Gray, A. and Kleih, U. (1997) The potential for selected Indian horticultural products on the European market (NRI Marketing Series 11). [Working Paper]

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Abstract

The current situation regarding imports of selected horticultural products from India into the European market in general, and the UK market in particular, is examined. The products selected for review are mango, melon, pomegranate, sapodilla, onion, and various Asian vegetables (okra, tindori, kantola and parval). The potential for either beginning or increasing volumes of sea-shipment is also investigated. In 1994, India exported about 3000 tonnes of mango to Europe, 1000 of which went to the UK There have already been some sea-shipments of mango to the UK, but it is noted that although mango has the most potential of all the products examined for increasing volumes of sea-freight, the very fragile Alphonso variety may not survive the long transit time. The Kesar and Pairi varieties may have some promise in this respect, but the low demand for the Rajapuri variety in the UK may limit its potential. Indian exports of melon to Europe are insignificant and accounted for only 0.001% of the European market in 1994. The market for melon in the UK is growing substantially, but few traders are optimistic about the possibility of sea-freighting Indian melon, partly because the Indian season coincides with that of Spain against which it has little chance of competing, and partly because many believe that the fruit could not be preserved for the 30 or so days of transit. There is some optimism about the development potential of papaya on European markets. The UK is attracted to good 'eating' papaya with good 'visual quality', but the sources are limited. The main suppliers are currently Brazil, Jamaica and Costa Rica. If the technical problems associated with importing papaya could be overcome, this could be a fast growth area. No disaggregated data are available on the supply of pomegranates to Europe, but small volumes are imported into the UK both by sea and by air. It is generally felt that the UK demand is too low for pomegranates to have much potential. An improvement in the visual quality of the fruit would probably have the greatest impact on its expansion in the UK market. Sapodilla is only traded by Asian wholesalers. It is a very low volume product in the UK and its extremely short shelf-life means that its potential for sea-shipment is not high. Speciality bananas occupy a niche market with small sales. Although there is some potential for market growth, traders feel that the process is unlikely to be rapid. There is little enthusiasm amongst traders for the import of Indian onions. Demand is very low and India would not be able to compete against the high domestic and European supply. There is also a low demand in the UK for the other Asian vegetables reviewed. Of them all, okra (ladies finger) has the most potential for expansion on the UK market, but there is strong competition from suppliers in Africa, particularly from Kenya. Many traders feel that vegetables are too perishable for successful sea-transport, and their relatively low value on the UK market may not justify increasing exports from India. Fruit and vegetable consumption in the UK is relatively low compared to the rest of Europe, but the UK market does appear to offer opportunities for expansion of horticultural export from India provided that Indian exporters can strengthen their competitive position.

Item Type:	Working Paper
Additional Information:	[1] Acknowledgements (funding): The research was undertaken with funding from the UK Government's Overseas Development Administration's Renewable Natural Resources Research Strategy (RNRRS) Crop Post-harvest Programme over a four-week period in August 1996. [2] Acknowledgements: The authors would like to thank all those involved in the United Kingdom fruit and vegetable trade, including importers, wholesalers, retailers and trade federations, who provided the information contained in this report. The advice and assistance provided by NRI staff is also gratefully acknowledged, particularly that of Ms Ann Gord.on and Ms Annabelle Malins. [3] ISBN: 0-85954-473-7
Uncontrolled Keywords:	India, horticultural products, European market, mango, melon, pomegranate, sapodilla, onion, okra, tindori, kantola, parval, sea-shipment, papaya, UK import, India export, banana, UK market
Subjects:	S Agriculture > S Agriculture (General)
Faculty / School / Research Centre / Research Group:	Faculty of Engineering & Science > Natural Resources Institute Faculty of Engineering & Science > Natural Resources Institute > Food & Markets Department Faculty of Engineering & Science
Related URLs:	Publisher
Last Modified:	26 Nov 2019 13:27
URI:	http://gala.gre.ac.uk/id/eprint/11558

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