“We started these brands just two months ago, and so far they have been a great success,” says Subrata Mondal, MD & CEO, who was previously the CEO of two companies but left to start this venture with the intention of becoming the fastest growing fresh produce business in India.
“We wanted to make a difference to fresh produce in India. We are now exporting almost 10-15 containers per week to the Middle East. There is a good demand for the bananas from here, as they don’t have to travel as far as those from South America or the Philippines. The Indian banana export is still at an early stage whereas these other markets are well established.
The bananas from India in comparison to these established supply sources are priced competitively and hence our volume is increasing very quickly," explained Mr Mondal.According to Mr Mondal the Indian bananas are good because of the favourable climate all the year round. Due to of the rainfall and very high temperatures there is enough sugar in the bananas, making them taste better than those of any other origin.
"We have innovated an unique concept called 'Fieldpacking' by which the bananas are harvested, sorted, graded, washed and packed in the field, making the bananas less susceptible to damage on the outer skin which are usually visible only after ripening. 'Fieldpacking' has given us a first mover advantage. The credit goes to our Operations Head Mr. Pankaj Patil."
Pick 'n Serve have started export with bananas to the Middle East markets, but they hope to diversify with other fruits and vegetables such as pomegranates, mangoes, grapes, water melon and onions. No other country produces pomegranates throughout the year, which is another advantage for India.
The company will focus on these two umbrella brands for future market expansion internationally as well as on the Indian domestic market, which will be much larger than anyone can imagine at the moment.
“We get most of our produce from contract farming, as the farmers here in India tend to be small and only have less than one hectares of land. It makes sense for them to go for contract farming.”
Pick ‘n Serve is the fastest growing fresh produce company in India according to Mr Mondal, with a dedicated professional operations team for the management of the contract farms, supply chain management from farm to port and until it reaches the customer. "We have a clear-cut vision to make this company as the largest Fresh Produce company in India by 2020," concludes Mr Mondal.
For more information:
Subrata Mondal
PICK N SERVE FOODS PVT LTD
Mobile : +91 7303525678
Phone: +91 20 2673 1214
Skype : subrata2002
Email : subrata.mondal@picknserve.com
Website: www.picknserve.com