June 17, 2021
Also named Sapota in other countries, the chocolate or caramel-like flavour should convince European customers
Sapota is a fruit that is largely sold on the domestic market in India. This year, one exporter is doing everything possible to increase the fruit’s popularity in European markets. According to the exporter, the fruit’s chocolate or caramel-like flavour should appeal to European consumers. Furthermore, with the conclusion of the second wave of coronavirus in India, transportation costs will be reduced.
According to Kay Bee Exports CEO Kaushal Khakhar, the sapota fruit is accessible all year in India: “Called ‘Chikoo’ in India, but called Sapota in other areas of the world, this fruit is very uncommon in terms of seasonality.” The Chikoo tree grows fruits all year, ensuring a continuous supply for both the home and export markets for a whole year.
“Because Chikoo is a tropical fruit, it flourishes best in a warm (up to 38 °Celsius) and humid climate. Such climatic conditions may be found all year in India’s western coastal region, and despite the ups and downs in the weather throughout the year, the conditions remain optimal for chikoo production, with weather variations having no substantial impact on crop productivity.”
According to Khakhar, the sapota fruit is largely sold in India, but he believes the fruit has a lot of potential in Europe. “The home market is the most important, with a yearly Chikoo production of roughly 400 thousand tonnes. The northern coastal state of Maharashtra and the southern coastal state of Gujarat produce the majority of the country’s output. However, because of its portability, it is trucked across the country. Despite the fact that a big portion of this crop is consumed locally, Chikoo is an excellent fruit for export to European countries. Its sweet flavour with a caramelly or chocolate flavour led us to feel that it would easily appeal to the European palate.”
Weather issues have resulted in fewer quantities being accessible at the moment, but Khakhar believes the supply will return to normal soon: “One of the consequences of the Tauktae cyclone, which devastated India’s western shores at the end of May with severe winds and rain is a present supply shortage, which has led to an increase in prices. However, supply should quickly revert to normal.
“This season, our main goal is to popularise Chikoos in new and quality-conscious markets. Our fruits meet all European food safety criteria in terms of MRLs and are Global G.A.P certified. Chikoos are a naturally low-cost fruit, but the high air-freight prices during this continuing pandemic have rendered them somewhat pricey. Since India is nearing the conclusion of its second wave of Covid, air freight charges are projected to fall, making this fruit relatively affordable and inventive addition to merchant shelves.”
“Because the European market is unfamiliar with this fruit, it is crucial to understand that the Chikoo is a very versatile fruit that can be consumed in a variety of ways, including smoothies, milkshakes, custards, ice creams, and juices, and that it also matches well with other fruits such as bananas. Fresh chikoo can also be used to make a variety of tasty value-added goods such as jam, nectar, and dehydrated slices, powder, and many more which could be developed and commercialized by the retail market.” Khakhar concludes.