Farmers in Teso region have turned to mango farming business to supplement the traditional cattle grazing.
The scramble for the business is attributed to success stories of the National Agricultural Advisory Services (Naads) farmers and a recent deal from Britannia Industries to provide market for the fruits. “About 80 per cent of our people are into fruit farming, in the next five years, cattle farming may phase out” Bukedea District Chairperson Rev. Sam Ekabulin told Smart Money in an interview recently.
He said officials from Britania Industries had tested mango varieties, Valencia and Hamlin and local types which they think would be good for juice processing though scientists in Soroti recommend sweet Mediterranean. Naads Executive Director Silim Nahdy said the programme was a success in Teso having supplied about two million grafted seedlings to farmers. “A mature tree yields close to 300 kilogrammes of fruits and the cost ranges from Shs10, 000 to Shs30,000 per bag. This means that such a farmer is capable of earning close to Shs10 million” he said.
Mr Ben Otunu, the Soroti Resident District Commissioner said in the next five years, the region would be a fruit basket for Uganda. “People are embracing farming which is a good trend but have not abandoned cattle keeping completely because it is a traditional practice” he said. Mr Hasmukh Dawda, chairman House of Dawda - Britannia Industries’ mother company - confirmed the development saying they were also encouraging farmers to diversify into growing oranges.
“We want to increase the chain of fruit suppliers and we can guarantee them market at a good price,” Mr Dawda said. He said the company is to invest in its own demonstration gardens to ensure a steady supply of especially orange seedling to emerging farmer groups in the country. Most farmers in Teso currently produce Valencia, Washington Naval, Hamlin and local varieties of mangoes.
Source: monitor.co.ug
Publication date: 2/13/2009
Monday, February 16, 2009
India: Steady supply to make alphonso affordable
This one-time supply outstripping demand is going to be welcome because it will mean that the king of mangoes, the alphonso from the Konkan
(Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg districts mainly) will come within reach of more buyers. With an estimated 20% increase in production, growers from the region expect a healthy fruit and a bumper crop, provided the weather does not have extreme swings between now and mid-March.
Last year, untimely rains had adversely affected the mango crop in the Konkan, leading to black spots on most of the mangoes which made them unfit as table fruit. This resulted in a steep rise in the prices of the fruit.
This year, the chill set in early January, delaying the flowering but not affecting the quality of the fruit. However, instead of a batch wise production, this year alphonso mangoes will reach the market in bulk between March 15 and May 15. Coupled with an estimated 20% increase in production over last year, growers expect the supply to exceed demand.
Alphonso mangoes are mainly grown in the Konkan region, especially in Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg districts. According to data with the Maharashtra State Agricultural Marketing Board (MSAMB), these two districts produce about 2.9 lakh tonnes of mangoes. Raigad and Thane districts also produce some varieties of mangoes while the Devgad taluka in Sindhudurg district produces the world’s best Alphonso, about 50,000 metric tonnes annually.
Santosh Patkar, manager of the Devgad Taluka Mango Growers Co-operative Society, said: “The first boxes of mangoes are currently on their way to the market. But this is a sporadic produce and the mangoes are low on taste. The mango season in its true sense will start by March 15. We expect a bumper crop between April 10 and May 15.”
In an effort to stamp out the blatant plagiarism of the Devgad Alphonso name, the society plans to process of opening exclusive marketplaces for the Alphonso in Mumbai, Mr Patkar said.
“Many traders pass off other varieties of mangoes as Devgad Alphonso. So we plan to start selling on our own. We have held preliminary talks with a person in Andheri and are looking out for places in other parts of Mumbai as well. We aim to start direct selling of Devgad Alphonso from our members’ orchards at these places from March 15,” Mr Patkar said.
Source: economictimes.indiatimes.com
Publication date: 2/13/2009
(Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg districts mainly) will come within reach of more buyers. With an estimated 20% increase in production, growers from the region expect a healthy fruit and a bumper crop, provided the weather does not have extreme swings between now and mid-March.
Last year, untimely rains had adversely affected the mango crop in the Konkan, leading to black spots on most of the mangoes which made them unfit as table fruit. This resulted in a steep rise in the prices of the fruit.
