India's imported apple market is seeing fresh activity this season with new origins arriving alongside staple sources, says Vijay Bhatia, Managing Director of fresh produce importer Mheet International. "Currently, New Zealand and USA apples are available, and from the 21st of September, Turkish apples will start arriving." Bhatia, who claims to be among the first to load Turkish apples this year, shares, "Mheet International has loaded two containers, and a business ally has two more from one of Turkey's largest growers and exporters, Gulbudak." These shipments are from Turkey's 2025 new crop Gala apples.
© Mheet International
Bhatia explains, weather challenges in Turkey have limited the harvest. "Turkish growers have fewer apples overall. Larger-sized Red Delicious apples are mostly consumed locally due to strong demand. However, smaller sizes of Red Delicious which have lower local demand are being exported." He also highlights strong demand for varieties like Granny Smith, but high prices are restricting exports. "Granny Smith apples have surged by 200%, limiting availability for export. Turkish Gala prices, on the other hand, have risen 25% compared to last year."
Mheet International sources apples from Chile, Italy, New Zealand, Poland, South Africa, Turkey and the USA. He flags concerns about Polish apples: "Despite lower prices, Polish apples growers mention a lack of strength for long transit to India. Italy's apples have excellent quality but are pricier due to the strong Euro. This mix of pricing and supply challenges adds uncertainty among Indian importers this season."
© Mheet International
Bhatia also points to persisting logistical risks: "The Red Sea situation remains the biggest hurdle this year, making high-volume shipments risky and expensive. Meanwhile, price hikes are evident locally as well, with Kashmiri Gala apples doubling from USD 1.25 to 2.5 per kg recently, as floods and road blockages impact availability and distribution of local crops across markets."
Looking ahead, Mheet International will maintain a watchful eye on changing duty structures and possible new import origins, which include speculation on China's apple market reopening and potential New Zealand duty revisions. "Overall, importers like us will look to balance quality, price, and supply to meet growing Indian demand," Bhatia concludes.
For more information:
Vijay Bhatia
Mheet International
Mob: +91 77 77 888 805
Email: m[email protected]
www.mheet.in