Delhi, May 26, 2026 – India remains one of the world’s largest apple producers, yet the domestic market continues to rely heavily on imports of premium fruit. According to the latest USDA Foreign Agricultural Service report, apple imports to India are expected to reach approximately 643,000 tonnes in the 2025/2026 season, compared to around 511,000 tonnes a season earlier. As recently as the 2022/2023 season, imports stood at approximately 360,000 tonnes, highlighting the rapid growth in demand for imported fruit in recent years.
Premium segment continues to expand
Imported apples are increasingly perceived by Indian consumers as premium products associated with high quality, attractive appearance and longer shelf life. Demand for such products is particularly visible in modern retail channels and the HoReCa sector, both of which continue to expand alongside the country’s growing middle class and evolving consumer preferences.
Growing interest in premium fruit is also reflected in the kiwi category.
Although India continues to develop domestic kiwi production, the market remains strongly dependent on imports. According to market data, kiwi imports to India reached approximately 43,000 tonnes in the 2023/2024 season, while domestic production remains significantly lower.
The kiwi market in India remains highly dynamic and competitive, with strong participation from global suppliers. Fluctuations in export volumes reflect the evolving structure of supply and increasing competition, while overall demand for imported fruit continues to grow.
EU apples gaining momentum in India
Data from the European Commission’s Agridata platform show that exports of apples from the European Union to India exceeded 64,000 tonnes during the first seven months of the 2025/2026 season, already surpassing the total achieved during the previous full season. The figures indicate continued interest in European apples among importers as well as representatives of the modern retail and foodservice sectors.
“We are seeing growing interest in premium products offering consistent quality and high production standards on the Indian market. Stable supply and transparency throughout the production process are also becoming increasingly important for both importers and the foodservice sector,” says Piotr Janota, President of the Polish Association of Fruit and Vegetable Distributors “Fruit Union”.
Fresh India Show as a platform for business discussions
In response to the growing interest in European fruit, the “Garden of Europe” campaign will participate in Fresh India Show 2026, taking place on May 29–30 in Mumbai. The event brings together importers, distributors, retail chains and representatives of the HoReCa sector from India and across the region.
The campaign stand will serve as a venue for B2B meetings and discussions regarding potential trade cooperation with partners operating on the Indian market. Campaign representatives will promote European apples and kiwis produced in accordance with EU quality and safety standards.
Third year of the “Garden of Europe” campaign
The “Garden of Europe” information and promotion campaign, co-funded by the European Union, promotes European apples and kiwis in India, Indonesia and Israel. The project is implemented by the Polish Association of Fruit and Vegetable Distributors “Fruit Union” together with the Greek organisation AS Neapolis and is currently entering its third and final year of promotional activities.
The campaign focuses on promoting quality, production safety, traceability and the standards applied within the European Union.
For more information about the campaign: Garden of Europe
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