Indian consumers have discovered a taste for Australian citrus, with volumes imported to the country reaching new records, according to key market sources.
“We’ve seen a record volume of Australian citrus imports this year,” IG’s Tarun Arora told Fruitnet.com.
“At least 150 containers – mainly late navels like Late Lanes – have come in over the past two months alone, which is about the same volume as was imported for the entire season last year.”
Trade figures show that more than 6,000 tonnes of Australian citrus have been shipped to India in the season to date.
'The market in India has been very good for Australia this season, with very significant volumes being exported,' confirmed Neil Barker of BGP International, a key exporter of Australian citrus. “After struggling for several years to gain market penetration, it seems the Indian consumer is finally appreciating the juice, colour and sweetness of the Australian navel.'
Chinese pears have also seen a surge in demand in India, fuelled by the recent Ramadan and other religious festivals like Dusshera or Durga Puja, with big volumes pouring into the market, said Mr Arora. 'The market has been picking up big time for Chinese pears,' he said. 'In East Indian markets alone, we saw some 35 trucks of pears sold in a fortnight during the festive season.'
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