Aubergines market in India, 2026

Earlier Report Observations

The Indian fresh aubergine market demonstrated relative stability from 2018 to 2023, with annual volumes moving within a narrow band of 12.7 to 12.9 million tonnes. The period began with strong underlying demand fueled by a growing consumer preference for fresh, local produce and the adoption of innovative farming techniques like hydroponics and precision agriculture. These trends provided a foundation for the market, even as volume experienced a minor contraction in 2019.

Market dynamics shifted with the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, which increased household demand for fresh foods and contributed to a slight recovery. A more significant expansion occurred in 2021, driven primarily by the entry of several new players, such as Bikaji and McCain, into the related frozen food segment, which broadened the overall industry activity. This was supported by regulatory changes aimed at improving product traceability and labeling. Although volume dipped slightly again in 2022, ongoing government policies promoting sustainable agriculture and persistent consumer interest in fresh, seasonal ingredients helped maintain overall production stability.

By 2023, the market volume settled at 12 791 thousand tonnes, concluding the six-year period with minimal net change, reflecting the counterbalancing effects of evolving demand patterns and supply-side developments.

Production aubergines in India

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Globally, India was the world's second-largest producer of aubergines from 2017 to 2020.

Top producers of aubergines, 2017-2020

World map of production of aubergines, 2017-2020

In 2020, India produced 12 682 thousand tonnes of aubergines, showing only a slight change compared to the previous year. The highest production was recorded in 2018 at 12 801 thousand tonnes, which represented a 2.3% increase. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a drop of 0.9%.

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

Exports aubergines from India

Exports in kind, kg

The market for aubergine exports from India showed significant volatility during this period. In 2019, exports hit their lowest point at 13 800 kilograms, but then surged dramatically in 2020 to 92 107 kilograms—a remarkable 567.4% increase from the previous year. The largest decline was recorded in 2018 at 62.6%. Overall, exports fluctuated widely, with a 6.7-fold difference between the peak in 2020 and the trough in 2019.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from India in kind, 2017-2020, kg

From 2017 to 2020, the main destinations for India's aubergine exports by volume were the United Arab Emirates, accounting for 38.6% of exports, Nepal with 19.9%, and Maldives at 18.4%. Together, these three countries made up 76.9% of total export flows.

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, $ US

Export values for aubergines from India were highly volatile over these years. In 2019, the value dropped to its lowest at 12 918 US dollars, but rebounded sharply in 2020 to 82 425 US dollars—a 538.1% increase from the previous year. The largest decline occurred in 2019, falling by 44.0%. The peak in 2020 and trough in 2019 showed a 6.4-fold amplitude in value fluctuations.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the key markets for India's aubergine exports by value were the United Arab Emirates, which accounted for 46.3% of exports, Maldives at 22.1%, and the United Kingdom with 16.5%. Combined, these three countries represented 84.9% of total export value.

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

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

Imports aubergines to India

Imports in kind, kg

In 2018, India's imports of aubergines by volume fell sharply to 141 kilograms, marking a dramatic 64.1% decrease compared to 2017.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to India in kind, 2017-2020, kg

From 2017 to 2020, Thailand was overwhelmingly the main source for India's aubergine imports by volume, accounting for 100.0% 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, $ US

In 2018, India imported aubergines worth 1 000 US dollars, which was down by 63.6% from the previous year.

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

During 2017–2020, India's imports of aubergines by value were heavily concentrated on Thailand, which accounted for 100.0% of total import flows.

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

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