This year, the chill set in early January, delaying the flowering but not affecting the quality of the fruit. However, instead of a batch wise production, this year alphonso mangoes will reach the market in bulk between March 15 and May 15. Coupled with an estimated 20% increase in production over last year, growers expect the supply to exceed demand.
Alphonso mangoes are mainly grown in the Konkan region, especially in Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg districts. According to data with the Maharashtra State Agricultural Marketing Board (MSAMB), these two districts produce about 2.9 lakh tonnes of mangoes. Raigad and Thane districts also produce some varieties of mangoes while the Devgad taluka in Sindhudurg district produces the world’s best Alphonso, about 50,000 metric tonnes annually.
Santosh Patkar, manager of the Devgad Taluka Mango Growers Co-operative Society, said: “The first boxes of mangoes are currently on their way to the market. But this is a sporadic produce and the mangoes are low on taste. The mango season in its true sense will start by March 15. We expect a bumper crop between April 10 and May 15.”
In an effort to stamp out the blatant plagiarism of the Devgad Alphonso name, the society plans to process of opening exclusive marketplaces for the Alphonso in Mumbai, Mr Patkar said.
“Many traders pass off other varieties of mangoes as Devgad Alphonso. So we plan to start selling on our own. We have held preliminary talks with a person in Andheri and are looking out for places in other parts of Mumbai as well. We aim to start direct selling of Devgad Alphonso from our members’ orchards at these places from March 15,” Mr Patkar said.
Source: economictimes.indiatimes.com
Publication date: 2/13/2009
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Flooding damage to Dominican farms RD$300M and counting
Although the authorities still evaluate the farm sector’s losses from the flooding in several zones, in the country’s Northwest and Northeast they surpass RD$300 million.
Agriculture minister Salvador Jiménez said the Government will assist farmers affected by the floods that damaged rice, banana, plantain, vegetables and fruit crops.
After meeting with producers in the Northwest, Jiménez said there’ll be many facilities for farmers to recover form the flooding damage.
Some farm owners asked him to be part of the committee that manages the dams, because they are not taken into account when they are drained.
The provinces most affected by the floods were Santiago, Santiago Rodriguez, Dajabón, Montecristi, Puerto Plata, San Francisco, Espaillat, La Vega and Monseñor Noel.
Overflowed rivers, streams and creeks also flooded thousands of houses in urban as well as rural areas, forcing the evacuation of thousands.
In Santiago the body of Eugenio Garcia, 37, was recovered yesterday, whereas in nearby Altamira a mother and her 10 year old daughter drowned and also a farmer who tried to cross a swelled river.
It’s been more than nine days of downpours in the North, Northeastern and Northwest regions, whereas the National Meteorology Office expects the rains to continue for another 24 hours.
Source: dominicantoday.com
Publication date: 2/12/2009
Agriculture minister Salvador Jiménez said the Government will assist farmers affected by the floods that damaged rice, banana, plantain, vegetables and fruit crops.
After meeting with producers in the Northwest, Jiménez said there’ll be many facilities for farmers to recover form the flooding damage.
Some farm owners asked him to be part of the committee that manages the dams, because they are not taken into account when they are drained.
The provinces most affected by the floods were Santiago, Santiago Rodriguez, Dajabón, Montecristi, Puerto Plata, San Francisco, Espaillat, La Vega and Monseñor Noel.
Overflowed rivers, streams and creeks also flooded thousands of houses in urban as well as rural areas, forcing the evacuation of thousands.
In Santiago the body of Eugenio Garcia, 37, was recovered yesterday, whereas in nearby Altamira a mother and her 10 year old daughter drowned and also a farmer who tried to cross a swelled river.
It’s been more than nine days of downpours in the North, Northeastern and Northwest regions, whereas the National Meteorology Office expects the rains to continue for another 24 hours.
Source: dominicantoday.com
Publication date: 2/12/2009
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
India: Less chill means fewer mangoes this year
Higher day and night temperatures this winter have left thousands of mango farmers in south Gujarat worried. Flowering is less this time
and late by almost one-and-half month. Low and poor quality yield of the king of fruits mean lesser returns for majority of growers and exporters in the region.
Compared with previous years, mango trees have not blossomed fully, with about 60 per cent less flowering. Dharmesh Lad, who owns a farm in Dharampur in Valsad, says the unusually high temperature this winter is not favourable for normal flowering.
