Aiming to boost Indian Fresh Produce Business, the two-day long fourth ‘Fresh India Show 2022’ will begin in New Delhi on Friday.
Over the past two decades, India has seen a spike in the consumption of fruits and vegetables, especially with the increasing purchasing power of a growing, upwardly mobile and health-conscious middle class. The market for fruits and vegetables, even exotic fruits, is burgeoning by the day.
The per capita consumption of different fruits and vegetables has increased between 15 and 25 per cent and the import and demand of fresh produce, frozen, cut and packed products and beverages too has gone up. According to trade sources, the supply of fruit and vegetable products will rise further as consumers get more aware of their nutritional benefits.
Interestingly, Indian growers too have ventured to buy planting materials for fresh produce. These include banana, strawberry, blueberry and citrus fruits among others. The growers are exploring the idea to cater to the rising demand. Investments from major corporate and big growers in hi-tech greenhouses and hydroponic projects are adding value to the horticulture industry in India, in terms of commercialisation.
Imports doubled
The COVID-19 pandemic notwithstanding, the imports of apples have more than doubled year-on-year. The latest figure for imported apples stands at 436,194 tonnes, up from 215,538 tonnes in 2020, with major sources being Iran, Turkey Chile, Italy, the UAE, New Zealand, Brazil, Afghanistan and USA.
Similarly, imports of oranges have gone up by more than three-fold to 153,296 tonnes. The imports are mainly from Egypt that accounted for 126,000 tonnes in 2021. Likewise, kiwifruit imports come third, rising 43 per cent year-on-year to 67,247 tonnes. Supplies arrived from Iran, with direct shipments of almost 30,000 tonnes, up 51 per cent by 2020. Other sources include UAE, Chile and New Zealand.
Other imported fruits include pear, avocados, cherries and blueberries.
This scenario of the fruit and vegetable business forms the backdrop for the fourth edition of the Fresh India Show 2022 (FIS 2022), scheduled to be held on 3 and 4 June 2022 in New Delhi. Organised by the Media Today Group, FIS 2022 will deliberate on current issues that dog the sector, besides an exhibition and also an awards ceremony – and that all too essential, networking!
“This event aimed at strengthening the fruit and vegetable sector in India and connecting global players by further improving the way of agri-businesses and per capita availability, consumption and demand across the globe,” says S Jafar Naqvi of the Media Today group.
“FIS 2022 will enhance the outlook of the industry through an engaging program of presentations, panel discussions, buyer-seller meetings and networking opportunities.”
Flagship industry event
Partner organisations include leading players in the sector, including APEDA, NHB, NAFED, FIFI, Adani Agri Fresh, Mahindra Agri, ITC Group, Sahyadri Farms, Reliance Fresh, Blinkit, JM Baxi and Company, I G International, Suri Agro Fresh and Desai AgriFoods, besides a host of others.
Naqvi says, “FIS 2022 is among one of the annual must-attend events and expo events for India’s fresh fruit and vegetable business, including the cold chain Industry.” He says that the event is intended to provide opportunities to see, learn, do and explore.
FIS aims to attract more than 600 decision makers physically as well as virtually from different nations, including producers, wholesalers, importers, and exporters, retailers, as well as cold-chain and supporting industries. While connecting with other nations, the event will provide an opportunity for exhibiting a range of products and services provided by Indian companies.
