Northwest cherries from the U.S. are set to reach India by sea, initiating a new phase for imports, says Sumit Saran, Northwest Cherry Growers' India representative. "First sea containers of Northwest cherries are due soon, building on a 300% rise in shipment volumes this year. We have already shipped around 32,000 boxes of 9 kg this season," he adds, emphasizing that a successful sea shipment arrival will further inject confidence among importers and retailers.
According to Saran, India's overall cherry imports reached 2,306 metric tons in 2024–25, against 23,000 metric tons of domestic cherry production. "A 30% import duty and last-mile cold chain gaps hinder distribution, but NWCG's systems approach protocol has been successful in extending shelf life and delivering a consistent quality experience to Indian consumers," he mentions.
© Northwest Cherry Growers
Saran highlights that Northwest cherries target India's high-end buyers, without competing with cherries from other origins such as Afghanistan, Iran, or Turkey. "We prioritize premium quality, focusing on elite consumers rather than market share. Our prices reflect this premium status and are higher than those of other origins," he explains.
"Quick commerce platforms and select retailers are looking to address cold-chain issues while attracting discerning buyers. We will be working with these players to broaden our distribution as we see steady demand ahead," Saran shares. "Looking ahead, we remain optimistic about sustaining growth in the Indian market, with the current season laying the foundation for greater demand in the coming years," he concludes.
For more information
Sumit Saran
Northwest Cherries
Email: [email protected]
www.nwcherries.com
