Cherries to India Pt 2
With today’s Fruit Grower Report, I’m Bob Larson. No time for resting on our laurels after the trade deal success seen so far this year. India appears to be the next big market, especially for our Northwest specialty crop growers.
Northwest Cherry Growers’ president BJ Thurlby says it’s going to take a lot of work, but India will be well worth it …
THURLBY … “And, I’m hoping that that’ll be a nice piece in my career is that I can talk to the growers about opening up India and getting that market going in a positive way for them. So, that’s our big new step, you know, that’s where we’re looking to, but we’ve got some hurdles to get over first.”
Thurlby says one of the big hurdles is the still developing cold chain in India …
THURLBY … “You know, they’re there and there’s some modern-day grocery stores that you see, like, here. I’m mean, it’s there, but it’s not as prevalent as other countries.”
That, according to Thurlby is why it’s not going to happen overnight …
THURLBY … “We’ve got some thing or some hurdles we’re going to have to get over, but it’s happening and I see India as being a nice, new market for us at some point in the next, you know, 5-10 years I would say where we could have this conversation 5-10 years from now and I really think India’s going to be a nice market for our growers.”
In the near term, Thurlby says things are looking good so far, for the year ahead …
THURLBY … “We’re just rolling right along. It looks like it’s been a good winter for snowpack, so far, it appears. And, in terms of cold, it’s been a little bit cold, but at the same time these trees are sound asleep, and they need it. So, you know, coming out of the winter we’re expecting to have a really nice crop this year. So far, all systems go.”
Can’t wait! Thanks BJ!
