Imports Set to Reach 6 Lakh Tonnes in 2024-25 Season
India is set to witness a significant increase in apple imports during the 2024-25 marketing season. According to the USDA India Post, imports could rise by 10%, reaching 6 lakh tonnes, compared to 5.44 lakh tonnes imported in the previous season. This surge is attributed to the increasing demand for premium apple varieties and rising apple consumption across the country.
Seasonal Dynamics and Growing Demand
Apple imports are expected to pick up from July, coinciding with the start of the new marketing season. Despite a robust domestic apple production of 25.5 lakh tonnes this year—a 6% increase from last year’s 24.1 lakh tonnes—the demand for apples continues to outstrip supply, particularly for premium and imported varieties.
As the local apple season concludes in November, the gap in supply will likely be filled with imported apples. Traders anticipate that the high year-round demand will drive the need for imports, especially in urban markets where premium apples are highly sought after.
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Robust Local Apple Supply and Market Performance
This year, apple production from key states like Jammu Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh has been impressive. However, despite the high local supply, the appetite for imported apples remains strong. Industry experts, such as Prashant Gidwani, founder of Fresh Fruit Alliance, predict sustained demand for both domestic and imported apples in the coming months.
Premium Apples Lead the Surge in Imports
India’s growing preference for premium apples, sourced primarily from countries like the United States, France, Italy, and Poland, is fuelling the import boom. Iranian and Turkish apples have also gained a foothold in the Indian market.
Importers are scaling up operations to meet the rising demand. For instance, Zion Agricos, an Indian apple-importing company, plans to import 50 containers this season, a significant jump from the six containers it ordered previously. Notably, 40 of these containers will come from Poland, reflecting a diversification in sourcing.
Imported Apples to Dominate Markets from November to August
With the local apple season-ending, the demand for imported apples is expected to peak from November until August next year. This period will likely see higher prices for imported apples due to increased demand and the premium nature of these varieties.
The rising demand for apples in India, both domestic and imported, highlights the evolving preferences of Indian consumers and the growing significance of premium fruits in their diets. As the market expands, stakeholders, including local producers and importers, are poised to benefit from the sustained interest in this fruit. However, balancing local production with the influx of imports will remain crucial for sustaining the apple market in the long term.
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