Also, physiological changes in soil condition due to spells of rains even after monsoon last year, have led to an adverse impact on the crop, in particular, alphonso, langra and kesar varieties that need dry soil to blossom, says Lad. Last year his farm yielded seven tonnes of mangoes, but this time he is not expecting more than four tonnes.
Chilly weather is needed for about a fortnight at least, for mango plants to flower but this winter, the region has not yet witnessed such cold, says RR Shah, dean, agri-business management, Navsari Agriculture University. Inadequate conditions have resulted in less sprouting in hundreds of mango orchards in Surat, Navsari and Valsad districts, Shah says.
Besides, excessive and repetitive flowering last year followed by rains and induced growth of new leaves left plants with not much nutritive elements for normal blossom this time, explains Chandrakant Patel, a horticulture consultant in Valsad.
Even required temperature in the range of a low of 12 degree celsius and a high of 24 for at least 10 days, has not prevailed so far this season, says Patel.
Langra, Alphonso and Kesar from south Gujarat are popular in European and Gulf countries. The US has also opened its market for Indian mangoes since 2007 and about 32 tonnes of Kesar mangoes from south Gujarat were exported there in that year, according to sources here.
With poor yield expected, sales turnover of mangoes from south Gujarat, both in domestic and foreign markets this time, is likely to be on lower side, compared with total turnover during last year, says Lad.
Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com
Publication date: 2/10/2009
and late by almost one-and-half month. Low and poor quality yield of the king of fruits mean lesser returns for majority of growers and exporters in the region.
Compared with previous years, mango trees have not blossomed fully, with about 60 per cent less flowering. Dharmesh Lad, who owns a farm in Dharampur in Valsad, says the unusually high temperature this winter is not favourable for normal flowering.
Also, physiological changes in soil condition due to spells of rains even after monsoon last year, have led to an adverse impact on the crop, in particular, alphonso, langra and kesar varieties that need dry soil to blossom, says Lad. Last year his farm yielded seven tonnes of mangoes, but this time he is not expecting more than four tonnes.
Chilly weather is needed for about a fortnight at least, for mango plants to flower but this winter, the region has not yet witnessed such cold, says RR Shah, dean, agri-business management, Navsari Agriculture University. Inadequate conditions have resulted in less sprouting in hundreds of mango orchards in Surat, Navsari and Valsad districts, Shah says.
Besides, excessive and repetitive flowering last year followed by rains and induced growth of new leaves left plants with not much nutritive elements for normal blossom this time, explains Chandrakant Patel, a horticulture consultant in Valsad.
Even required temperature in the range of a low of 12 degree celsius and a high of 24 for at least 10 days, has not prevailed so far this season, says Patel.
Langra, Alphonso and Kesar from south Gujarat are popular in European and Gulf countries. The US has also opened its market for Indian mangoes since 2007 and about 32 tonnes of Kesar mangoes from south Gujarat were exported there in that year, according to sources here.
With poor yield expected, sales turnover of mangoes from south Gujarat, both in domestic and foreign markets this time, is likely to be on lower side, compared with total turnover during last year, says Lad.
Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com
Publication date: 2/10/2009
Monday, February 9, 2009
India: Cold storage unit for mangoes promised
Assembly Speaker Jagadeesh Shettar said that a cold storage and processing unit would be set up exclusively for mangoes at APMC yard here at a cost of Rs 35 crore.
He was speaking after inaugurating Tropicool Foods Ltd, a cold storage unit jointly set up by state-owned Karnataka Agriculture Produce Processing and Exporting
Corporation (KAPPEC) and Hubli-based Ken Agritech Private Ltd, at Ramanala near here on Monday.
He said KAPPEC will join hands with private partners in setting up the unit that would ensure fair price for mangoes. Preparations are on in this regard, he added.
"Farmers of north Karnataka region can strike it rich if they adopt modern technology in fruits and vegetables cultivation. The cold storage units are a boon for the farming community as they ensure fair price for their produce. They should be set up in every taluk," he felt.
Kalghatgi MLA Santosh Laad said the unit would help farmers immensely. He assured the farmers that he would dig 1,500 borewells in the taluk for their benefit.
Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com
Publication date: 2/9/2009
He was speaking after inaugurating Tropicool Foods Ltd, a cold storage unit jointly set up by state-owned Karnataka Agriculture Produce Processing and Exporting
Corporation (KAPPEC) and Hubli-based Ken Agritech Private Ltd, at Ramanala near here on Monday.
