Pakistani oranges enters Indonesian market

REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA -- Pakistani kinnow (orange) consignments had started arriving in Jakarta. The fruits were being sold daily in all major grocery markets, including Carrefour, Ranch Market, Giant, Hypermart, Farmer’s Market, Food Hall and Lottemart in Indonesia. “Pakistani kinnow made entry into Indonesian market on new year and Chinese new year to make them more joyous occasion,” said Pakistan Ambassador to Indonesia, Mohammad Aqil Nadeem, in a press release received by Republika.co.id on Monday.

Kinnow was a variety of citrus fruit cultivated extensively in Sargodha region of Punjab Province in Pakistan. It was a hybrid of two citrus cultivars. It was first released as a new variety in 1935. Large scale orchards were set up in 1940 onwards.

Kinnow was bigger than orange. It was very easy to peel. It has assumed special economic importance and export demand due to its high juice content, special flavor and rich source of vitamin C. Its golden-orange color, its abundant juice and its excellent aroma and taste were factors contributed to the success of the marketing of this fruit. "Last year, Pakistan’s export of kinnow to Indonesia reached $ 23 million and this number was expected to grow significantly in 2017," Nadeem said.

Pakistan was the 10th largest producer of citrus fruits in the world. 95 percent of the total kinnow produced worldwide were grown in Pakistan. It was grown under the condition of Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) and processes at state of the art plants equipped with grading, washing, cooling and packaging facilities. It was mostly Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) certified.