Availability of imported apples in the Indian market is stable and consistent right now, with continuous arrivals ensuring healthy market flow and competitive pricing, says Mayur Sakpal of Gurudatt Impex Pvt. Ltd. "The market has a range of varieties and quality options, with no major shortages reported for wholesalers or retailers."
Sakpal highlights a shift this year, with the increased presence of Red Delicious apples from Iran and Afghanistan. "Iranian Red Delicious apples dominate in volumes due to competitive pricing, shorter transit times, and a reliable supply chain. Afghan apples have seen notable volume increases too, catering to the price-sensitive and traditional wholesale markets." He explains that Iranian and Afghan apples have the advantage of maintaining fruit freshness and quicker market turnover compared to imports from the USA, Chile, New Zealand, or Europe.
© Gurudatt Impex Pvt. Ltd.
However, quality differences are apparent when comparing the size, colour, firmness, and Brix of apples from established exporters such as the USA, Chile, New Zealand, South Africa, and Italy. "Post-harvest processes like washing, waxing, grading, and controlled atmosphere storage are yet underdeveloped in Afghanistan. So while Afghan apples are appreciated for their taste and natural sweetness, there are challenges of inconsistent post-harvest handling, often arriving with visible dust and uneven grading."
Current prices indicate a slight increase of 8 to 12% across most origins, driven largely by higher freight and logistics costs, Sakpal mentions. "Afghan Red Delicious apples have seen a more pronounced price hike of USD 1.7 to 2.2 per 10 kg due to a change in transit route following the closure of the Wagah border crossing. Iranian apples are also costlier by USD 1.1 to 1.7 per 10 kg as a result of crop shortages caused by unfavorable weather, tightening supply."
© Gurudatt Impex Pvt. Ltd.
These elevated costs have created a challenging trading environment, especially with domestic apple supplies still abundant and priced competitively, Sakpal shares. "A stronger dollar-to-rupee exchange rate has also made fruit from Iran and Afghanistan more expensive this year. Iranian apples, burdened by a 50% import duty, are difficult to sell at the moment as market prices remain below landing costs. Afghan apples, enjoying duty-free entry and lower prices, are moving faster in the market despite these pressures."
Looking forward, Sakpal emphasizes a focus on improving import efficiencies rather than exploring new origins. "Our priorities include maintaining quality and optimizing logistics to reduce landed costs to better meet market demand. There are expectations of the market stabilizing and improving as the domestic apple season concludes, which may lead to stronger prices and better trading opportunities in the weeks ahead."
For more information:
Mayur Sakpal
Gurudatt Impex Pvt. Ltd.
Tel: +91 95 45 536 472
Email: [email protected]
Shivjit Zende
Gurudatt Impex Pvt. Ltd.
Tel: +91 91 46 451 111
Email: [email protected]
