MPEDA to promote Indian marine products in US, Europe

Kochi (PTI): With global downturn causing a slump in seafood exports from the country, Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA) will be embarking on a campaign to promote Indian marine products in markets abroad, especially in US, Europe, South Africa and South America.

MPEDA Chairman, G Mohan Kumar, has left for promoting Indian seafood products in South African and South American markets and will also attend the International Boston Sea Food Show, MPEDA sources told PTI.

He was likely to hold discussions with Sysco, a US- based company, which had agreed to promote Indian Black Tiger, the sources said.

In order to overcome the challenges posed to marine exports by recession, there were also plans to launch a Brand India campaign, which had been approved by the government.

The Mumbai-based Messers Lintas India had been given the work order in this regard, the sources said.

There is a 'silent transition' in the consumption pattern of seafood in the developed market, especially the US.

Americans earlier spent about 48 per cent of their food budget for eating outside whereas, due to current recession, there had been significant reduction in those visiting restaurants, Mohan Kumar said.

Woman were visiting retail outlets to buy stuff for cooking at home and this would result in the demand pattern for seafood. Indian marine products should reach the retail chains in the developed market, he said.

However, most of the exporters had not made much headway due to lack of marketing skills and efforts on various other fronts.

Due to the present situation, there were fears that exports of shrimp, which accounted for 52 per cent of India's total marine exports, could be affected.