The cherry import season in India kicks off this month, with the first shipment expected around October 20th, says Arun Uttamchandani, owner of Mumbai-based importer Pushpbhuj Impex. "We import from multiple origins, including Australia, Chile, and the USA. The Chilean shipment marks the arrival of fresh cherries for the season, which will last until February. Australian cherries will follow early November, while the USA import season runs from late May through August."
Uttamchandani highlights: "The price advantage lies with Chilean cherries, as India's Free Trade Agreement with Chile eliminates import duties. Chilean cherries are priced between USD 13.5 and USD 17 per kg, whereas those from the USA, Australia, Turkey, and Canada are pricier as they incur an import duty of up to 30%."
© Pushpbhuj Impex
Quality and variety remain important considerations for importers like Pushpbhuj and retailers, who look to introduce exclusivity in the Indian market. Arun shares, "The quality of cherries from Australia and the USA is top-notch, while Chile also maintains good standards. Among Chilean varieties, Royal Dawn, Bing, Sweetheart, and Skeena are popular, whereas Rainier cherries are less favored due to their yellow blush and distinct texture, which makes them less appealing to Indian consumers."
Arun also explains: "The challenge with importing Canadian cherries, they require a mandatory ten-day fumigation process, leading to extended cold storage and some deterioration in taste and freshness. Customers have reported bitterness in Canadian cherries due to this in the past."
© Pushpbhuj Impex
According to Arun, demand for cherries is expanding beyond metro cities, especially during festive and wedding seasons. "Caterers are increasingly including cherries in fruit baskets, especially during the wedding season, which typically runs from October to June. Beyond general consumers, discerning purchase managers of retail institutions are seeking exclusive varieties like Tasmanian cherries, known for their unmatched sweetness, despite higher duties."
Arun emphasizes that India's cherry market is dynamic, with origin and variety switches driven by seasonality and supply. "We switch between origins to ensure a continuous supply. Overall, the cherry market has been growing at around 20% every year, giving us the confidence to put unique cherry varieties at the top of our import priorities."
For more information:
© Pushpbhuj Impex
Arun Uttamchandani
Pushpbhuj Impex
Tel: +91 9892111902
Email: [email protected]
