The early monsoons have put the pomegranate season in India ahead of schedule by a month, says Kaushal Khakhar, CEO of Indian fresh produce exporter Kay Bee Exports: "The pomegranate exports in India traditionally see a seasonal pause from April to June, due to extreme heat conditions. With the arrival of early monsoon rains this year, shipments are now resuming ahead of schedule by about a month, as the new harvest cycle begins. As the monsoon sets in, the arils develop a deeper, more vibrant red color, just in time for peak flavor and market readiness."
According to Khakhar, there is a period where the only pomegranates available will be from India, giving them a great window of opportunity. "So far, the season has shown promising signs. The early onset of rains has not only accelerated the harvest, but also improved the fruit quality of the 'Bhagwa' variety. What offers India a unique advantage is the June and July summer crop harvest, which makes India the only global exporting country to supply fresh pomegranates in early Q3. Practically speaking, there is no competition at this stage, allowing Indian pomegranates to hold a favourable position in international markets."
© Kay Bee Exports
The pomegranates are becoming more popular in the United States, as demand in this region is growing, Khakhar explains: "There is a strong demand and growing interest for the pomegranate, thanks in particular to its health benefits. This is especially true for the USA, where we intend to cater to demand via sea shipments. As such, the United States remains a key focus, with additional primary markets being the Middle East, as the majority of the exports are shipped there. Current demand has been strong, with buyers showing particular interest in early Q3 arrivals, as was expected."
"We plan on expanding our global reach by identifying new market opportunities through packaging innovations that meet specific customer demands. These include pre-packed arils, fresh whole fruit as harvested in its original form, or any other kind of required packing that would match changing buyer expectations."
Overall, Kay Bee is headed towards a positive pomegranate season. "Looking ahead, the season is expected to hold steady throughout with a good-quality crop, healthy demand, and a unique market advantage that puts Indian exporters in a strong position in the global markets. We hope to take advantage of the unique period where pomegranates from India are the only ones on offer!" Khakhar concludes.
For more information:
Kay Bee Exports
Tel: +91 88 79 000 973
Email: [email protected]
www.kaybeeexports.com
