Northwestern US cherry shippers are changing the way they do business with India. After years of requesting fumigation, India now accepts a 'systemic approach' for Pacific Northwest cherries.
This new agreement allows shippers to demonstrate that they follow a seasonal method to protect cherries from pests and diseases, from the start in the orchard to the preparation of crates before shipment. Last year, few crates were shipped according to these new rules, but this year it is expected that around 10,000 crates will be sent to India.
The use of this new method will improve the quality of cherries on the shelves of Indian shops. Avoiding fumigation is an advantage for product quality, according to Dave Martin of Stemilt Growers.
Although India offers great market potential with its large and growing population, explosive growth is not expected as in China. There are challenges related to cold chain infrastructure and the difficulty of reaching India, with few direct flights. However, there is a demand for high-quality cherries in India, and Northwest Cherries has started to promote its products through social media, collaborating with the famous Indian chef Sanjeev Kapoor.
Read the full article: Good Fruit Grower
Image: Asiafruit
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