Imported fruits are a vital part of India's retail fresh produce category, driving a surge in overall sales, says Yogi Pokal, Deputy Manager at Reliance Retail. "Shoppers are not just sticking to bananas and apples anymore. Fruits like avocados, blueberries, and newer apple varieties now regularly feature in carts, with health and convenience driving purchase."
Pokal highlights how this shift shows up clearly in repeat purchases and higher shopping cart values. "Customers are coming back week after week for kiwis, avocados, blueberries, and even exotic apples like Pink Lady and Red Pop. These have become the go-to fruits for gifting and festive baskets, adding a bit of sophistication to what people buy."
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But it is not all straightforward, Pokal admits. "The supply chain can be tricky as prices swing with forex fluctuations, ports sometimes hold up shipments, and keeping fruits fresh throughout the cold chain is a big challenge." To keep quality consistent, Pokal shares how Reliance Retail maintains sourcing reliability through select origins: "New Zealand for kiwis, Peru for blueberries, Washington and New Zealand for apples, and Australia for avocados, as our customers also care about where their fruit comes from and want to be sure it's top-notch."
Pokal further shares how strategic partnerships are driving imported fruit category growth: "We collaborate directly with growers to offer unique selections, ensuring year-round availability, packaging that reduces shrinkage, and engagement via sampling and digital nutrition content. This approach supports growth beyond metros, with Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities showing strong demand," Pokal explains. "During festivals, imports of cherries, apples, and exotic citrus can surge by up to 40%, requiring agile planning," he adds.
Looking ahead, Pokal sees strong potential. "Imported fruits have successfully transitioned from luxury indulgences to everyday staples in many of India's households. With the right combination of quality, availability, and pricing, this category is well-positioned to double its penetration in the coming years," he concludes.
For more information:
Yogi Pokal
Reliance Retail
Tel: +91 82 38 771 441
Email: [email protected]
www.relianceretail.com