India: Fresh Deciduous Fruit Annual

India’s domestic apple and pear production in market year (MY) 2021/22 is estimated at 2.3 million metric tons (MMT) and 310,000 metric tons (MT), largely unchanged from last season. Improved fruit quality is expected due to favorable weather conditions, normalized labor availability, and a general supply chain recovery. Grape production is expected to increase 26 percent at 2.9 MMT, with better fruit condition. Apple, pear, and grape imports are expected to rise by 19, ten, and two percent respectively, as domestic production remains insufficient to meet demand. Indian grape exports are forecast at 280,000 MT, five percent above last season. High domestic consumption for apples, pears and grapes are driven by growing consumer demand and a reinforced perception toward fresh fruit as a healthy, nutritious, and immunity-building food source.