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The Growing Trend of Fresh Fruit Imports in India: Key Insights for Importers

India has emerged as one of the largest importers of fresh fruit globally, owing to its increasing demand for tropical fruits, changes in consumption patterns, and the country's insufficient domestic production to meet the rising needs. The country's fresh fruit imports have grown significantly in recent years, with apples leading the way, accounting for over 60% of total fresh fruit imports. This trend is a result of India's growing economy, rising disposable incomes, and increased consumer awareness of the health benefits of fruits. In this article, we will explore the list of the most imported fruits in India, the top destinations for fruit imports, and the key importers driving this booming industry.

Why Are Fruit Imports in India Increasing?

India's fruit market is rapidly expanding, with projections showing it will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of around 2024–2029, reaching a staggering US$78.31 billion by 2029. Despite this, India's fruit production remains insufficient to meet its domestic demand. In 2023-24, India's total fruit production was around 112.62 million metric tonnes, far below what is needed to satisfy the market's needs. The gap between production and demand is filled by imports.

The increasing demand for fruits in India can be attributed to several factors, including the rising disposable incomes of the population, urbanization, and changes in dietary habits. As more Indians can afford a diverse range of fruits, both fresh and processed products are becoming more popular. Consumers are also more aware of the health benefits of fruits, which are known to play a role in disease prevention and promoting overall well-being. As a result, India is importing a wider variety of fruits, from exotic varieties like pomegranates and kiwis to tropical fruits like bananas and mangoes.

India’s Fruit Import Data for 2023-24

In the fiscal year 2024, fresh fruit imports into India were valued at over 143 billion Indian rupees. The previous year saw the highest import value, at approximately 200 billion rupees. India is the world’s second-largest importer of fresh fruit, importing from major suppliers like Thailand, Vietnam, and Chile.

Apples make up more than 60% of all fresh fruit imports, making them the most imported fruit in India. In 2022-23, India imported 3.74 lakh metric tons of apples, primarily from countries like Turkey, Iran, Italy, Chile, and Poland. Although the apple import volume was slightly down from 4.59 lakh metric tons in 2021-22, it remains the dominant fruit import.

India’s demand for other fruits such as grapes, citrus, kiwis, pears, and dates is also growing. Grapes, for example, saw imports valued at $17.6 million in 2023, with key suppliers being China, Afghanistan, Chile, and Australia. Citrus imports, primarily from Egypt and South Africa, continue to rise as well.

Leading HS

 

Codes for Fruit Imports

When discussing fruit imports, it's important to understand the role of Harmonized System (HS) codes. These codes help classify products for customs purposes and determine import duties. Some of the key HS codes related to fruit imports in India are:

0810: Fresh other fruits.

08134090: Other edible fruits and nuts, and peel of citrus fruits or melons.

20060000: Fruits, vegetables, nuts, fruit peel, and other parts of plants preserved by sugar.

06022010: Edible trees for nuts or fruits, whether grafted or not.

These codes are essential for importers, as they streamline the process of fruit importation and compliance with customs regulations.

List of Fruits Imported in India

India imports a wide variety of fruits, both fresh and dried. Here are the most commonly imported fruits:

Apples: Leading the import list, India sources apples from countries like Turkey, Iran, Italy, Chile, and Poland.

Grapes: In 2023, India imported fresh grapes worth $17.6 million, primarily from China, Afghanistan, and Chile.

Citrus: India imports citrus fruits from Egypt, South Africa, and Australia, with Morocco also emerging as a key supplier.

Kiwis: Kiwi imports have grown steadily, with India importing over 43,270 metric tons in 2023-24, primarily from New Zealand.

Pears: Pears are also in demand, with 27.9 thousand metric tons imported from Turkey, Iran, and South Africa.

Dates: India is the world’s largest importer of date palms, with around 38% of the global market. In 2024, date imports are projected to be valued at USD 222.89 billion.

Top Destinations for Fruit Imports in India

India sources its fruit imports from a variety of countries across the globe. The top destinations include:

Iran: Accounting for 23% of all fruit imports, Iran is the largest supplier of fruits to India.

United Arab Emirates (UAE): The UAE supplies 12% of India's imported fruits.

Chile: Chile is another significant exporter, contributing a substantial share of India’s fruit imports.

Other notable countries from which India imports fruits include New Zealand, Peru, Afghanistan, the United States, and Turkey.

Key Global Fruit Importing Countries in 2023-24

India is not only a major importer of fruits but also competes with other nations. Here is a list of the top fruit-importing countries globally and their import values:

India: US$267.18 million.

Morocco: US$241.14 million.

France: US$108.45 million.

Turkey: US$87.89 million.

Netherlands: US$84.66 million.

USA: US$78.52 million.

India leads the global market, followed by countries like Morocco, France, and Turkey.

Key Fresh Fruit Importers in India

India’s fresh fruit imports are driven by key importers who ensure the steady supply of high-demand fruits. Some of the leading fresh fruit importers in India include:

IG International: The largest fruit importer in India.

Freshfruitalliances: Known for importing a variety of tropical fruits.

NGK Trading Company.

Suri Agro Fresh: A leading player in the fresh fruit industry.

These importers, among many others, play a crucial role in meeting the growing demand for fresh fruits in India.

How to Import Fresh Fruits in India

If you are considering importing fresh fruits into India, there are a few essential steps to follow:

Register with APEDA: You need an Importer Exporter Code (IEC) to be eligible for import incentives.

Obtain necessary licenses: These include a phytosanitary certificate, a certificate of origin, and a certificate of analysis.

Find suppliers: Platforms like Exportimportdata.in can help you connect with reliable suppliers.

Arrange transportation: Since fruits are perishable, refrigerated containers are essential for transportation.

Explore fruit import data: Using data-driven platforms, you can gain insights into global market trends, buyers, and suppliers.

Conclusion

India's growing demand for fresh fruits, driven by rising disposable incomes, changing consumption habits, and an increased awareness of health benefits, has resulted in a booming fruit import industry. With apples leading the charge, and countries like Iran, UAE, and Chile serving as major suppliers, India's fruit import market is poised for continued growth. Understanding the key HS codes, top importers, and how to navigate the import process is crucial for those looking to enter this lucrative market.

For more detailed information on fruit imports, importers, and suppliers in India, platforms like Exportimportdata.in can provide the latest data and insights.

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Unlocking Apple's Growth: A Peek into the Surge of Imports in India

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