Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (MS)

Mangaluru, Jan 4: The demand for arecanut leaf products has been steadily increasing each year. Following public opposition to Chinese products in India and shifts at the global level, there has been a notable rise in the demand for Indian-made arecanut leaf plates, bowls, and trays.

Exports of these products have grown by 10% compared to the previous year. CEO of the Canara Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Maithreya, stated, “From April 2024, a total of 143 containers of arecanut leaf products, equivalent to 1,024 tonnes, have been exported from NMPT (New Mangalore Port Trust) to overseas markets.”

Most arecanut leaf products are manufactured in Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, Shivamogga, and Tumakuru districts. In Shivamogga and Tumakuru, reformed methods for stocking arecanut leaves and manufacturing products have significantly boosted production.

Agri Leaf, a 100% export-oriented company located in Nidle, Dharmasthala, in Dakshina Kannada, manufactures approximately 2.5 million products per month.

Avinash Rao, director of Agri Leaf, remarked, “Due to changes at the global level, the arecanut leaf industry has experienced tremendous growth. Start-ups in this industry have a promising future.”

Atishay Jain, another director at Agri Leaf, added, “The majority of products are exported to the USA, Europe, and Western Asia. However, the demand from Israel has decreased following the recent conflict. Americans primarily prefer square-shaped plates and bowls, while round-shaped products are in high demand in Europe. Though demand remains strong, an export-friendly environment has yet to be fully established.”