Demand for imported apples in India has risen this season, says Vijay Bhatia, Managing Director of Mheet International. "Right now, the market is good for all apple origins, but the prices are increasing from key origins due to high demand. The hikes are observed for the popular Gala and Red apples, with Polish apple supplies seeing around a 10% jump and U.S. fruit climbing by 10–15% for both 18 kg and 20 kg boxes."
On the U.S. side, Bhatia notes, "Most of the USA suppliers are sold out. They are not taking any new bookings as Indian importers have overbooked. India is importing a lot of fruit, and those suppliers unable to source from other origins are turning to U.S. suppliers for up to five container bookings each week."
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With availability currently thin but many containers in transit, Bhatia expects supply to improve in the next weeks. "Arrivals will start in the middle of December, continuing through the whole of January. Importers are prioritizing sourcing from Poland since Turkish apples have become costlier due to high local demand. There will be a lot of apples in India, although whether prices will fall or stabilize remains uncertain."
Bhatia comments on the quality of this season's arrivals. "Polish apples are very good in terms of colour and pressure. Turkish apples, by contrast, are softer than usual this year, though market demand is sustaining high prices." According to him, Italy is emerging as a key origin for red apples this season. "Italy will replace Turkish apples this year. Italy is in a position to fulfill the requirement of red apples. Meanwhile, a shortage of Granny Smith apples is pushing Indian buyers to look at Italy and the U.S., with new season shipments already en route and prices trending high due to limited availability."
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Alongside the major suppliers, Moldova, Serbia, and Portugal are gradually gaining attention in the Indian apple market to fill the gaps created by tighter supplies elsewhere. "Moldova's apples represent a small but growing share, with around 5% of importers sourcing from this origin. Serbia and Portugal are also starting to load shipments this season, which are expected to arrive in the coming weeks."
Looking ahead, with arrivals expected to pick up next month, Bhatia says the market will be watching closely to see how supply balances against strong demand. "Currently, all fruit coming to India is getting sold out; there are no stocks. While uncertainties around pricing and quality from different origins remain, the market movements are positive and signal growing opportunities."
For more information:
Vijay Bhatia
Mheet International
Mob: +91 77 77 888 805
Email: [email protected]
www.mheet.in
