India's avocado import market saw robust growth in the first half of 2025, despite pricing pressures and quality hurdles. Ajay TG, General Manager at Westfalia Fruit India, says: "We began 2025 on a strong note, witnessing rising demand from retail and food service and consequently structuring import programs and expansion into new urban markets."
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According to Ajay, imports faced significant challenges, with 95% of volumes originating from Tanzania and the rest from Kenya. "Pricing has been under considerable pressure, particularly for Tanzanian fruit, due to excess supply," Ajay explains. "Diverted Tanzanian volumes from Europe flooded India, causing a market glut. As a result, wholesale prices suffered, straining importers. Many Tanzanian exporters faced non-payment issues due to this price instability," he adds, noting early-season quality issues from immature fruit introduced by new importers, which impacted consumer experience.
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Challenges persisted for both imports and domestic efforts. "The ongoing Red Sea and Suez Canal disruptions have led to an oversupply of Tanzanian avocados," Ajay says. "Inexperienced importers' poor handling and improper ripening practices further destabilized prices and consumer confidence. Organized retail, particularly quick commerce platforms, countered this by partnering with trusted importers, " he added. "Their robust customer feedback systems have helped to boost consumer satisfaction," Ajay notes. "Import volumes surged, with 7,600 MT imported by over 55 players between January and May 2025, a 150% increase from 3,000 MT the previous year."
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Westfalia Fruit introduced premium South African avocados, a first for India. "We are currently the only company importing avocados from South Africa," Ajay says. "Domestic production has also advanced, with our plantations poised for their first large-scale harvest. Thanks to favorable weather and early summer rains, we are set to deliver high-quality fruit," Ajay notes.
Looking ahead, Ajay expects over 100% year-on-year import growth. "Price pressure is expected to persist throughout the season," he says, driven by new market entrants. "However, consumption is expanding into Tier 1 and Tier 2 cities, fueled by greater awareness and availability. The hospitality sector, including restaurants and cafés, has been increasingly featuring avocados, which supports broader dietary adoption. This wider adoption, combined with consistent year-round supply, will play a key role in accelerating avocado acceptance," Ajay concludes.
© Westfalia FruitFor more information:
Ajay TG
Westfalia Fruit India
Email: [email protected]
www.westfaliafruit.com/
