First trial shipment of cold-treated Spanish oranges arrives successfully in India

The bulk of this first experimental shipment coordinated by the Citrus Management Committee (CGC) of nine containers of Valencia oranges left the Port of Valencia on June 9, arriving at the Port of Nhava Sheva, in Mumbai, on June 28. Some 246 tons were analysed by the Indian authorities, who were able to verify that the cold chain had not been broken nor had there been any incidence in the cold treatment applied during the boat transport to India. Later, the cargo also passed the phytosanitary, quality and other more specific controls, so the two consignments were allowed to be dispatched. The definitive opening of this market for Spanish oranges is now pending the approval of the new quarantine plan, its notification to the World Trade Organization and the definitive publication in the official gazette of the new protocol. It will be then, probably a matter of several months before operators will be enabled to carry out the necessary cold treatment in transit.

President of the CGC, Inmaculada Sanfeliu, said: “The challenge now is to consolidate this embryonic commercial network in a complicated destination, with obvious logistical difficulties for perishable products. It is a very interesting market because it has a great demographic potential and a growing middle class.”