Summary of the 2025 Fresh Fruit Conference in India – Diverse Perspectives from Across the Value Chain

Location: Trident Hotel, Nariman Point, Mumbai

Reporter: Vivek Mehta

India’s fresh produce industry stands at a dynamic crossroads—where tradition meets innovation, and local challenges face global opportunities. That was the tone set at this year’s Fresh Produce India - Fruitnet conference, held at the iconic Trident Hotel in Mumbai. From growers and exporters to cold chain logisticians and eCommerce disruptors, the event buzzed with cross-sector dialogue, optimism, and a shared recognition: India’s potential is massive, but unlocking it requires collaboration and investment at every link in the chain.

A Market of 1.5 Billion Mouths — and Growing

India’s position as a high-potential market for fresh fruit was reinforced by exporters who cited the country’s growing middle class, increasing health consciousness, and a shift toward premium produce. Demand for imported fruits such as avocados, blueberries, golden kiwis, mandarins, and Pink Lady apples has surged. In fact, some exporters reported a 250% growth in blueberry volumes over the past year alone.

Yet, barriers persist—inconsistent repeat business, long transit times, and the lack of reliable large-scale Indian partners complicate otherwise promising opportunities. There is also a need for dedicated shipping routes from South American countries like Peru to meet India’s escalating appetite for exotics.

Packaging: Stuck in Plastic, Striving for Change

The packaging industry remains caught between high investment costs and unpredictable fruit yields. Most fruit still travels in plastic, a concern for sustainability advocates. But with the rise of quick commerce (think 10-minute delivery platforms), demand for smart, adaptable packaging solutions is surging—even from rural India. Manufacturers echoed a desire to evolve from “just vendors” to value-chain partners, but the path remains financially and logistically complex.

Logistics & Cold Chain: Building the Backbone

India’s cold chain infrastructure remains a work in progress. While significant investments are underway, especially from government and private players, gaps in end-to-end cold storage persist. A lack of differentiated temperature control—for example, apples require 10°C, while bananas prefer 13°C—continues to affect quality.

Tech is helping, with better temperature monitoring and track-and-trace systems, but experts pointed out a critical shortfall: talent. Many supply chain professionals operate in silos. The industry needs more cross-trained MBAs, especially women, to bridge logistics, warehousing, customs, and transport functions.

Growers and Agriculturists: The Battle on the Ground

Growers emphasized the skyrocketing costs of fertilizer and lack of uniform cold storage pricing across regions. Farmers are still often forced to sell at distress prices, while retailers and aggregators profit from the margin spread. In the strawberry segment, the demand-supply gap is so wide that even stems are imported, prompting growers to focus on increasing daughter plant yields.

Meanwhile, agriculturists called for greater education on soil regeneration and substrate use, urging governments to standardize soil quality regulations for long-term sustainability.

Quick Commerce: The Disruptive Force

Representatives from BigBasket, Zepto, and BlinkIt offered a snapshot into the future of fresh fruit delivery. Demand is soaring—but so is unpredictability. Consumers are eating a wider assortment of fresh fruits and vegetables, often on impulse. This behavioral shift has turned fresh produce into an addiction, expanding the overall pie.

However, the sourcing networks behind this fast gratification model are still underdeveloped. Companies need to design and invest in robust cold chain systems to bring produce from any corner of the country to any customer’s doorstep within minutes.

Container Lines & Retail: Looking Forward

Global container lines are bullish on India, viewing it as a long-term growth story. But to sustain this optimism, the industry needs systemic support. There’s a growing appetite for value-added products like fresh-cut fruits and additive-free juices, and with the decline in home cooking in urban areas, convenience-focused formats are poised for expansion.

The success of cold chain investment in Himachal Pradesh, a leading apple-producing state, was cited as a model for other regions. Speakers called on the central and state governments to replicate such success stories to enable consistent supply, minimize wastage, and ensure better returns for farmers.

Conclusion: A Call for Collaboration

The 2025 Fresh Produce India conference painted a clear picture: India’s fresh fruit industry is brimming with promise, but it’s a puzzle that demands joint problem-solving. Whether it’s creating better infrastructure, building talent, developing reliable partnerships, or empowering farmers, every stakeholder has a role to play.

As one exporter put it, “India is not just a destination—it’s a movement. But it needs structure, trust, and innovation to keep moving.”

Contact the Reporter:

Vivek Mehta

✉️ mehtavivek94@gmail.com

📞 +91-900 455 4197

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