Indian demand for fruits enjoyed a boost in the run-up to the Diwali festival, which ran from Monday to Thursday. Iranian exporters took advantage of this occasion, articularly for apples and kiwifruits, according to Amirhossein Azizi, CEO of Iranian exporter Bezhit.
© Bezhit
The Iranian kiwifruit season began in September and was marked by small sizes, but this is not an obstacle to supplying the Indian market, according to Amirhossein, as the sizes demanded by India range from size 42 to size 27, which are available in large quantities this season in Iran. The exporter adds: "As for apples, demand remains very high, as in previous years, but the total quantity available is lower this season. This has led to a significant increase in apple prices compared to last year, and prices are expected to continue to rise as the season progresses. In addition, Turkish traders are also buying Iranian apples and exporting them to India, which has further intensified competition and driven up prices."
The price of Iranian kiwifruit this season obeys the increase in production and export costs, as well as sharp fluctuations in the exchange rate. The exporter explains: "Traders and exporters must accurately anticipate changes in the Iranian exchange rate. Currently, at the start of the season, prices are close to last year's levels. Of course, the additional costs associated with harvesting, storage, packaging, and preparation have increased compared to last year. We expect prices to rise in both Iran and India."
© Bezhit
Diwali represents a commercial opportunity for Iranian exporters to India, and this year is no exception. Amirhossein explains: "Prices in India can sometimes be very advantageous and satisfactory, depending on the amount of Iranian kiwifruit available on the Indian market. Prices are at their best in the run-up to Diwali due to high demand, as well as in May and at the end of the season when the supply of high-quality fruit is low. Any importer able to import Iranian kiwifruit at the end of the season will achieve high margins. At other times, market conditions in India need to be carefully assessed."
Iranian kiwis made their return to India in 2023 after a ban in 2021 due to an increase in pest-infested shipments. "This issue has been resolved. To export kiwis to India, both the cold storage facility used for packaging and the orchard must be approved, and the products must be prepared in accordance with defined and approved regulations. Iran currently has no problems supplying and exporting kiwis to India, as all standards are met by Iranian suppliers. In addition, the number of cold storage facilities authorized to export kiwis to India has increased compared to last year, and these facilities have received the necessary authorizations. This shows that Iranian producers are complying with regulations and maintaining quality in order to be competitive in global markets alongside other origins."
© Bezhit
According to the exporter, this episode had no impact on Iranian exporters' market share in India. He explains: "We understand and comply with the phytosanitary requirements imposed by Indian authorities specifically for kiwifruit. For example, the exact origin of each shipment must be clearly identified, and the fruit itself is subject to physical inspection to detect the presence of pests or diseases. Therefore, all necessary filters and standards must be met in order to export kiwifruit to India. Based on our experience and feedback from Indian customers, when Iranian kiwifruit and apples arrive on the Indian market, Indian buyers prefer Iranian products to those from other countries. In fact, one of our major Indian customers once said that Iranian apples and kiwis "rule the market" in India."
Finally, it is worth noting that India is one of the few countries where Iranian exporters are not burdened by economic and financial sanctions. Amirhossein explains: "Financial issues have made trading difficult for Iranian traders for years due to sanctions. However, there is no problem receiving payments from India. Agreements have been made with customers to ensure payment security, so this is not a cause for concern. The only requirement is that the product meets customer standards, particularly in terms of firmness and Brix levels suitable for export."
© Bezhit
"The more capabilities and facilities a supplier has, the better they can respond to customer concerns. At Bezhit, alongside other Iranian suppliers, we strive to be a reliable representative of our country in the fresh fruit and food supply chain sector. Almost all shipments of apples, kiwis, and dates from Iran are sent directly to the port of Nava Sheva in India, with a transit time of only one week. In addition, we install digital thermographs inside each container to monitor product temperature and check for temperature fluctuations. We have prepared a comprehensive newsletter detailing the entire Iranian export process, from A to Z, for our loyal customers," the exporter concludes.
For more information:
Amirhossein Azizi
Bezhit
Tel: +98 911 159 6013
Email: [email protected]
www.bezhit.com
