The Hindu Business Line : Now, pears from US!

APPLES from Washington, grapes from California, and now pears from the US. The Pear Bureau Northwest (PBNW), which has been test marketing fresh pears from the US in the Indian market since October last year, is now aiming for a bigger slice of the market.

Speaking to newspersons on Thursday, Mr Jeff Correa, Director (International Marketing), said: "India ranks high on our priority list and in the next five years, it would be among the top 10 export markets. While Indian pears are available in the market from July to September, demand for the fruit remains throughout the year. US pears, available from October to February, will, therefore, complement the Indian pear season and provide a constant source of nutrition to consumers."

Priced at Rs 80-100 per kg, the pears currently attract an import tariff of 40 per cent, according to Mr Keith Sunderlal, Head of the SCS group, the Indian outfit that is importing and promoting them in India.

The company is exploring retailing options in outlets such as Nilgiris and Big Bazaar, he added.

The US is the third largest producer of pears in the world, after China and Argentina. And the largest importer is Mexico, Mr Correa said.

American pears were introduced in India last year in Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore to gauge consumer response.

About 6,000 boxes had been shipped to India from October last year till now, and the company has projected sales of 20,000 boxes up to February 2004.

The pears are organically produced, he said, adding that he expected the domestic market to grow over the next couple of seasons.

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