The apple season in Himachal Pradesh has launched with impressive momentum, catching both producers and traders in a wave of optimism. The early consignment arrivals, primarily sourced from the renowned Jubbal, Kotkhai, and Rohru belts of Shimla—as well as key producing areas in Kinnaur and Kullu—have fetched some of the highest opening wholesale prices seen in years. In essential trading hubs like Chandigarh, Uttarakhand, and Delhi, top-grade apples are drawing rates between $24.10 and $36.14 per box, with retail values ranging from $1.81 to $2.41 per kg. Notably, this robust pricing has persisted in the face of moderately increased shipment costs, owing to the exceptional quality and improved yields attributed to favorable spring and early summer weather.
Buyers’ appetite remains undiminished, with regular inflows of 5,000–6,000 boxes daily at Azadpur Mandi—a figure expected to ramp up swiftly in the coming fortnight. Analysts suggest that persistent demand from southern Indian states and metropolitan centers should sustain strong price undertones, enabling growers to capitalize on market optimism. As premium early-season varieties like Tydeman and Early Red continue moving briskly, the stage appears set for an upbeat season—provided the supply-demand equilibrium is maintained. Early signs also signal ongoing support for dried apple exports, especially from leading Chinese-origin suppliers into the European market, as seen in recent stable FCA price quotes at Dutch hubs.
Exclusive Offers on CMBroker
Apple dried
Cubes 10-12 mm
FCA 4.77 €/kg
(from NL)
Apple dried
Cubes 8-10 mm
FCA 4.70 €/kg
(from NL)
Apple dried
Cubes 5-7 mm
FCA 4.80 €/kg
(from NL)
📈 Prices: Latest Apple Market Snapshot
| Market/Exchange | Product/Type | Grade/Specs | Region | Price | Weekly Change | Market Sentiment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chandigarh, India | Fresh Apple | Early Season (Premium) | Himachal | $24.10–$36.14/box | +7% | Firm/Bullish |
| Delhi (Retail) | Fresh Apple | Premium | Himachal | $1.81–$2.41/kg | +10% | Firm |
| NL (Dordrecht) | Dried Apple (Cubes 10–12mm) | Standard | CN | €4.77/kg | Unchanged | Stable |
| NL (Dordrecht) | Dried Apple (Cubes 8–10mm) | Standard | CN | €4.70/kg | Unchanged | Stable |
| NL (Dordrecht) | Dried Apple (Cubes 5–7mm) | Standard | CN | €4.80/kg | Unchanged | Stable |
🌍 Supply & Demand Drivers
- High early-season demand from northern and southern Indian states keeps wholesale prices firm.
- Improved harvest yields and quality attributed to favorable pre-monsoon and early monsoon weather patterns.
- Traders report that upticks in transport costs have been offset by market price resilience.
- Premium early varieties (Tydeman, Early Red) commanding higher price bands, with strong pull from metros and major cities.
- Dried apple market in Europe remains steady, supported by consistent imports from China at stable FCA prices.
📊 Fundamentals & Market Comparisons
| Country/Region | 2023/24 Fresh Apple Production (‘000 MT) | Apple Stock (as of Jul 2024, ‘000 MT) | Imports (‘000 MT) (est.) | Exports (‘000 MT) (est.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| India (Himachal+Kashmir) | 2,500 | 400 | 60 | 20 |
| China (PRC) | 41,000 | 6,000 | 60 | 1,100 |
| EU (Top 5) | 12,000 | 900 | 1,700 | 2,000 |
| USA | 4,600 | 350 | 50 | 900 |
Comparison to Last Report: Current wholesale and retail rates have increased 7–10% vs. previous season’s corresponding period, driven by better yields, firmer demand, and tight early supply. Dried apple export prices remain unchanged, reflecting balanced global inventories and trade flows.
🌦️ Weather & Crop Outlook
- Recent weather maps show continued mild and partly cloudy conditions for Himachal and Uttarakhand, ideal for further fruit development and minimal risk from storms or hail in the next 7 days.
- Soil moisture remains adequate, and temperature ranges (15–25°C) are ideal for the ripening of late varieties.
- Short-term forecasts do not indicate any disruptive weather, suggesting good prospects for stable volumes and quality through the harvest period.
📆 Trading Outlook & Recommendations
- Wholesalers/Exporters: Consider forward contracts for premium grades to lock in high margins amid robust demand.
- Growers: Maintain harvest pace; release premium-quality lots in tranches to capture price peaks during high urban demand.
- Importers/Distributors (EU): Monitor global logistics for any disruption; current FCA dried apple prices in NL are stable. No urgent procurement acceleration needed.
- Speculators: Market momentum supports short-term bullish positions, but watch for increased arrivals that could cap prices.
- Retailers: Secure early stocks, especially for metro markets, as premium grades remain underpinned by festive and institutional demand.
🔮 3-Day Regional Price Forecast
| Region/Exchange | Product Type | Forecast Range | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chandigarh/Delhi Mandis | Fresh Apple (Premium) | $24.50–$36.90/box | Bullish |
| Uttarakhand (Retail) | Fresh Apple | $1.85–$2.45/kg | Stable to Firm |
| NL (Dordrecht) | Dried Apple | €4.70–€4.80/kg | Flat |