Kashmir Apiaries in domestic market

Ludhiana-based company Kashmir Apiaries Pvt Ltd, which exports honey and honey products to more than 33 countries, has ventured into the domestic market with the launch of more than 10 honey-based products.

They will also be launching a honey-based jam soon, which will make them the first company in India to do so.

Be it pure honey or health supplements like honey and ginger, the comapny feels the products will appeal to health-conscious consumers. The Rs 65-crore Kashmir Apiaries Pvt Ltd has a market share of 58 per cent in honey and honey product exports from India.

According to company executives, the Indian market size (domestic and exports) of honey and honey products is around Rs 130 crore.

They will also be adding 35,000 new bee colonies to its existing number of 15,000, making them the largest beekeepers in the world. For this purpose, they will be import technology and equipment from Czech Republic, Finland and Sweden and the total project will cost more than Rs 8 crore.

The company is also planning to float an IPO in the next 18 months, the details of which are yet to be planned. Speaking to Business Standard, Kashmir Apiaries Pvt Ltd Executive Director Bandeep Singh said the main purpose of launching our products in the domestic market is because with our life on the fast track, Indians are falling prey to host of lifestyle diseases like obesity, cholesterol, high blood pressure etc.

"Regular intake of honey may help prevent cholesterol, high blood pressure, asthma, cough and cold etc. And moreover prices are good here because when it comes to global market, there is a lot of price competitiveness. The quality standards in India are also a bit liberal as compared to the other countries. Our products will be available in a price range of Rs 190 to Rs 300 for one kg pack.''

"Our export map covers 33 countries and encompasses more than 75 clients. Major importers of repute are from USA, Germany, UK, Middle East, Australia and Canada. We are also the exclusive exporters of Beeswax, Beehives from India. Company is known as a private labeler in the international branded market with fully integrated system comprising bottling, labeling, corrugation, filling at one place. This ensures full backward integration. The plant is fully automated and equipped to pack 50,000 bottles per day, and has capacity of handling 20,000 metric tons of honey per annum.''

Honey consumption in India is around 8 grams per person per annum while that in Germany is 4.8 kg per person per annum.

``People in India consider honey as a medicine while all across the globe, its considered as food. India has a production potential of 1.5 lakh metric tonnes of honey while the total production here is just 30,000 metric tonne,'' informed Bandeep.