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Global Green plans gherkins growth path at Anuga
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Saturday, 06 October, 2007, 08 : 00 AM [IST]
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MV Chandrashekar, Bangalore
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the Thapar Group, which is a pioneer and leader of the pickled gherkin industry in India is participating in Anuga for the second time. The company grows its gherkins under contract farming in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. Global Green is an agro-based company exporting fresh and preserved foods to Europe.
The Bangalore-based company operates out of two ISO certified and HACCP compliant manufacturing facilities near Bangalore and Hyderabad. It services requirements of retail and food customers in more than 23 countries around the world and 2,000 outlets across India.
The company works with over 10,000 farmers in Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, providing them with input, know-how and farming technologies, Prashant Kovvur, manager, international marketing, The Global Green Company told F&B News.
In August 2006, the company acquired the €50 million Belgium-based Intergarden Group, a leader in the European food processing industry. The acquisition will give The Global Green Company a strong foothold in key European markets. The company is already a significant player in the USA, Canada, Russia and Asia Pacific regions.
The Global Green Company now becomes the third largest pickle supplier in the world, which is the biggest outside of the USA. The acquisition is also the largest by a food company in the country. The company is also set to increase its product and packaging portfolio for its customers across the world.
The demand for gherkins from the domestic market is almost nil. It is much sought-after in European Union, Russia and North America. "We have been exporting to North America, European Union, Russia and Australia," he said.
Gherkins are relished in various recipes. Freshly harvested cucumber gherkins are crisp, of the finest quality and are preserved in Kosher Certified European Vinegar. The use of superior seeds and advanced cultivation techniques ensure consistency in size, colour and taste. These gherkins also have fewer seeds, contains more nutrients and do not discolour after preservation. The natural product has no synthetic preservatives.
According to Kovvur, the market for gherkins is slowly growing in India and is almost saturated in the west. The gherkin processing is both labour and capital intensive.
On the demand for Indian food and beverage products in Germany and Europe in general, Kovvur stated that most of Europe's demand is met with their own crop. However, around 25-40% of their demand is met through imports from India, Vietnam and China.
The Indian processed food and beverages are well accepted in Europe. The regulatory approvals required are USFDA clearance for US, BRC for UK, HACCP compliance is mandatory in all foreign markets. The prospect for Indian food and beverage products in Germany and Europe shows positive signs for growth.
To cater to the stringent global requirements and tap the potential of the markets, the company's initiatives include new product development to cater to various tastes, added Kovvur.
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