India is not growing sufficient apples to meet the growing demand, meaning more imported apples find their way to the Indian consumer, says Ashish Banerjee, commercial & market development head for Indian produce importer Agrify Fresh: "The apple import industry in India is growing rapidly due to insufficient domestic production to meet local demand. Major supplying countries include Iran, Turkey, Poland, Chile, New Zealand, Italy, and the U.S., with their apples being widely popular in the Indian market. The Red Delicious (RD) variety remains the most popular in India due to its familiar taste and affordability. However, demand for premium varieties like Gala, Granny Smith, and Cosmic Crisp is rising, driven by increasing health consciousness, exposure to global trends, and a preference for diverse flavors and textures."
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In terms of varieties from Chile, two varieties are more popular among the consumers in India, Banerjee explains. "Chilean RD and Chilean Gala are the most sought-after varieties due to their consistent quality, attractive pricing, and superior taste compared to some other origins. Chilean apples hold a strong position in the Indian market due to their competitive pricing compared to Washington and New Zealand apples, while maintaining high quality. This balance has driven steady demand."
Demand is so strong at this point that apples are sold almost straight away after arriving. Banerjee states: "The surge in demand for Chilean apples has led to near-instant sell-outs, with containers being sold within 20 minutes of arrival. Sourcing enough supply has been a challenge, but we are working closely with Chilean growers and improving procurement strategies to meet demand. Chilean apples are typically imported from March to June, ensuring availability for Indian consumers during this period."
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Meanwhile, the logistical side of things in India is improving. "India is rapidly expanding its cold chain infrastructure, supported by government funding and private sector investments. This improvement ensures better shelf life and quality retention for imported apples, benefiting both suppliers and consumers," Banerjee concludes.
For more information:
Ashish Banerjee
Agrify Fresh
Tel: +91-8600165706
[email protected]
www.agrifyfreshcom
