Mahindra Shubhlabh eyes grape export of 350-container

Mahindra Shubhlabh Services Ltd (MSSL), a Mahindra Group company, has set the target of exporting 350 containers of grapes (Around 4,500 tonnes) in the current grape season 2010-11 (Nov 10 to March 11).

The company has reportedly singed a contract with around 250 grape-growers from Nashik, Sangli and Latur districts to source export quality grapes.

"The company has set the target of exporting 350-container grapes (4,500 tonnes) for the current grape season (2010-11). The company will source 250 containers from Nashik district, while rest of the 100 containers grapes from Sangli and Latur districts, through contract farming. In Nashik district, the company has singed contracts with 175 grape-growers to source export quality grapes. In Sangli and Latur districts, the company has singed contracts with around 75 grape-growers for the purpose," the sources close to the development told Business Standard.

MSSL’s grape export has increased 52-fold in the last six years from mere 85 metric tonnes (MT) (six containers) in FY 2004-05 to 4,500 MT (350 containers in 2009-10.

Last grape season, the company had failed to achieve the grape export target of 450 containers due to ban on Indian grapes from European countries because of the presence of Lihocin or Chloromequat, a chemical residue, in a few consignments.

Some consignments of the company, which were rejected by European countries, were diverted to other countries. The company had exported 350 containers last year and expect the same target in the current grape season, sources said.