volume. The company is planning to export 1000 containers from India this season.
The main market will continue to be Continental Europe, but they will also export to markets such as Russia and China. However Vikram explains, "We are closely monitoring the currency movement and customer requirements in both these countries before committing to volumes. If an appropriate opportunity presents itself in either of these markets we will definitely take it up."
The main exported varieties will be Thompson seedless and Sharad seedless as per customer requirements.
Mahindra Shubhlabh will export around 70% of their grapes under the Saboro brand, while the remaining fruit will be exported under customer brands as per their requirements.
For more information:
Vikram Puri
Mahindra Shubhlabh Services Ltd
Tel: +91 22 2965 2633
Email: puri.vikram@mahindra.com