Import Grapes from India
India is one of the biggest grape producers globally, and many countries Import grapes from India. It has lots of different kinds of grapes that look and taste different. They’re known for their variety, and people from all around the world enjoy them.
Grapes (Vitis vinifera) grow well in warm areas, especially where it’s hot and dry. In India, grapes come in different types—colored, white, big, small, with seeds or without. They do well when grown at or above 250 meters above sea level.
Why import grapes from India?
Before we go into this topic, let’s first understand the importance of Indian grapes. India produces approximately 161.91 thousand hectares, and this number increases every year. The country is also a major exporter of fresh grapes to the world, having exported 267,950.39 MT of grapes worth Rs. 2,543.42 crores/ 313.70 USD million during the year 2022-23. The main export destinations for grapes are the Netherlands, Bangladesh, the United Arab Emirates, the UK, and Russia.
India has successfully secured its position in grape trading because, while other grape-exporting countries may conclude their grape season, Indian grapes initiate exports. As the years pass, Indian growers are taking initiatives to adopt European standard procedures for grape cultivation. This effort is helping India explore new markets in the upcoming years.
How to import grapes from India?
The process of importing grapes is much like importing other fruits from around the world. You can find detailed information about the import procedure from India in our blog. However, it’s essential to consider your country’s regulations, especially for grapes, when importing fruits. Requesting the exporter/grower to provide the Global Gap Certificate or any relevant lab report is advisable, especially in the case of organic produce.
Which of the varieties of grapes are mostly exported from India?
“In India, there are over 20 varieties of table grapes found in different regions, but the majority of exports comprise only 4-5 varieties.
Here are the most commonly exported varieties:
Thomson Seedless:
Among the leading varieties exported worldwide from India, featuring berries with a diameter of 15 to 18 mm. This variety is available from early November to the end of April.
Sonaka Seedless:
This grape variety, characterized by elongated berries, is a natural mutation of the renowned Thompson Seedless grapes. It holds the position of India’s second-largest exported grape variety, with berries measuring between 22 to 25 mm. This variety is available from November to March.
Sharad Seedless:
These grapes come in a striking black to purple-blue hue, showcasing medium-sized, oval-shaped berries. Their sweetness is complemented by a remarkably crisp texture, providing a delightful eating experience. The berry size is 16 to 18 mm in diameter. This variety is available from December to March.
Flame Seedless:
In high demand, these grapes result from a crossbreeding of Thompson, Cardinal, and other grape varieties. They feature small, round berries in an appealing shade of red, with a berry size similar to Sharad Seedless. This variety is available from December to March.”
If you require additional information about these exported grape varieties, please do contact us. We can provide you with the product catalog for grapes.
How to find a reliable grower or exporter from India?
Before contacting any grower or exporter in India, consider reaching out to the Indian Embassy in your country for information on exporters/growers from India. They can assist you in providing a list of suppliers for your product requirements. However, note that sometimes they may have an outdated supplier list, so you may need to conduct additional research on your own.
Additionally, you can contact the Indian Export Promotional Council, known as APEDA; they can also help provide contacts of suppliers. It’s important to keep in mind that they do not take any responsibility for the suppliers, so it’s crucial to proceed with caution. If you need assistance in finding a genuine supplier from India, you can visit our service page for more information.
What are the things that should be considered during the importing of grapes from India?
If you’ve read this blog up to now, it means you have some idea about certain considerations from an importing point of view. However, here are the things you should consider:
When contacting any supplier or grower from India, make sure to go through their social media channels and website to assess their social activity and virtual presence.
After reviewing these aspects, once you contact them, ask for testimonials from their previous or current clients so you can gain some insight. Also, request IEC, GGN, and SMETA certificates to verify their authenticity.
Once you have gathered all this information and are looking to import in large quantities from India, it would be great to visit their vineyard personally for a crystal-clear picture, and you will discover everything you need to know.
I hope this blog has helped you find the answers you were looking for. I’ve aimed to cover all the main points from the importer’s perspective. Also, we Shelar Overseas are exporters from India, involved in exporting fresh fruits to the UK, Middle East, and Southeast Asia since 2022. We always look forward to new opportunities with new clients from around the world.
If you need any help, please feel free to ask or contact us by email as well.