Apple imports are filling a supply gap in India at the moment, as local crops have had difficulties with the weather, says Amit Sharma, owner of Indian fresh produce trader Fresko Fruits: "The Indian apple market is currently seeing steady demand, but local production faces challenges due to erratic weather patterns and rising input costs. Imported apples have been filling the supply gap and are gaining traction in metro cities and Tier-1 markets, due to consistent quality and year-round availability."
According to Sharma, there's a shortage of certain premium apple varieties in India at this point. "Popular varieties like Royal Gala, Red Delicious, and Granny Smith are widely available and in demand. Premium varieties such as Fuji and Honeycrisp are also gaining interest, especially in urban centers. However, there is a noticeable shortage of affordable premium-quality Red Delicious and Fuji apples, due to logistical disruptions and quality control challenges in some sourcing regions."
With the logistical issues still being in place, Sharma states it's no surprise that prices for imported apples have increased slightly: "Imported apple prices have seen a slight uptick recently, due to increased freight costs and currency fluctuations. However, Indian consumers continue to show a willingness to pay a premium for quality. Seasonal promotions and bulk purchasing trends by retailers have mitigated price hikes to some extent."
Sharma explains that one particular supplier has seen a significant increase in imported volumes into the Indian market. "Turkey and Poland are emerging as strong players in the Indian market, thanks to their competitive pricing and quality. Traditional suppliers like the USA, New Zealand, and Italy remain popular for premium apples. Turkish apples in particular have gained significant momentum, because of their affordability and attractive appearance."
Demand isn't slowing down any time soon, Sharma emphasizes, as festivities are ongoing. "In the coming weeks, we anticipate stable demand driven by ongoing festivities as well as the wedding season in India. Prices are likely to remain firm as importers focus on maintaining high quality and consistent supply. Seasonal fruit availability might temporarily affect apple sales, but imported apples should continue to perform well."
"In 2025, our company aims to establish itself as a frontrunner in the premium imported apple segment by streamlining our import and distribution channels. We plan to strengthen ties with Turkish and Eastern European suppliers, ensure BRC-certified quality, and expand our presence in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities. Additionally, we're investing in better payment security mechanisms and innovative marketing strategies to build trust and long-term partnerships with retailers across India," Sharma concludes.
For more information:
Amit Sharma
Fresko Fruits
Tel: +91 989 196 3633
Email: [email protected]