He said KAPPEC will join hands with private partners in setting up the unit that would ensure fair price for mangoes. Preparations are on in this regard, he added.
"Farmers of north Karnataka region can strike it rich if they adopt modern technology in fruits and vegetables cultivation. The cold storage units are a boon for the farming community as they ensure fair price for their produce. They should be set up in every taluk," he felt.
Kalghatgi MLA Santosh Laad said the unit would help farmers immensely. He assured the farmers that he would dig 1,500 borewells in the taluk for their benefit.
Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com
Publication date: 2/9/2009
Tanzania: Experts fight mango destroying fruit flies
A mango production company has warned of a drastic drop in output in the near future if no measures are taken to prevent the increase of flies known scientifically as Bactrocera Invadens that cause the spread of mango diseases.
Burton Nsape, a Farmer from Mbezi Msumi in Dar es Salaam told The Guardian yesterday that the huge fruit flies are spread in many parts of the country where the mangoes are grown and that two thirds of Tanzanian farmers engaged in such farming have been affected by the flies.
``Normally the fly known as Bactrocera Invadens lays an egg on a mango. The egg penetrates and lodges in the fruit, where it hatches a poisonous larva that causes the mango to rot and consequently produce maggots`` he said.
According to Nsape, right now the majority of farmers engaged in such farming are trying to find a solution to the problem which is on the increase and poses one of the greatest constraints to the development and improvement of mango production.
He said researchers from Mikocheni Agriculture Research Institute (MARI) and others from the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security and Co-operative are carrying out a research on the mango variety of Keitt and Tommy Akctings studying the fruit flies that cause the mango to rot, form fungus and produce maggots.
The research findings will help all farmers engaged in mango farming to control fruit flies and produce mangoes that meet customer needs and compete with other countries such as Australia, Israel, South Africa, Puerto Rico, US and Mexico.
Samples from the research would be used as the basis for further scientific research on biodiversity in general, in addition to the interrelationships, origin and evolution of insects and their allies.
Nsape also called on the government to allocate more research’s funds and train young biologists including entomologists on how to prevent fruit flies and to cultivate, harvest and even keep mangoes in a conducive environment.
Source: ippmedia.com
Publication date: 2/9/2009
Burton Nsape, a Farmer from Mbezi Msumi in Dar es Salaam told The Guardian yesterday that the huge fruit flies are spread in many parts of the country where the mangoes are grown and that two thirds of Tanzanian farmers engaged in such farming have been affected by the flies.
``Normally the fly known as Bactrocera Invadens lays an egg on a mango. The egg penetrates and lodges in the fruit, where it hatches a poisonous larva that causes the mango to rot and consequently produce maggots`` he said.
According to Nsape, right now the majority of farmers engaged in such farming are trying to find a solution to the problem which is on the increase and poses one of the greatest constraints to the development and improvement of mango production.
He said researchers from Mikocheni Agriculture Research Institute (MARI) and others from the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security and Co-operative are carrying out a research on the mango variety of Keitt and Tommy Akctings studying the fruit flies that cause the mango to rot, form fungus and produce maggots.
The research findings will help all farmers engaged in mango farming to control fruit flies and produce mangoes that meet customer needs and compete with other countries such as Australia, Israel, South Africa, Puerto Rico, US and Mexico.
Samples from the research would be used as the basis for further scientific research on biodiversity in general, in addition to the interrelationships, origin and evolution of insects and their allies.
Nsape also called on the government to allocate more research’s funds and train young biologists including entomologists on how to prevent fruit flies and to cultivate, harvest and even keep mangoes in a conducive environment.
Source: ippmedia.com
Publication date: 2/9/2009
Guatemala to export 4.5 million boxes of mango in 2009
Increasing mango exports in 2009 to reach 4.5 million boxes, is the goal set by the Guatemalan mango producers. This is possible due to the signing of the export protocols by the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Food (MAGA) and the Department of Agriculture United States of America.
In 2008 the mango exports reached more than 4.1 million boxes, about 18 metric tons. This represented more than half a million more then in 2007, according to the Guatemalan Association of Exporters (Agexport).
