Fresh Produce India is enhancing its digital format in 2021. New networking tools mean visitors can load their own profile to connect and interact with all attendees via live video and private chat messaging before, during, and after the event. The event takes place on 22 April 2021.  A top-quality programme of live interviews, discussions, and presentations will bring visitors the best insight on the biggest trends in India’s fast- growing fresh fruit and vegetable business.

Photo: Mersel

The unseasonal rains that hit India last week have left the country’s grape farmers facing severe losses. The damage could reduce exports to the EU and UK by as much as 25% over the coming weeks between Weeks 12 and Week 16.

The unseasonal rains are considered serious cause for concern as they are viewed as a result of global climate change. This has led to a rising clamour in the sector to shift towards more sustainable methods of living and working that safeguard the environment.

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Photo: News 18

The famed saffron variety of mangoes of India’s Gujarat State is being affected by an unknown disease that is causing mangoes to fall from trees in several orchards. Hopes were high for a good crop after orchards entered into full bloom this season, despite unseasonal rains. That was until crops were infected with a white fungus in Gir and surrounding areas. According to one horticulture official, spraying can eradicate the white fungus but it was not enough to save much of this year’s crop.

Photo: GKC

India’s 2019/20 crop totalled 2.28 million tons, 21% lower than the previous year’s volume due to adverse weather and many vineyards infested by fungal diseases, which affected grape quality. USDA estimates for 2020/21 are for a similar volume. India is a major consumer of grapes. In 2020/21, imports are expected to rise 8% to 8,000 tons due to decreased domestic supplies. China accounts for around two-thirds of the imported volume, followed by Afghanistan (9%) and the US (8%).

Photo: IG International

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Spain’s 2020 onion crop is down by about 40%, due in part to a 14% smaller production area. High temperatures have led to smaller sizes. The lack of larger sizes is likely to increase prices for these in-demand calibres. Meanwhile, as the catering sector recovers with the opening of schools, demand in Spain is starting to recover.

Reliance Industries is offering to sell a US$20 billion stake in its retail business to Amazon.com Inc., according to a report by Gulfnews. Amazon has held discussions about investing in the conglomerate's Reliance Retail Ventures Ltd. unit and has expressed interest in negotiating a potential transaction. Mumbai-based Reliance Industries, owned by Indian billionaire Mukesh Ambani is willing to sell as much as a 40% stake in the subsidiary to Amazon.

India’s retail sector has become a battleground in recent times, with major investments made by giants Amazon and Reliance Industries, both of whom are seeking to expand their presence on the subcontinent, particularly in Future Retail, a key operator in India’s retail sector. According to Bloomberg reports, Reliance is closing on a deal to acquire a stake in Future Retail, which operates retailers including Big Bazaar. This comes only months after Amazon entered a long-term business agreement that saw Amazon India become the official online retail channel for Future Retail.