FieldFresh Foods, a joint venture between Bharti Enterprises and Philipines-based Del Monte, is on an expansion drive with plans to double its reach to 35,000 retail points, as it eyes a pan-India presence by this year.

The company, which plans to introduce more products in India, will start commercial operations of its first facility in Tamil Nadu by the second half of this year. It has been set up at an investment of over Rs 100 crore.

"Our current focus right now is to establish the brand, expand across the country and double the distribution network to 35,000 retail points by this year," Del Monte Foods Business Head Yogesh Belani told PTI.

FieldFresh Foods, which was formed last year, plans to make its products available in 35 cities by this year up from 16 at present.

"The response from the Indian market has been very good. We work with all the major retail players in the space. We are looking at expanding to as many as 35 cities in the country, penetrate deeper into the market," he said.

On the new products, Belani said the company is looking at bringing more products in the packaged fruits and juices, culinary segment as well as expand its Italian offerings.

He said the firm's Tamil Nadu facility will go onstream by the second half of this year. "At the initial stage, the facility will produce only juices and culinary items. As we grow, it will also produce other items," he said.

At present, the company sources its products through third part manufacturer as well as imports some of it.