India’s celery market is making a notable recovery after several months of sustained price declines, signaling the start of what could be a more stable—and potentially bullish—period. Following an impressive harvest that increased total production by nearly 28%, prices had been under pressure, falling by approximately $0.48–$0.60 per kg. However, market signals over the last month suggest the worst may be over. Most high-quality product has already made its way from producing regions to key consumption hubs, while spot markets now report limited stock pressure and even modest price increases, especially for medium and higher grades. This turnaround is supported by the cessation of low-priced Pakistani supplies in major Indian markets, further tightening the local supply environment. Traders and processors describe the market as low risk at current price levels, with much of the downside already absorbed and the setup for gradual upward movement as supplies tighten over the coming weeks.
📈 Prices
| Product | Quality | Origin | Location | Current Price (USD/kg) | Weekly Change | Market Sentiment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Celery seeds | 99% pure | India | New Delhi (FOB) | €1.45 | 0% | Stable |
| Medium grade | Mixed | Neemuch/Javra/others | India (spot) | $1.80–$1.92 | +0.24–0.36 | Firming |
| Lower grade | Mixed | Javra | India (spot) | $1.44–$1.56 | +0.24–0.36 | Stable |
| High grade | Cleaned/Wash | IN | India (spot) | $2.28–$2.40 | -0.12 | Steady/High Demand |
| Pakistani stock | Low/old stock | Pakistan | North India (peripheral) | $1.20 | – | Discounted/Clearing |
🌍 Supply & Demand
- Production surged by 27–28% this season due to excellent growing conditions and strong yields in Javra, Neemuch, Mandsaur, Vikarabad, Nandurbar, and Jamnagar.
- 80%+ of celery output has already moved through to trading hubs and end-users.
- Spot market pressure decreased as carryover stock and spot Pakistani product were absorbed or cleared at discounts.
- With domestic demand still on the slow side, regional price stability suggests distributors and processors now hold only moderate inventories.
- Ayurvedic industry and food processors are shifting to medium/low grade celery purchases, responding to prevailing prices.
📊 Fundamentals
- Inventories: Large prior stocks have thinned considerably; low risk of further surplus-induced price declines. Cleaned/wash-grade shortages reported.
- Trade Flows: Pakistani celery inflow to key Indian markets has ended, with remaining low-priced stock only present in smaller northern markets.
- Speculative Positioning: Market sees current price levels as a value-buy scenario for traders and processors.
☁️ Weather Outlook
- Weather in major celery-producing regions (Central and Western India) has been generally favorable in recent weeks, though the transition into the monsoon season may cause some logistical delays for remaining fieldwork and last-mile delivery.
- No immediate threats of crop damage from excessive rainfall are forecast in the next week, supporting ongoing market stability.
- Future weather uncertainties (e.g., excessive monsoon or dry spells) could support price increases, especially if current cleaned/wash-grade supplies remain tight.
🌐 Global Snapshot
- India: Largest global producer and exporter of celery seeds, currently stabilizing after a bumper harvest and prior surplus.
- Pakistan: Exports to India have stopped; discounted legacy stock is clearing in regional markets.
- EU/US Importers: Watching Indian price developments closely; Indian celery remains price-competitive globally after recent corrections.
📆 Trading Outlook & Recommendations
- Buying at current spot rates is considered low-risk, particularly for medium- and processed-grade celery.
- Short-term buyers should secure cleaned/wash-grade celery early as current shortages could escalate if demand picks up.
- Price increases of $0.36–$0.48/kg are likely on moderate demand recovery and dwindling high-grade stocks.
- Exporters should remain alert for global price competitiveness as Indian celery regains upward momentum.
- Processors/Distributors: Protect margins with forward buying strategies as supply tightens going into the next quarter.
🔮 3-Day Regional Price Forecast (Key Markets)
| Region | Grade | Price (USD/kg) – Today | Forecast 3 Days | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Delhi (FOB) | 99% pure | €1.45 | €1.45–€1.48 | Stable to Firm |
| Neemuch/Javra (Spot) | Medium | $1.80 | $1.80–$1.92 | Firm |
| Javra (Spot) | Low Grade | $1.44 | $1.44–$1.56 | Stable |
| Pan-India (High Grade) | Cleaned/Wash | $2.28 | $2.28–$2.40 | Firm/Shortage risk |