Guatemala has approximately six thousand hectares of mango cultivation; over 50% of the production obtained is exported. 95% percent of the exported mangos go to the US markets the remaining 5% reaches European markets.
To be able to export mango to the USA, the product must comply and maintain quality standards and phytosanitary security norms. This has been achieved through the coordination and MAGA through the Integral Program for Agricultural and Environmental Protection (PIPAA) and the Unit for Standards and Regulations (UNR), in conjunction with the export sector. Having complied with these standards has enabled Guatemala to have six mango packing plants certified by the United States.
The Government promotes actions to benefit the production and export sector of Guatemala to increase the profits and opportunities in rural areas of Guatemala. The producers are diversifying their products to take advantage of the new markets.
The signing of the protocols was conducted by Gary Green, a representative of USDA / APHIS, and Julio Recinos, Minister of Agriculture of Guatemala. Mr. Green commended the work done by Guatemala to meet quality standards.
Source: guatemala-times.com
Publication date: 2/9/2009
In 2008 the mango exports reached more than 4.1 million boxes, about 18 metric tons. This represented more than half a million more then in 2007, according to the Guatemalan Association of Exporters (Agexport).
Guatemala has approximately six thousand hectares of mango cultivation; over 50% of the production obtained is exported. 95% percent of the exported mangos go to the US markets the remaining 5% reaches European markets.
To be able to export mango to the USA, the product must comply and maintain quality standards and phytosanitary security norms. This has been achieved through the coordination and MAGA through the Integral Program for Agricultural and Environmental Protection (PIPAA) and the Unit for Standards and Regulations (UNR), in conjunction with the export sector. Having complied with these standards has enabled Guatemala to have six mango packing plants certified by the United States.
The Government promotes actions to benefit the production and export sector of Guatemala to increase the profits and opportunities in rural areas of Guatemala. The producers are diversifying their products to take advantage of the new markets.
The signing of the protocols was conducted by Gary Green, a representative of USDA / APHIS, and Julio Recinos, Minister of Agriculture of Guatemala. Mr. Green commended the work done by Guatemala to meet quality standards.
Source: guatemala-times.com
Publication date: 2/9/2009
Guatemala continues to ramp up mango exports
By Jose Escobedo thepacker.com
(Feb. 3, 2:40 p.m.) Guatemalan mango exporters are getting ready to boost mango supplies to the U.S. from February through April. Despite efforts to increase export volumes, importers aren't too optimistic about this year's mango market.
Jim Burnette, mango category manager at J&C Enterprises, Miami, said the mango market is down mainly because of increased volumes and the recession.
"In a normal year, we would be selling these mangoes for $9 or $10 because volumes are so small. This year is different. Mangoes are selling anywhere between $6.50 and $7 per box," Burnette said.
On February 3, the U.S. Department of Agriculture reported prices of $6.50-7.25 for one-layer flats of tommy atkins from Ecuador size 7-8, $7.00-7.25 for size 9-10, $6.50-7 for size 12 and $5.50 for size 14.
"For the coming weeks, prices should go up because the volumes are going to drop more," Burnette said. "There is less fruit coming in," he said.
Burnette said that Ecuador's deal will end next week, and mangoes from Peru are supplying the market with lesser quantities.
Lately, Peruvian mangoes are finding their way to European markets. According to the Peruvian Association of Mango Producers, up until the end of January, (the season ends in March) 60% of Peruvian mango exports headed to Europe, while 22% went to the East Coast and 14% to the West Coast of the U.S.
"The volumes are going to go down next week for Peru and continue downwards through March," Burnette said. "Peru will supply the market with tommy atkins sizes 7s and 8s," he said.
"One of the reasons why mango volume (in the U.S.) is low is because mangoes are worth more in Europe," Burnette said. "In Europe, they are selling for the equivalent (in euros) to $8 U.S. Besides, they don't have to go through hot water treatments in Europe like they do in the U.S.," he said.
Despite the economic crisis, Guatemala is ramping up efforts to increase its annual mango share in the U.S. market each year.
"In the past, they have been able to ship into the U.S. more volume than they had originally intended to," said William Watson, executive director of the National Mango Board, Orlando, Fla.
"Guatemalan export volumes have increased anywhere between 3% and 8% over the last three years," Watson said. "Their production is growing, too. They have more mature trees than in the past," he said.
