Vazhakulam pineapples.
The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) of Indi helped flag off on Friday, January 7, the first consignment of Geographical Indication (GI) tagged Vazhakulam pineapples to the UAE.
APEDA Chairman M Angamuthu virtually flagged off the consignment from Vazhakulam in the Ernakulam, district of Kerala to the emirates of Dubai and Sharjah in the UAE.
A consignment of 2.5 metric tons of GI-tagged Vazhakulam pineapples with a shelf life of 14-20 days was exported to both Dubai and Sharjah together.
The pineapples were exported by Fair Tradelinks and Fair Exports India Pvt Ltd to Dubai and Sharjah, respectively.
Fair Tradelinks is a newly registered exporter of APEDA that facilitates export of GI products from India to the Middle-Eastern countries and beyond.
Fair Exports India Pvt Ltd, belonging to the Lulu Group International, is an exporter registered under APEDA.
Kaushal Foodstuff Trading LLC is an importing firm established by Indians in Dubai that imports Indian fruits, vegetables, and processed product like refined flour, jaggery, spices, and sugar there.
What is GI-tagging?
GI-tagging of agricultural products increases their prestige and trust worthiness among consumers in international market.
A GI tag as a marketing tool helps fetch premium price in exports.
APEDA has taken the initiative to promote GI-tagged products from India, which will ultimately lead to the rise in exports, according to an official statement from the Indian government.
Exporting pineapple
Pineapple is a commercial fruit crop of India that is primarily used as fresh fruit, juice concentrate, and in canning.
It is rich in calcium, potassium, minerals and vitamins, and is low in fat and cholesterol.
Bromelain in pineapples have significant medicinal and culinary benefits.
India exported fresh and dried pineapple worth $2.68 million during 2020-21, with 44 percent of it coming from Kerala.
The major export destinations are the UAE, Qatar, Maldives, Nepal, and France.
Vazhakulam pineapples
Pineapple produced in the Vazhakulam area of Kerala received GI tag in 2009 due to its taste, aroma and flavor.
The flesh is golden yellow and crisp, and is said to be a good source of carotene, vitamins, minerals, and energy.
The average weight of the fruit is approximately 1.3-1.6 kg.
