India’s imported fruits and vegetables are becoming increasingly popular
According to Fresh Intelligence analysis based on Ministry of Commerce data, India’s fresh fruit imports set a new high of 721,493 tonnes in the calendar year 2021. This was more than double the previous year’s total of 359,716 tonnes. Even now, the saying ‘availability begets demand’ holds true. It just cannot be more accurate than in the case of India’s imported fruit sector. India has been able to help its fruit sector expand by importing fruits from other countries, giving its people the best of both worlds.
Fresh produce basket growth
Indians appreciate unusual mushrooms, kiwis, olives, broccoli, dragon fruit, and other fruits and vegetables. These things are becoming increasingly popular among city dwellers and high-end hotel and restaurant clients. Following market potential, India has encouraged importers. Himachal Pradesh is known for its avocados, while the Nilgiris area of Tamil Nadu is known for its lettuce. India is the second largest producer of fruits and vegetables in the world, and there is a big market for gourmet foods there.
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Imported fruits and vegetables have grown in popularity in India over the last two decades, with consumption rising from zero in 2002 to 721,493 tonnes in 2021, and from negligible in 2002 to more than Rs 19,700 crore in 2022. According to experts and studies, this pattern will continue to expand. India’s production of foreign foods is growing at a rate of 14–16% per year, which is right in line with the country’s strong demand for such foods.
The Indian government has promised to help local farmers by giving them seeds and seedlings of rare gourmet delicacies. This will help grow a business that is often overlooked. Among the most commonly imported fruits are Fuji apples and other kinds of green apples from Japan; red grapes; dates; berries; kiwi fruit; various types of mandarin oranges, pomelo, and countless other citrus fruits.
Following the rise and its causes
While expansion was slow at first, the market eventually spread outside of major urban areas and began catering to the middle and upper classes. It started out on the tables of the wealthy, but as incomes grew and lifestyles changed, it made its way to the plates of the middle class.
The most important reason why people buy imported fruits and vegetables is that they look appealing. People also think that these goods are healthier, which is a big part of why they are so popular, especially after the epidemic. Not only are these items available all year, but they also add to the market’s variety, giving buyers more things to choose from when they want to buy.
The growth of the internet and social media is also helping it spread to different parts of the world. These things are promoted and sold under their brand names, and the sellers promote those brands on social media platforms with the assistance of influencers like chefs, dietitians, and other industry professionals to increase demand for their goods. Lastly, the ease of online shopping and door-to-door delivery, along with the comfort of these more modern ways to sell, has led to a market boom that is growing exponentially and has now reached both tier 2 and tier 3 cities.
Supply and yield have been streamlined
Agriculture’s supply side is undergoing a substantial upheaval. Corporate investment is drawn to fruit and vegetable cultivation. Thanks to CEA and plant genetics, India can now grow fruits and vegetables that it used to import. This increases stockpiles to meet rising demand and floods the market. Using contemporary technologies, farmers may increase productivity and harvests. These sustainable farming efforts will appeal to environmentally conscious buyers, resulting in increased demand.
Consumer habits and health benefits drive up demand for exotic fruits and vegetables. People are eating more plant-based foods and exotic fruits because they taste good and are good for their health. India can now get fruits and vegetables all year long because some of the biggest importers of fresh fruit have a large network. They taste great and have numerous health benefits.
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With the new money, the company is updating its storage and shipping systems, which used to be a big problem for fresh goods. With the help of corporate marketing strategies, these goods are also reaching a wider range of customers. As long as the demand for imported fruits and vegetables remains high, it will be simple to get them to all parts of the country via online and offline means.
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