Eddie Caram, director of operations for New Limeco LLC, Princeton, Fla., is planning to import about 250,000 cases of tommy atkins mangoes from Guatemala, sizes 7s through 12s.
Caram said volume from Guatemala is similar to last year's and the weather has been favorable.
"If the climate and weather keep up, we think we will have spectacular fruit," Caram said.
New Limeco also sources its mangoes from Mexico, Nicaragua, Ecuador, Peru and Brazil.
Caram said the company will start sourcing Guatemalan mangoes in March through the first week of May, at which time the company will import from Mexico.
Watson said the Guatemalan mango deal usually starts in late February and runs through April.
Nearly 15,000 acres are allotted for mango production in Guatemala, and for 2009, growers expect an increase of 300,000 boxes in mango exports to the U.S. This represents a 7.5% increase in volume compared with last year's, according to information provided by Agexport, the Guatemalan Exporter's Association.
(Feb. 3, 2:40 p.m.) Guatemalan mango exporters are getting ready to boost mango supplies to the U.S. from February through April. Despite efforts to increase export volumes, importers aren't too optimistic about this year's mango market.
Jim Burnette, mango category manager at J&C Enterprises, Miami, said the mango market is down mainly because of increased volumes and the recession.
"In a normal year, we would be selling these mangoes for $9 or $10 because volumes are so small. This year is different. Mangoes are selling anywhere between $6.50 and $7 per box," Burnette said.
On February 3, the U.S. Department of Agriculture reported prices of $6.50-7.25 for one-layer flats of tommy atkins from Ecuador size 7-8, $7.00-7.25 for size 9-10, $6.50-7 for size 12 and $5.50 for size 14.
"For the coming weeks, prices should go up because the volumes are going to drop more," Burnette said. "There is less fruit coming in," he said.
Burnette said that Ecuador's deal will end next week, and mangoes from Peru are supplying the market with lesser quantities.
Lately, Peruvian mangoes are finding their way to European markets. According to the Peruvian Association of Mango Producers, up until the end of January, (the season ends in March) 60% of Peruvian mango exports headed to Europe, while 22% went to the East Coast and 14% to the West Coast of the U.S.
"The volumes are going to go down next week for Peru and continue downwards through March," Burnette said. "Peru will supply the market with tommy atkins sizes 7s and 8s," he said.
"One of the reasons why mango volume (in the U.S.) is low is because mangoes are worth more in Europe," Burnette said. "In Europe, they are selling for the equivalent (in euros) to $8 U.S. Besides, they don't have to go through hot water treatments in Europe like they do in the U.S.," he said.
Despite the economic crisis, Guatemala is ramping up efforts to increase its annual mango share in the U.S. market each year.
"In the past, they have been able to ship into the U.S. more volume than they had originally intended to," said William Watson, executive director of the National Mango Board, Orlando, Fla.
"Guatemalan export volumes have increased anywhere between 3% and 8% over the last three years," Watson said. "Their production is growing, too. They have more mature trees than in the past," he said.
Eddie Caram, director of operations for New Limeco LLC, Princeton, Fla., is planning to import about 250,000 cases of tommy atkins mangoes from Guatemala, sizes 7s through 12s.
Caram said volume from Guatemala is similar to last year's and the weather has been favorable.
"If the climate and weather keep up, we think we will have spectacular fruit," Caram said.
New Limeco also sources its mangoes from Mexico, Nicaragua, Ecuador, Peru and Brazil.
Caram said the company will start sourcing Guatemalan mangoes in March through the first week of May, at which time the company will import from Mexico.
Watson said the Guatemalan mango deal usually starts in late February and runs through April.
Nearly 15,000 acres are allotted for mango production in Guatemala, and for 2009, growers expect an increase of 300,000 boxes in mango exports to the U.S. This represents a 7.5% increase in volume compared with last year's, according to information provided by Agexport, the Guatemalan Exporter's Association.
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
US: First to market, Sundia’s True Fruit organic arrives in stores
Responding to consumer demand for organic produce, Sundia Corporation, today announced that True Fruit Organic, the only fruit cup on the market filled with ready-to-eat, organic fruit grown without pesticides or synthetic fertilizers, can now be found in supermarkets. The cups come with a spork (combination fork and spoon).
