Kay Bee exports is set to next export Indian pomegranates to the UK in January 2010, following significant shortfalls last month.
The tight supply came as a result of a number of Indian festivals coinciding within a few weeks in September, initially causing a big gap between supply and demand before availability dried up altogether.
Kaushal Khakar, chief executive officer of Kay Bee Exports, told FPJ that sales have been hit by the recession. He said: “There has been a drop in sales of between 10 per cent and a 20 per cent. If not for the economic downturn, there would have been a minimum of 30 per cent growth. Hence, the downturn has caused a very significant impact on sales.
“The presence of other-origin fruit, especially US and Israeli fruit, does not allow the better-quality but expensive Indian fruit to sell in the UK,” he added.
This comes on top of a difficult season for Indian mangoes, with prices at a low in July.
Kay Bee Exports supplies a range of exotic lines, including okra, dudhi and chillies.
Khakar said: “Last year was generally disappointing with fairly low growth. This season, we hope to be able to cover up lost ground last year. The start to the winter season looks promising and we are optimistic that we will see good growth over last year.
“The market for vegetables is likely to remain strong and prices are likely to hold their levels.”
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