State Cooperative launches packaged passion fruit juice

Gangtok, May 2 (UNI) Passion fruit growers in the state can expect packaged fruit juice with support from the Sikkim State Cooperative Supply and Marketing Federation Limited (SIMFED).

Sikkim Chief Minister Pawan Chamling launched 'Himalayan Passion', first premium passion fruit drink packed in Tetra Brik Aseptic pack, yesterday.

Deputy General Manager, SIMFED Yogesh Gurung said Tetra Pak is a Swedish Company and the Sikkim product is being packed in Bhutan.

The packet has six layers of sterilized plastic, papers and aluminium foil which keep the essence of passion fruits pure and fresh for a longer shelf life without any preservatives, he added.

Passion fruit is a seasonal fruit and is grown between April to September.

The passion fruit growers in Sikkim had been struggling to find a market for their products and its bottled version is yet to get a foothold in the market due to various problems.

'' There was a problem of marketing the fruit as there are no buyers. We have found an outlet by launching this product and believe that the problems will be solved,'' said Mr Gurung.

SIMFED is targeting the markets of North Bengal, Sikkim and other NE states and will be initiating promotional measures, he added.

UNI