Indian consumers are becoming more health-conscious, searching for satiating options for their nutritional needs. Because of this, the exotic fruit markets are growing, with increasing imports as well as local farmers attempting to sell home-grown produce.
It is no longer rare to see local fruit vendors in Indian cities selling pink dragon fruits, haired rambutan, creamy avocados, mangosteen and much more.
Exotic fruits like kiwi, egg-sized passion fruit, and thick-skinned butternut squash are increasingly catching people’s eyes. They have grown in popularity over the past few years as more specialty and traditional grocery stores have increased and diversified their offering of these ‘unusual’ fruits.
India’s annual import of exotic fruits is gradually growing over the years. Fresh fruit imports to India are pegged at 4,00,000 tons annually and valued at roughly R 40 billion (€480 mln), according to Customs data. The exotic produce is priced higher and commands a premium of 50% or more over local fruits. For example, imported avocados are priced between INR 200 and 400 apiece (€2.40-4.80).
Fruits like imported apples and kiwis are now consumed on a daily basis by average consumers, which was not the case earlier. The import of kiwi has been growing at a magnificent 60 % annually, along with citrus fruits at 30% and apples at 20%, respectively.
Source: mediaindia.eu
