The Vazhakulam Agro and Fruit Processing Company (VAFPCL) - based in Muvattupuzha, the pineapple heartland of India - is getting ready for a leap in producing value-added products from fruits, having renovated its entire production machinery.
The machinery was imported from Italy over two decades ago when the European Union-funded unit began functioning. The company has three production lines, including one to process and pack pineapple, apple, orange, guava and mixed fruit juices (under the brand name Jive), said Shibu Kumar, MD of VAFPC.
The company began operations in 1998 under Kerala Horticulture Development Project (KHDP) as a fruit processing factory for the uplift of pineapple farmers. In 2000, 70% shares were given to farmers when it was named Nadukkara Agro Processing Company Limited.
