New Delhi | April 17, 2018

He further mentioned explained to the Ambassador, that they buy apples directly from farmers or farm cooperatives, etc. to maximize the value for both ends of the chain, i.e., the grower and the consumer. This lay the foundations for relationships that would last for generations. Dev Bhumi maintains its philosophy of direct farm-gate procurement, and works directly with some of the largest growers in the world.

Presently apples are transported at ambient temperature from the producing regions to consumption markets. Transportation of apples under cold chain and pre cooling after harvesting are the potential areas where technological intervention is required.

He further added that Players like us, are establishing in-house cold stores which enabled us to reap the benefits of higher margins by selling fruits during off season, along with driving the utilization of cold storage.

Recognizing the potential for cold chain business in India, several foreign players have expressed interest. He further shared his keen interest to invest in UAE market.

Ambassador mentioned to Mr. Aggarwal, it is good if they have drawn up Plansto invest in international Markets to grow its business. He further discussed about the way forward with new proposals and measures, including setting up of cold storage facilities, to augment the demand, particularly of apples from the hill states of Himachal Pradesh by setting up similar or smaller facilities/in UAE that will increase the demand in UAE.