India: Demand up for healthy fruits, but consumers want imports .

Studies in India suggesting the healing properties of cherimoya, durian, passion fruit and mulberry and other fruits, have led to a surge in consumer demand and, as a result, imports. The prices of such items has also risen.

Many of the fruits that have received recent scientific attention are cultivated in India, but the increased demand is ensuring that much of the produce sold now is imported.

The fact that the produce is being brought in from outside the country is also ensuring that prices rise with the increasing costs of transportation.

Traders report widespread preference for imported stock.

"Customers prefer the imported fruits over the local varieties due to their size, quality and shelf life," said Delhi-based trader and importer Raj Kumar Bindrani of Hundrajmal & Sons.


Source : freshplaza.com