"Reduced availability of apples in the Indian market"

"The current domestic apple situation in India is marked by a tightening supply, as both the fresh harvest and cold-stored apples are nearing depletion. This has led to a reduced availability of apples in the market, driving up demand and causing a temporary spike in prices. Seasonal fluctuations in production and demand continue to influence apple pricing, particularly during this transitional period when stocks are running low."

There's a clear preference for good pricing among the consumers in India, Gidwani explains. "Currently, apples from Iran, Turkey, and Poland are the most popular in the Indian market, primarily due to their competitive pricing. The aggressive pricing strategies of these suppliers, coupled with their ability to meet the growing demand for apples during the domestic supply crunch, have strengthened their position in the market Additionally, these countries maintain consistent quality and reliable supply chains, making them a go-to choice for importers looking to meet consumer demand at affordable prices."

Overall, the demand for apples has grown over the past few years, Gidwani states: "Over the past few years, consumption for apples in India has steadily increased, driven by rising incomes, changing dietary habits, and a growing middle class. At the same time, improvements in local apple production, especially with new cold storage facilities, have allowed domestic apples to be available year-round, reducing reliance on imports. However, imported apples still hold a strong niche, offering unique varieties and quality, particularly from countries like Iran, Turkey, and Poland in the northern hemisphere, followed by South Africa, Chile, New Zealand and Brazil in the southern hemisphere, these have become a significant part of the market."

The growth of apple consumption is not expected to slow down, as more varieties are reaching the consumers in India, Gidwani says. "Looking ahead, demand for imported apples is expected to continue growing, driven by evolving consumer preferences and a rising market for premium, off-season varieties. The balance between local and imported apples will depend on further improvements in domestic production and storage capabilities. Prices for imported apples this season have shown a slight increase compared to the same period last year. This rise can be attributed to a limited supply from the northern hemisphere, which has impacted overall availability."

"We're focused on expanding our network and broadening our product offerings. This season, we've added local produce from the Kashmir and Himachal valleys to our portfolio, further diversifying our basket and providing customers with a comprehensive selection under one roof. We anticipate demand to remain strong across both local and imported categories, with consumers continuing to prioritize best quality produce," Gidwani concludes.