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New Indian Express
28-04-2025
- Business
- New Indian Express
With spike in output on cards, pineapple producers in Kerala's Vazhakulam pin their hopes on export markets
KOCHI: The pineapple farmers of Vazhakulam are in high spirits as summer rains have improved the chances of a good harvest. This is on the back of their efforts at tapping more export markets yielding fruit. The Vazhakulam pineapple market sends around 1,500 tonnes of the tropical fruit daily to various parts of the country. While domestic markets account for nearly 98% of the sales, farmers and the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) are now eyeing more foreign markets. 'Normally, North Indian demand peaks during summer and the marriage season. Business was good this Ramadan. Though summer is peaking, the rise in production of watermelon has affected our market. But, due to the summer rains we are harvesting good quality fruit with the price ranging from Rs 32-36 per kg. Though this was Rs 40 in 2024, last year's crop was much smaller,' said All Kerala Pineapple Farmers' Association president James George. Though pineapple is also grown in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Maharashtra and other states, Kerala farmers have an advantage in terms of their crop enjoying better taste and quality. The Kerala pineapple is in high demand in almost all northern states. As production has increased, farmers are facing a challenge in finding new markets and export demand provides them a ray of hope. 'Though we export to some West Asian countries by air, freight charges — at Rs 90/kg and Rs 55 per carton — are exorbitant. This makes exports unviable. Now, some farmers have started exporting pineapple by sea, which is affordable. At Rs 20/kg, export by sea allows us to provide the fruit at reasonable rates to customers,' said James. This was pioneered by Manna Pineapples, a joint venture of Sibi George and Green Vincent, which started exporting the fruit by sea last month. 'We have sent three containers to the Dubai market over the past two months, and the response has been encouraging. We send the consignments by reefer containers, which help preserve the fruit in ample temperature. A consignment reaches Dubai on the eighth day and the agent has had no complaints about quality. Now, we are getting many enquiries from European countries and Israel. The biggest challenge is transit time. It will take 23 days for a consignment to reach Europe and it is important to deliver the fruit without compromising on quality,' said Sibi. 'Exporting pineapple by sea is a major challenge,' he said. Around six years ago, we had orders from Israel. But all efforts at meeting this demand, with technical support from the Pineapple Research Centre, proved unsuccessful. Agents in Israel said it would have been profitable even if a third of the consignment had rotted as the market yielded better prices. Recently, we started sending small quantities of pineapple to Dubai along with vegetables. And as we were able to determine the ample temperature to keep the fruit fresh, it became viable. Now, efforts are on to send an experimental consignment to the United Kingdom,' he said. According to farmers, reefer containers can keep the quality of consignments intact for up to 23 days. Currently, around 90% of pineapple is sent to North Indian markets by truck, which takes around six days. 'The biggest advantage of pineapple is the absence of chemicals. While traders spray chemicals on other fruits like mango to avoid maggots, there is no need to use chemicals on pineapple. Thus has helped impress customers in Dubai,' said Sibi. The support provided by APEDA in exploring markets for GI-tagged fruits has proved beneficial for farmers. 'The authority's market intervention saves farmers from a crash in prices. Around two months ago it procured around 5,000 tonnes, which ensured better prices for farmers. 1,500 tonnes of Vazhakulam pineapples are sent daily to various parts of the country 98% of products are sold domestically
Yahoo
11-03-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
EVgo Opens First Fast Charging Stations Deployed Through Toyota's "Empact" Vision
The companies collaborated on high-power DC fast charger deployment in key markets to increase public charging infrastructure LOS ANGELES, March 11, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--EVgo Inc. (NASDAQ: EVGO) ("EVgo" or the "Company"), one of the nation's largest providers of public fast charging infrastructure for electric vehicles (EVs), and Toyota Motor North America, Inc. ("Toyota") today announced the opening of the first DC fast charging (DCFC) stations in Baldwin Park and Sacramento, California, built through Toyota's "Empact" vision. The new co-branded stations, owned and operated by EVgo, each serve up to eight vehicles simultaneously and exclusively feature 350kW fast chargers. "Availability of charging is essential as consumers consider buying or leasing an EV. As automakers offer more electric vehicle choices, EVgo will continue deploying fast chargers for current and prospective EV drivers," said Executive Vice President of Growth at EVgo, Scott Levitan. "Collaboration with automakers has been core to our expansion over the last several years, and EVgo is grateful for the continued support from Toyota." First announced in April 2023, Toyota's "Empact" vision aims to aid the transition of underserved communities to a future of electrified vehicle transport as part of Toyota's broader mission of providing "mobility for all." The strategy centers on three fundamental areas: access to charging, providing affordable mobility solutions, and reducing carbon emissions. The newly opened stations will help provide convenient access to EV charging for members of the surrounding communities. "Together with EVgo, we are supporting broader access to charging infrastructure for all battery EV drivers, including those driving Toyota and Lexus BEVs. We aim to ensure that customers find the newly opened stations both convenient and efficient for their charging needs," said Toyota Motor North America's General Manager of EV Charging Solutions, James George. The new stations are located in amenity-rich areas featuring convenient access to grocery stores, restaurants, shopping malls and other activities. In addition to the infrastructure collaboration, EVgo also recently extended its charging program with Toyota that provides one year of complimentary charging for drivers who buy or lease the 2025 Toyota bZ4X battery EV compact crossover sport utility vehicle. Customers can use the Toyota App on their mobile device, which will also help them locate EVgo stations and initiate the complimentary charging offer. "Toyota and EVgo's action to bring advanced fast chargers to Sacramento is an important milestone," said State Senator Angelique Ashby, D-Sacramento. "Fast charging stations provide critical infrastructure that will amplify the use of clean energy transportation across Senate District 8. This initiative is a win for our environment and for the future of sustainable mobility in Sacramento." "We are excited to receive a new, EV fast charging station in Baldwin Park, which will support our city's residents and visitors," said State Assemblywoman Blanca Rubio, D-Baldwin Park. "Infrastructure investments like this are extremely beneficial to those in the region needing a place to charge their vehicle and a positive step in air quality clean up." For more information about the EVgo network, visit For more information on Toyota's electrified vehicle offerings, please visit About EVgo EVgo (Nasdaq: EVGO) is one of the nation's leading public fast charging providers. With more than 1,100 fast charging stations across over 40 states, EVgo strategically deploys localized and accessible charging infrastructure by partnering with leading businesses across the U.S., including retailers, grocery stores, restaurants, shopping centers, gas stations, rideshare operators, and autonomous vehicle companies. At its dedicated Innovation Lab, EVgo performs extensive interoperability testing and has ongoing technical collaborations with leading automakers and industry partners to advance the EV charging industry and deliver a seamless charging experience. About Toyota Toyota (NYSE:TM) has been a part of the cultural fabric in North America for nearly 70 years, and is committed to advancing sustainable, next-generation mobility through our Toyota and Lexus brands, plus our more than 1,800 dealerships. Toyota directly employs nearly 64,000 people in North America who have contributed to the design, engineering, and assembly of nearly 49 million cars and trucks at our 14 manufacturing plants. In spring 2025, Toyota's plant in North Carolina will begin to manufacture automotive batteries for electrified vehicles. With more electrified vehicles on the road than any other automaker, Toyota currently offers 31 electrified options. For more information about Toyota, visit View source version on Contacts EVgo Contacts For Investors:investors@ For Media:press@ Toyota Media Contact Jacob
