Apples, pears and quinces market in India

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2023, the Indian market for fresh apples, pears, and quinces showed an overall growth in volume, rising from 2.93 million tons to 3.62 million tons, though with annual fluctuations. Initial years were characterized by favorable growing conditions supporting production and rising consumption driven by urbanization and increased health awareness. The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 prompted major companies like Big Basket and Adani Fresh to secure supply through direct farm-gate purchasing, while market volume expanded due to a rise in domestic output.

The market contracted in 2021 as lingering pandemic effects and global labor shortages hampered production and supply chains. Recovery followed in 2022, bolstered by a shift in consumer preferences towards premium imported varieties which stimulated overall demand. During this period, lower import duties on fresh pears and quinces facilitated import growth, and climate change began affecting orchard yields in regions like Uttarakhand.

By 2023, India solidified its position as a leading global importer of apples and pears, with market volume reaching a peak. This expansion was supported by diversified import sources from Italy, Poland, and Turkey, alongside the rapid growth of e-commerce and direct sourcing models that enhanced supply chain efficiency. Continued government initiatives in horticulture and advances in cold-chain logistics further contributed to market development.

Production apples, pears and quinces in India

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

India ranked 6th globally in apple, pear, and quince production from 2017 to 2020.

Top producers of apples, pears and quinces, 2017-2020

World map of production of apples, pears and quinces, 2017-2020

In 2020, India produced 3 104 thousand tonnes of apples, pears, and quinces, marking a significant 18.7% increase from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, production grew by 18.9%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.9%. The only decline occurred in 2019, when production fell by 1.1%.

Annual dynamics of production in India in kind, 2017-2020, K t

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Apple, pear, and quince production in India increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the output was valued at 1 442 million US dollars, up 9.0% from the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, production value rose by 8.1%, with a CAGR of 2.6%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 1 209 million US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 9.4%. In contrast, 2019 experienced the largest increase of 9.5%.

Annual dynamics of production in India in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports apples, pears and quinces from India

Exports in kind, K t

India's apple, pear, and quince export volume increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports reached 30.4 thousand tonnes, a 56.4% improvement from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports surged by 316.7%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 60.9%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from India in kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, Nepal and Bangladesh were the two dominant destinations for India's apple, pear, and quince exports in volume terms. Nepal accounted for 56.1% of total flows, while Bangladesh made up 42.2%, together representing 98.4% of all exports.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from India in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, M $ US

India's apple, pear, and quince export value increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, export volume totaled 14.1 million US dollars, showing a sudden gain of 43.6% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports grew by 278.7%, with a CAGR of 55.9%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from India in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

From 2017 to 2020, Nepal and Bangladesh were the dominant buyers of apples, pears, and quinces from India in value terms, together accounting for 96.1% of total exports. Other partners contributed a smaller share.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from India in value, 2017-2020

Imports apples, pears and quinces to India

Imports in kind, K t

Apple, pear, and quince imports into India declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, India imported 233.8 thousand tonnes, which is 11.0% less than in 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 32.9%, with a CAGR of 12.5%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to India in kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, the United States, China, and Chile were the largest sources of apple, pear, and quince imports into India in volume terms. The United States accounted for 29.9% of imports, China for 13.5%, and Chile for 12.4%, together comprising 55.7% of total flows.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to India in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, M $ US

Apple, pear, and quince deliveries to India declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports amounted to 221.8 million US dollars, showing a substantial decrease of 16.8% year-over-year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports fell by 32%, with a CAGR of 12.1%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to India in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

From 2017 to 2020, the United States, Chile, and China were the principal sources of apple, pear, and quince imports into India in value terms. The United States accounted for 32.5% of imports, Chile for 12.9%, and China for 11.2%, jointly making up 56.7% of total flows.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to India in value, 2017-2020