Market Information

Date: 07/03/11

Pakistan's Potato exports to Russia affected by

disruptions in Egypt.
According to Pakistani exporters, 200,000 tons of potatoes were expected to be exported to
Russia during the current season; however, because of suspension of commercial activities at
Port Said (Egypt), many shipments are being delayed for weeks, which may cause cancellation
of more orders.

All-Pakistan Fruit and Vegetable Exporters, Importers and Merchants Association former senior
vice president Aslam Pikhali said that the delays – caused by political unrest in Egypt – have
prompted Russian importers to review their trade options. Pakistan has exported 75,000 tons of
potatoes during the current season but exporters fear that the 200,000-ton target may need to
be revised to 150,000 tons.

Pakistani Potato export falls by 40 percent.

Pakistani potato export registered a decline of 40 percent during the current year up till now in
the wake of lack of competitive edge as compared to the Indian commodity. During January,
February and March the export of potato is in full swing as compared to the rest of the months
of the year .In the previous year 2009 Pakistan had exported around 250,000 metric tones of the
commodity while this year till the end of March it is expected to be in the range of 150,000
metric tons. Indian potato is currently available to foreign importers at $180 to $200 per metric
tonne, which is far less as compared to higher rates of Pakistani yield of $220 to $230 per metric
tonne in the international market.

Source: Tribune.
Biscuit manufacturer Parle aiming for a 20%
share of the snacks market in India
India's top biscuit maker Parle Products is restructuring its snacks portfolio to emerge a
significant player in the 4,000-crore market, a top official said.

"Snacks is one segment where we are trailing behind and not been able to cut much teeth in the
last three years since we forayed," Parle Products group product manager B Krishna Rao told
reporters.

Parle Products, which recently beat Britannia to become the country's largest biscuit maker,
hopes to become the second-largest snacks player with a one-fifth share in the market by the end
of the year, he said.

The Mumbai-based company at present has only a 5% share in the snacks market dominated by
PepsiCo Frito-Lay, which holds almost 60% market share with brands such as Lay's, Kurkure
and Cheetos. Other top players in the market include ITC , Haldiram's and Balaji Wafers.

Parle Products relaunched Musst Chips and Musst Stix as Parle Wafers and Parle Full Toss,
respectively, in the last six months. It plans to relaunch and rebrand Monaco Smart Chips in
another six months.

Rao said Parle Products plans to expand the snacks portfolio with newer products and may hire
brand ambassadors too. "But the first priority is to consolidate presence to emerge as a frontline
snacks company," he said.

In the last three months, Parle Products has ramped up distribution for its snacks business, come
up with several local flavors and even changed the production process to increase its share in a
market growing more than 20% a year.
Source: India Times