“India has much more potential than Canada”

BelOrta also participated in the economic mission to India at the end of April. Filip Fontaine, BelOrta’s manager, is happy about the visit and thought the Indians were just like the Flemish. “We understood each other: our thought pattern was similar. It all ran smoothly, the atmosphere was good immediately. The visit was short, intense and useful,” he summarises the mission.

According to Fontaine there are three important traits of Indians that are similar to those of the Flemings. “For example, they think it is important to build a relationship and to act step by step. They do not act rashly and say they immediately want 100 containers, but they start with a few, and then carefully expand. Besides modest they are curious and have culinary tendencies.” During the visit to the India Fresh Produce fair, Fontaine was pleasantly surprised. “We initially did not expect much, but we had good talks with several retailers and decision makers of companies.”

According to Fontaine the Indians know what they want. “They gave me an apple to take home, and with this they indicated precisely what the fruit should look like. Other traits they preferred, such as taste and hardness, were also clearly expressed. I went to India without fruit, and came back with fruit.”

The export of top fruit to India has risen sharply this season compared with last season. “In the last four weeks five containers of BelOrta apples were sent to India by our exporters. In coming weeks one container will be shipped there per week. The season lasts about eight weeks in total.” According to Fontaine this market has much potential for the future. “This country has much more potential than Canada. People from India still have a certain dynamic curiosity you rarely encounter. They are good partners, who show an interest in the product and the market and do not just think about the profits. The will to work together is very present. India is looking for hard, red apples, and Belgium can supply these.”