Fresh fruit importers in the country are increasing their warehousing and cold storage facilities due to a surge in Covid cases. The demand for imported fruits has increased in the country due to the surge in Covid cases and fresh fruit importers are taking no chance to keep the supply chain smooth.
Talking to ET, Tarun Arora, director of finance and operations at IG International, a leading fresh fruit importer, said, ” In the globalized economy, warehousing and logistics are crucial aspects and play a strategic role in business growth.”
“IG International is the largest importer of fresh fruit in India. Cold storages form the lifeline of our business, as fresh fruits are highly perishable. One of the greatest successes of IG has been building a robust distribution network of fresh fruit in India so that fruit growers anywhere in the world and consumers in India can benefit from one joined-up marketplace. Our strategically located cold storages are our greatest enabler in keeping intact our supply chain,” he said.
Post pandemic, there has been a surge in demand for imported fruits for their immunity-enhancing and nutritional properties. Although over the years, other factors like healthy lifestyle choices, rising incomes, and increased affordability have also contributed significantly to the rising demand.
“At IG, we responded to this growing volumetric rise by continuously developing and investing in strategic infrastructure to supplement our supply chain management..IG’s investment in cold storage facilities involves decisions that are long-term in their implications and sustainable in nature. By adding 6,40,000 cubic feet of cold space recently in Delhi to our existing warehousing, we look forward to enhancing our reach and penetration throughout India to meet the growing aspiration of our customers,” Arora added.
Besides Delhi and Mumbai, the company’s other cold chain facilities are located in Panvel, Bangalore, Chennai, Ganaur, Chandigarh, Jaipur, and Amravati. IG International further plans to expand pan India in collaboration with JM Baxi,the integrated Infrastructure and shipping company, with similar cold chain terminals.
Source : Economic Times
