Indian kiwi importers are facing a volatile season since the Chilean fruit arrivals, with many revisiting their plans in response to market disruption and shifting origins, says Ajaz Raien, CEO of fresh produce importer Embrace Fresh. "The kiwi season was not very good for us because of oversupply and an influx of lower-quality fruit entering through alternate routes."
Much of the disruption, Raien explains, was because of new entrants chasing last year's profits. "Many inexperienced importers jumped into the trade after seeing good returns previously, and exporters responded by sending all kinds of grades, instead of just quality fruit. The market saw weekly arrivals exceeding 200 to 300 containers at peak season, which is about three to four times the demand. Such oversupply led to a 40% decline in net landed price."
© Embrace Fresh
According to Raien, the Indian market also saw an unexpected flow of Chinese kiwis entering the market through indirect routes, which intensified the supply glut. He highlights. "Despite access restrictions, there were kiwis coming in from China, which failed to meet market standards. Fruit arriving from Chile also missed maturity benchmarks, adding to trader frustration."
Raien maintains that while Chilean kiwis fell short on ripeness and consistency, Greek and Italian kiwis met market expectations last season. "So far, a focus on Tier 1 origins like Italy and Greece has worked well for importers like us. As the calendar moves on, Chile supports a critical window by ensuring supply after Iran and Europe run out."
© Embrace Fresh
Embrace Fresh will be taking a cautious approach for the new Greek and Italian seasons, planning to adjust kiwi volumes with a close eye on market performance.. "Kiwis have become a volatile category, making it prudent to watch inflows and adjust import plans accordingly," Raien admits.
However, a promising market shift may be on the horizon. Raien shares his plans to bring in Dori kiwifruit from Italy next year. "This variety will offer an alternative to New Zealand's Zespri gold kiwis and help broaden retail and consumer choice. As brand partners with Origin Fruit Group, which distributes sweet gold kiwis across Asia, we're excited about introducing Dori in India."
For more information:
Ajaz Raien
Embrace Fresh
Tel: +91 98 19 607 528
Email: [email protected]
www.embracefresh.co.in
