The supply of sweet corn from India has taken a hit due to the harsh weather conditions, says Swapnil Aware, board member for Indian fresh produce exporter Mersel Foods: "Due to below-average monsoon rains last year, many sweet corn cultivation areas are experiencing drought-like conditions, which have led to a significant shortage in supply and increased prices for raw materials. This has made the current season quite challenging for us. However, we remain optimistic about the coming weeks. Improved weather forecasts suggest an increase in raw material supply, which we hope will allow us to conclude the season successfully and with a good yield."
Although supply for the sweet corn is lower, demand for the product in Europe is rather high due to the warm weather, Aware explains. "We produce sweet corn in vacuum pack under our Merci brand, which is already cooked and ready to use. It is used for barbecue purposes as well as a snack. It tastes fresh and crunchy. The variety and quality of sweet corn that we use, our unique recipe and the processing procedure have all given an edge to our brand in comparison with our competitors. Given that the weather throughout Europe is quite warm, the demand is currently very high. Our products are available in Rotterdam for distribution in Europe."
Due to these weather conditions, overall volumes will be lower than they were in the past year, Aware states. "Compared to previous seasons, the volumes of sweet corn are noticeably lower this year. The combination of below-average monsoon rains, and extreme heat has adversely affected crop yields. In areas where sweet corn is available, the quality is often compromised due to the harsh weather conditions. Consequently, we are facing a significant reduction in raw material quantity and quality."
However, Mersel is reaching out to other regions to procure more of the product, Aware says: "The previously mentioned weather conditions have caused significant shortages and have affected the quality of the produce. To overcome these challenges, we've taken several proactive measures, like sourcing sweet corn from regions with more favourable weather conditions and moderate rainfall to ensure a steady supply. Our expert field team is actively working with growers, providing them with the necessary guidance and support to improve crop resilience and quality. We have implemented stringent quality control measures to select only the best goods that meet our standards, ensuring that our customers receive high-quality sweet corn despite the challenging conditions."
Relief is on the way, as the monsoon is expected to arrive within a week. "Looking ahead, we are hopeful that the monsoon, expected to arrive in India by the first week of June, will bring positive changes. The sowing season has already begun in most cultivating areas, and we are preparing for a productive season ahead. Our focus will remain on ensuring a good supply of high-quality products. We're also investing in new technologies and farming practices to enhance crop resilience and yield. With these efforts, we are optimistic about achieving a successful sweet corn season and continuing to meet the demands of our markets," Aware concludes.
For more information:
Swapnil Aware
Mersel Foods Pvt. Ltd.
Tel: +91 72763 80929
Email: [email protected]
www.merselfoods.com