Mahindra Agri Solutions Limited (MASL), a subsidiary of Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd., marked 20 years of exporting Indian table grapes to international markets today. The company began operations in 2005 with its first shipment to Europe and has since expanded to North America, China, and Southeast Asia.
MASL exports Thomson and Sonaka white seedless grapes, Flame and Crimson red seedless grapes, and Jumbo and Sharad black seedless grapes under the Saboro and Frukinz brands. The company works with more than 500 farmers across Nashik, Baramati, and Sangli regions in Maharashtra.
"We are extremely proud of what we have achieved through our grapes business in the last 20 years," said Ramesh Ramachandran, Managing Director and CEO of MASL. "This milestone reflects our commitment to transform farming across the complete agriculture value chain."
The company's grape business operates from a pack house in Nashik that was inaugurated in 2019. The 75,000-square-foot facility processes 80 metric tons of grapes daily and employs over 500 workers per shift. It includes 12 precooling chambers and two cold storage facilities with a combined capacity of 340 metric tons.
The facility maintains international certifications including BRCGS, Fairtrade, SMETA, Global Gap, Grasp, and Spring, along with domestic certifications from FSSAI and APEDA.
MASL reports that its partnership with farmers has increased exportable yields from 2.5 metric tons per acre to 7.5 metric tons. The company provides technical support for cultivation practices, irrigation management, soil moisture management, and nutrient management.
The company also maintains a 15-acre demonstration farm in Nashik where it tests new farming practices and varieties before sharing this knowledge with farmers in its network.
The Nashik facility incorporates several sustainability measures, including energy-efficient LED lighting, provisions for captive solar power generation, and a rainwater harvesting system that can collect up to 7 million liters of water. An on-site sewage treatment plant provides non-potable water for gardening and other purposes.
India's grape export industry has grown substantially over the past two decades, with the country now ranking among the top 10 grape producers globally. Maharashtra accounts for over 80% of India's grape production, with Nashik district being the primary growing region due to its favorable climate and soil conditions.
The European Union and UK have traditionally been the largest markets for Indian grapes, though exports to Russia, China, and Southeast Asian countries have increased in recent years. India's grape export season typically runs from January to April, complementing the agricultural cycles of European producers.
As part of its anniversary plans, MASL announced it will enhance partnerships with local farmers, offering additional training in sustainable farming practices while exploring new domestic and export opportunities for table grapes and other high-value horticultural produce.