Key Highlights
India, with its rich agricultural heritage, is one of the largest fruit producers globally. However, as consumer tastes evolve and global trade expands, there is a growing demand for imported fruits in the Indian market. Both the variety of fruits and their import volumes are predicted to increase significantly in 2024. More than ever, the Indian market is accepting imported fruits, including both exotic tropical and temperate climate types.
In this blog, we’ll explore the factors driving this surge in demand, which fruits are most popular, and imported in India, and how this trend is reshaping the Indian fruit market.
In 2023–24, India's fruit production was estimated to be 112.62 million metric tons. This was an increase from 2022–23 when the production was 110.21 million metric tons.
The largest contributors to India's fruit production are bananas and mangoes. In 2021-22, bananas accounted for 31.5% of the total fruit production, while mangoes accounted for 19.8%.
The top fruit-producing states in India are Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Gujarat.
India is the world's second-largest producer of fruits and vegetables after the Republic of China, which is the world's top fruit producer.
The global market for fruits and vegetables was valued at USD 733.87 billion in 2023 and is expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.0% between 2024 and 2030.
Contribution of India in the Fruit Industry: As of 2024, the Indian fresh fruit market is expected to reach USD 115.90 billion, growing at a CAGR of 7.58% from 2024 to 2029.
The fruit demand in India is emerging as the fruit and vegetable processing market is also growing, with consumers increasingly demanding processed and convenience foods.
Let’s explore the table for fruits import in India
Fruit import in India |
Fruit import data (Values) |
Number of Importers |
1,051 |
Number of Suppliers |
2,581 |
Total Imports |
59,300 shipments |
Total Shipments |
114,698 shipments |
Import Value |
Over 143 billion Indian Rupees |
Major Importing Countries |
Chile, Vietnam, Thailand |
According to fruit import data, 1,051 Indian importers procured fresh fruit from 2,581 suppliers, totalling 59.3K imports.
However, fruits import data shows that 114,698 shipments of fresh fruits were imported in India between March 2023 and February 2024.
The value of fresh fruits import in India was over 143 billion Indian rupees in the financial year 2024.
The majority of fruits imported in India come from Chile, Vietnam, and Thailand.
Here is the list of the most imported fruits in India with all the top fresh fruit importers in India:
1. Apple
India's demand for apples is high, and import of apples in India require a significant amount to meet the demand. Imported apples are generally considered to be of higher quality than local apples.
2. Cherries
Growing health consciousness and the popularity of fresh drinks like smoothies have led to an overall increase in demand for fresh cherries, making cherries one of the top fruits imported in India.
3. Dragon fruit
Over the last two years, dragon fruit consumption has increased in the U.S. market by more than 25% in economic terms.
4. Avocado
Avocados have become a mainstream food in India, and the food service industry is driving the market. To cater to the Indian emerging demand for avocado, make these fruits imported in India in huge quantities.
5. Grapes
Grapes imported into India are known for their flavour and come in a variety of colours, including green, red, and black.
6. Kiwifruit
Kiwis are a fruit with green flesh and fuzzy skin and have been a common sight on Indian tables for more than ten years.
7. Date palm
Every year, around 64.2 thousand metric tons of table dates are consumed in India.
8. Banana
The demand for bananas has increased due to their affordability, nutritional value, and immunity-boosting properties.
9. Pears
India's demand for pears is increasing, especially for red pears and new varieties from the US.
10. Oranges
In 2023, the value of fresh or dried oranges imported to India was 76 million US dollars, which was 83% of the total citrus fruit imports.
Here are some Harmonized System (HS) codes for fruits:
Fruits HS codes |
Product Description |
0810 |
Fresh fruit other than strawberries, bilberries, and other fruits of the genus Vaccinium |
08104000 |
Cranberries, bilberries, and other fruits of the genus Vaccinium |
0813 |
Dried fruit other than those in headings 0801 to 0806, and mixtures of dried fruits or nuts |
0804 |
Dates, figs, pineapples, avocados, guavas, mangoes, mangosteens, and dates, either fresh or dried |
08045020 |
Fresh mangoes |
2006 |
Fruits, vegetables, nuts, fruit-peel, and other parts of plants preserved by sugar |
So these are the fruits HS codes, leading in fruits import in India. To get more details about Hs codes of fruits, visit Eximpedia.app.
Also read:- How to Export Basmati Rice from India in 2024
Here is the list of the top 10 fruit-importing countries:
S.no. |
Top fresh fruits importing countries |
Fruits import data |
1 |
India |
267.18 million USD |
2 |
Morocco |
241.14 million USD |
3 |
France |
108.45 million USD |
4 |
Turkey |
87.89 million USD |
5 |
Netherlands |
84.66 million USD |
6 |
USA |
78.52 million USD |
7 |
United Kingdom |
76.87 million USD |
8 |
Germany |
76.72 million USD |
9 |
Canada |
61.75 million USD |
10 |
Malaysia |
47.13 million USD |
So, the countries mentioned above are dominating the world’s fruit import market. India is the biggest fruit importer in the world, with an import value of 267.18 million USD.
However, India's fruits import data indicates that fresh fruits imports in India have inclined to some extent, making India the leading fruit importing country.
For more details, like fruits import in India, list of fruits imported in India, or fresh fruit importers in India, visit Eximpedia.app.
Fresh fruit importers can easily find genuine suppliers for fruits through our informative dashboard on Eximpedia.app. We provide fresh fruits import data product-wise and region-wise, which makes our export and import data easy to use.
We are well-known for our real-time import export data collected from reliable sources. The insights on fruit import in India will connect you with suppliers and buyers for fruit import in India successfully.
Importing fresh fruits into India can be a lucrative venture, but success hinges on careful planning and execution of the business strategy. If fresh fruit importers in India follow international trade laws, maintain quality control, use attractive packaging, manage the cold chain properly, and communicate with potential customers, they can successfully navigate the process and create a profitable export business with minimal risk.
Eximpedia.app is a well-known resource that can assist you in locating the information needed while deciding how to import fruits into India. With our extensive industry experience, as one of the top import and export data providers, we can help you select a trustworthy and authentic fruit supplier from our database of fruits import in India. For more information, click here.
Frequently Asked Questions
In India, apples make up more than 60% of all fresh fruit imports, making them the most popular imported fruit. India imported over 359 thousand metric tons of apples from other countries in 2023.
In order to import fruit into India, the following licenses and registrations must be obtained:
Azadpur Mandi, which spans 80 acres, is the biggest fruit and vegetable market in India.
Mango and banana are two of the most sought-after fruits in India. Mangos are a seasonal fruit that is in high demand throughout the summer, whereas bananas are readily accessible and reasonably priced.
IG International, NM Fresh, Ngk Trading Company, Fresh Fruit Alliances Pvt. Ltd., and GT Fruit Pvt. Ltd. are a few of the top fruit importers in India.
Fruit imports in India from global countries
Fruits imported in India from Thailand
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