Indian fruit wholesalers are navigating challenges such as erratic rainfall, climate change, extreme heat, and insufficient winter conditions, affecting the Indian apple season's start. The analysis delves into the Indian apple market's current state and future prospects.
The monsoon season's onset in India was marked by intense activity in the south, while extreme heat and a lack of early rains nationwide impacted the market. This led to increased demand for imported apples, especially New Zealand Galas and Turkish Red Delicious, which fetched premium prices. Despite delays and quality issues, Polish apples entered the market and were sold at high rates. Severe rainfall and landslides in southern India raised concerns among Himachal Pradesh apple growers about potential adverse effects, similar to the previous season's decline. However, the northern regions remained unaffected, allowing the apple season to start on time with high-quality produce. A new packaging standard of 25kg boxes for Himachal apples helped standardize pricing and reduce the impact of weight variations. Prices, initially high, began to decrease in August as supplies stabilized, reducing the need for extended storage of Himachal apples in controlled atmosphere rooms.
Both Himachal Pradesh and Kashmir are expected to have a typical season, with apple volumes meeting forecasts. Nonetheless, imported apples will maintain a substantial presence in the Indian market. Turkish Gala apples, with their early harvest in August, faced lower quantities than expected. Indian importers, recognizing the limited market share of Indian Galas, have placed early orders for Turkish Gala apples. Challenges include extended transit times due to the unresolved Red Sea issue, though some Turkish growers aim to shorten transit times to Nhava Sheva. Despite these challenges, Turkish apples remain viable in the Indian market. Polish Gala apples, harvested in early September, are expected to have a less than ideal season due to the summer heat. Polish growers plan to end exports to India by December, competing with Turkish Gala apples will be difficult. Italian apples, once dominant in the Indian market, have lost ground to Polish apples but are addressing quality issues to remain competitive.
Washington State growers in the U.S. are optimistic about their Gala and Red Delicious apples, storing high-quality produce for extended availability. Iranian apples are favored in southern India for their freshness and competitive pricing, while Afghan apples, popular in Delhi, face logistical challenges reaching southern markets. Other European apple varieties also enter the Indian market but have a minor share compared to dominant sources.
The Indian apple market is contending with a mix of domestic and international factors influencing supply and pricing. The season ahead will be determined by the competition between domestic and imported varieties, market demand, and logistical considerations.
Source: CR Fruits International