Hi Fran
Great to meet U2.
Sorry to be
so slow in my response. I am still in catch up mode.
The India opportunity is huge for pipfruit. It is conceivable that this could become our largest market in the next five years for the following reasons:
· Static population growth in our traditional markets in Europe, which are also much further away. In fact there is evidence that consumption of fresh fruit and vegetable is falling in Europe
· Population and wealth growth in India
· 30% of them are vegetarians. Meat consumption at low levels
· They only grow 2 million tonnes of apples all in the far north with real distribution and storage problems. Compared with China who grow 30 million tonnes and the distribution is much easier
· India uses the English language and uses an English based legal system like us, so it is easier to do business.
· They like our apples and our country
· We have cricket in common – don’t underestimate the opportunity for us to use some of our famous cricketers to help, which is an opportunity not available to our competitors. Taking Steve was a master stroke that I would not have considered – maybe that’s why JK is the PM and I am not!
· There is a 50% tariff on apples. Removal would clearly give us a competitive advantage.
I am not qualified to talk more widely, although my conversations with the other delegates indicated a lot of enthusiasm
Cheers
Peter