Srinagar, March 3: As South African apples and pears are establishing a major market presence across the country through retail super markets and e-commerce platforms, Kashmir apples are faced with a strong new competitor.
This major new market foray coincides three major developments.
Firstly, last month, South Africa’s efforts to increase market share in India have been boosted by a new agreement between India and South Africa, which allowed for in-transit sterilisation of South African apples and pears. This has shortened the time it takes to reach retail markets across the country, allowing fruit to arrive in fresher condition.
Secondly, South Africa’s Fresh Produce Exporters’ Forum attended and spoke at Fresh Produce India on 21-22 March, wherein the country’s exporters made a strong case for why Indian consumers should embrace South African full-red Gala type apples and pears.
In a panel discussion on the future of India’s fresh produce imports, Anton Kruger, chief executive of South Africa’s Fresh Produce Exporters’ Forum, said there was a huge potential for the exporters and importers of South Africa and India in leveraging the price competitiveness of South African fruits in India’s markets.
Several industry groups representing apples, pears and stonefruit (Hortgro), citrus (CGA), avocados and subtropicals (Subtrop), and berries (Berries ZA), exhibited at Fresh Produce India under the Fruit South Africa banner.
At the exhibition, South Africa’s exporters highlighted the high quality and lower costs of their produce in comparison with the fruit from advanced European and North American countries.
Thirdly, with many shipping companies avoiding the Red Sea shipping zone, trading of some of the commodities from South African region has gained momentum in recent months.
While this new foray would definitely create a more competitive environment for apple trade in India, market observers believe it is early to say whether South African apples and pears would result in a price dip of Kashmir apples in the country’s markets.
Meanwhile, a major newspaper advertisement in Hindustan Times, promoting South African apples and pears, made a visible statement of ambition this week.
The advertisement sought to make an impression by stating that South African apples and pears are a tasty way to meet wellness goals. It also went on emphasising on the South Africa’s Mediterranean climate, steep hillsides, and excellent soils, which the advertisement said created perfect growing conditions for apples and pears, resulting in high-quality fruit with exceptional taste throughout the year.
Pertinently, Kashmir apple farmers have lately been expression displeasure with the rates going down this spring. Although during late autumn and winter, farmers fetched reasonable prices, the apples stored in CA stores in Kashmir are facing an uncertain market for low rates and low demand.
However, as of now, market observers are unable to relate the latest price dip with the introduction of South African apples in the market.