“We developed True Fruit Organic for consumers committed to organically-grown food,” said Brad Oberwager. “Our fruit is packaged in clear containers to let them see the quality of the fruit which tastes as good as it looks, and we pasteurize to eliminate all safety concerns. It is now easy and convenient for organic food consumers to eat the recommended two servings of fruit per day.”
According to Oberwager, studies suggest that about 90% of Americans don’t eat the recommended amount of fruit per day, and convenience is often the reason cited for not doing so. “It’s for these people that we developed True Fruit – people who want to eat right but lead such busy lives that eating well is often a challenge,” he said.
Consumer awareness of the health benefits of eating more fruits and vegetables has risen in recent years and with that has come an increased demand for cut fruits and vegetables. Sundia is the first produce company to introduce a line of fruit cups filled with organically grown fruit.
True Fruit Organic, packed in 10.75 ounce cups, comes in three wholesome and delicious varieties -- - mango, peaches, or pineapple. The cups retail for $1.99 each.
Publication date: 2/4/2009
India: Alphonso mango arrivals seen delayed
Last year, it was unseasonal rains, this year it is late flowering. Consumers will have to wait for a longer time to enjoy the king of fruits, Alphonso mango, this year. Mr Milind Joshi, Divisional Manager, Maharashtra State Agricultural Marketing Board, Ratnagiri district, told Business Line that the flowering of the mango trees had begun late, due to the atmospheric conditions. “For the flowering to happen properly, it is essential that cold temperature be prevalent. This year, the winter season was less and this has resulted in the late flowering of the mangoes,” he said.
Mangoes usually vend their way into the market by March from Devgad moving on to Ratnagiri by the first week of April, and continue till the end of May. But as a teaser, the first box of Alphonso, four dozens, made its way into the city market by the first week of January, priced at Rs 10,000. These mangoes had come in due to the sudden increase in temperature in November.
Mr Joshi said the first week of April would see a production of about 15 to 20 per cent and by second half of April the production would touch 60 per cent. Mr Sudhir Moraeswar Joshi, Chairman of the Mango Growers Co-operative Society, Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg districts, is of the view that this year production would be half. Last year, he said the production from Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg was 1.25 lakh tonnes, and this year it is expected to be less by 50 per cent.
The area under Ratnagiri mango cultivation is around 62,836 hectares with a production of 1,15,939 tonnes per annum. The area under Sindhudurg is around 26,125 hectares with an average production of three tonnes per hectare.
Mr Sudhir noted that the farmers this year would not be able to command a higher price for the fruit as it would be hitting the market with all the other varieties such as kesar. “The farmers can get their price only during the three months of February, March and April, but with less production and competition from the other varieties, it would be difficult times,” he said. Mr Joshi said the percentage of export of Alphonso is expected to increase this year as around 80 farmers have already joined hands for exports to the US. The total number of farmers expected to join is around 120 this year. Last year, it was 60 farmers, he added.
Source: blonnet.com
Publication date: 2/4/2009
Mangoes usually vend their way into the market by March from Devgad moving on to Ratnagiri by the first week of April, and continue till the end of May. But as a teaser, the first box of Alphonso, four dozens, made its way into the city market by the first week of January, priced at Rs 10,000. These mangoes had come in due to the sudden increase in temperature in November.
Mr Joshi said the first week of April would see a production of about 15 to 20 per cent and by second half of April the production would touch 60 per cent. Mr Sudhir Moraeswar Joshi, Chairman of the Mango Growers Co-operative Society, Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg districts, is of the view that this year production would be half. Last year, he said the production from Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg was 1.25 lakh tonnes, and this year it is expected to be less by 50 per cent.
The area under Ratnagiri mango cultivation is around 62,836 hectares with a production of 1,15,939 tonnes per annum. The area under Sindhudurg is around 26,125 hectares with an average production of three tonnes per hectare.
Mr Sudhir noted that the farmers this year would not be able to command a higher price for the fruit as it would be hitting the market with all the other varieties such as kesar. “The farmers can get their price only during the three months of February, March and April, but with less production and competition from the other varieties, it would be difficult times,” he said. Mr Joshi said the percentage of export of Alphonso is expected to increase this year as around 80 farmers have already joined hands for exports to the US. The total number of farmers expected to join is around 120 this year. Last year, it was 60 farmers, he added.
Source: blonnet.com
Publication date: 2/4/2009
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