Pune: With the onset of harsh winter conditions across the state, the demand for dry fruits has surged due to their health benefits and ability to generate body warmth. Despite an increase in prices by 15-20% due to global production issues, consumption remains high as households prepare traditional winter delicacies.

Dry fruits such as almonds, cashews, pistachios, walnuts, raisins, and coconuts have seen increased demand. According to Market Yard trader Vinod Goyal, dry fruits provide essential nutrients and fulfill calorie requirements, making them an indispensable part of winter diets.

Key Supply and Imports:

Coconut and gum, essential for traditional sweets like laddoos, remain in high demand. Domestic supplies include coconuts from southern states and raisins from regions like Sangli and Nashik. Meanwhile, imports of figs, almonds, and pistachios from Iran, the USA, and Afghanistan supplement local markets.

Rising Prices:

Compared to last year, the prices of cashews, walnuts, black raisins, and figs have significantly increased. Traders attribute this to global climatic disruptions and conflicts in key exporting countries.

Looking Ahead:

The industry expects prices to stabilize with the arrival of fresh crops in March. However, traders like Naveen Goyal caution that until then, consumers must contend with higher prices due to continued demand and limited supply.

Domestic Sources of Supply

• Coconut: Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka

• Cashew Nuts: Goa, Karnataka, Konkan region, Kerala

• Raisins: Sangli, Vijayapura, Nashik, Pandharpur

Imported Dry Fruits

• Salted Pistachios: Iran, USA, California

• Almonds: California, Australia

• Pistachios: Iran, Iraq

• Mamra Almonds: Iran

• Figs: Iran, Afghanistan

• Raisins: Afghanistan, India

• Walnuts: USA, Chile, parts of India

Key Insights

• Decline in production due to climatic changes.

• Imported dry fruits are costlier.

• Rising demand for dry fruits in India.

• Excessive heat and irregular rainfall have reduced global cashew production.

• Shortage of raw cashews due to lower yield from trees.