Egyptian citrus popular among consumers in India

"The dominance of Egyptian citrus is attributed to the quality and competitive pricing, which have resonated well with Indian consumers. In the Indian market, Egyptian citrus competes with imports from countries like South Africa and Australia. Despite this competition, Egypt maintains a leading position, supplying 61% of India's citrus imports in value terms, followed by South Africa with a 28% share and Australia with 7%."

Despite Egyptian citrus having a solid position in the Indian market, the imports from Egypt have actually declined compared to last season, Sharma states. "The 2024/2025 season has seen a robust supply of Egyptian citrus, with exports reaching record levels. Favorable climatic conditions and advanced farming practices have contributed to a bountiful harvest, reinforcing Egypt's status as a key citrus supplier. However, it's noteworthy that while overall exports have increased, exports to India experienced a 10% decline, from 121,000 tonnes in the 2022/2023 season to 108,000 tonnes in 2023/2024."

According to Sharma, the import of Egyptian citrus will continue for quite a long time, as the season will continue into the second half of 2025: "Logistically, the Egyptian citrus export season for 2024/2025 commenced on December 1, 2024, and, with cold storage in mind, extends to late July 2025. This extended season ensures a steady supply of fresh citrus to international markets, including India. Additionally, large importers have celebrated the timely arrival of Egyptian citrus shipments, marking the start of the season and ensuring product freshness."

"Looking ahead, the future of Egyptian citrus in the Indian market appears promising. Importers like Global Star anticipate importing a total volume of 7.5 to 8 million fruit boxes in 2025, with 12-15% of that number sourced from Egypt. In the citrus category specifically, they plan to import 2.5 million boxes, with 35-40% expected to come from Egypt. This optimism suggests a sustained and potentially growing presence of Egyptian citrus in India, driven by consistent quality, competitive pricing, and effective logistical arrangements," Sharma concludes.