India’s banana exports move toward a new record this season
India sees strong demand from key markets as exporters expect another strong year.
INDIA – India’s banana export industry continues to grow at a strong pace, with fresh data from exporters showing confidence in crossing last year’s record.
Shvam Dhumal, Director at Agroindi EXIM Pvt Ltd in Maharashtra, says the sector expects another strong year as production rises and buyers keep ordering fruit from key hubs.
Dhumal notes a sharp increase in export value over the last season. “India banana exports grew by 70% in the year 2023-24 to USD 272 million. For 2024-25, the sector expects to maintain similar growth and surpass USD 451 million in exports, with overseas buyers showing sustained interest.”
He explains that production has risen across the major growing regions. “Maharashtra’s Solapur and Jalgaon districts remain key banana hubs, with Andhra Pradesh and Gujarat supplementing supply, especially of the G9 variety. While Jalgaon and Solapur offer year-round availability, Andhra Pradesh and Gujarat harvest primarily between November-February and July-September, respectively.”
The increase in supply has softened prices. “The average banana box of 13.5 kg net fetched $6 to $8 last season (approx US$6 to US$8), while this year’s boxes average between $4 and $5 (approx US$4 to US$5) in India. Packaging formats also adapted to regional requirements, with certain countries requesting 7 kg net boxes.”
Exporters focus heavily on box recovery, which refers to the fruit cluster sizes inside each carton. Dhumal says the industry keeps a consistent standard. “Indian banana exporters typically achieve an 80% recovery for 4-, 5-, and 6-hand clusters, which are the preferred grades. 7- and 8-hand clusters make up the remaining 20%. Some shipments can be custom-packed for 100% recovery of specific hand sizes, to meet buyer and market preferences.”
Middle East markets remain dominant
Demand from the Middle East continues to drive India’s export growth. “Demand from Iraq, Iran, UAE, Uzbekistan, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Afghanistan remains consistent. Bananas enjoy similar prestige as apples in India and are consumed daily.”
Agroindi EXIM plans to strengthen its reach. Dhumal says the company is preparing to grow its presence in Iraq, Oman, Kuwait, and Qatar.
With strong demand and steady harvests, exporters expect heavy shipments through the end of January. Dhumal notes that bananas from Andhra Pradesh will supply most of the load because they handle cooler conditions better than fruit from Maharashtra. “Domestic demand is also rising, and exporters are confident they can meet requirements both at home and abroad.”
Recent developments across India’s fruit sector show continued interest from global buyers who want stable supply. Exporters expect this season’s higher volumes to support new market entries and strengthen existing ones. The industry also reports growing interest from retailers who want year-round shipments, supported by the strong output from Solapur, Jalgaon, Andhra Pradesh, and Gujarat.
India’s exporters believe the current momentum will help the country set a new record if trade conditions remain steady over the next few months.
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