Radikal to launch its basmati rice in UAE

As per the terms of the alliance, NMC Trading will distribute Radikal products across the UAE.

This is part of Radikal's expansion strategy to reach 65 countries by end-2013, a company statement said.

Radikal's entry into the UAE consolidates India's position as a leading exporter of basmati rice, accounting for over 60 per cent of the world's exports. Radikal currently operates in 30 countries, including those in the Gulf, Asia, Europe, United States, Canada and Australia.

According to the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), the New Delhi-based state run export registration agency, India produced a record 103 million tons of rice in the 2011-12 crop year that ended in June, a jump of about 8 per cent over the previous year, including 5 million tons of basmati rice.

According to Commodity Online, India's basmati rice exports stood at a record 3.21 million tons in 2011-12 against 2.18 million tons the previous year, with Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and the UAE retaining their position as the biggest importers of Indian basmati rice.

Basmati and non-basmati rice exports from India together account for a staggering 7.3 million tonnes in 2011-2012. Managing Director of Radikal Siddharth Chaudhary said this is a time of unprecedented growth for Radikal and for basmati rice manufacturers in India.

"We are among the leading food manufacturers in the domestic Indian market and have successfully taken the Radikal experience to many more countries, including Europe, North America and Africa. In less than four years, Radikal has reached over 30 countries and we aim to increase that number to 65 by end-2013," Chaudhary said.