IN A surprising trend, buyers in Orange City are showing great interest in exotic fruits from around the globe. Even asdomesticfruitsare available in abundance, at reasonable prices, buyers are not shying away from paying extra for kiwis fromNew Zealand, green grapes from the US, blueberries from Peru, mangosteen anddragonfruitfromThailand, mini oranges from Australia, and avocados from Tanzania. Additionally, mangoes from Nepal and red grapes from Chilearealsomakingtheirway to local markets as their demand is rapidly picking up here.

 

Some of the fruit vendors in markets including Dhantoli, Dharampeth, Mangalwari, Gokulpeth, Jaripatka and GandhibaghtoldTheHitavada that approximately 30-40 percent of their total sales come fromforeignfruits.Munnabhai Shahu,alocalfruitseller,attributes this shift to the increased buying power of citizens, who are willing to pay a premium for high-quality fruits. “Domestic fruits like bananas, guavas, and pomegranates continue to be sold, but they’re no longer the only options. The demand for imported varieties has gone up. People love eating these fruits throughoutthe year.The influxofforeignfruitshastransformedthelocalmarket,catering to the evolving tastes and preferences of the local consumers,” he added. Another vendor said he is enjoyingincreaseddemandfor kiwis, dragon fruits, and mangosteen. “My customers are payingmeRs1000-1200perkgto buy mangosteen,” he said.

 

It is important to note thatmost ofthe imported varietiesof these fruits come in attractive packs. Some of them arenicely packed in transparent plasticboxeswhileothershaveshiny coatings on them. On Sunday, kiwis from NewZealand were sold at a price of Rs 180-250 per box of3pieces; green grapes (without seeds)from the US at Rs 800 per kg; blueberries from Peru at Rs300-320 per box of 125 gms; mangosteen at Rs 1000-1200per kg; dragon fruitfromThailandatRs80-100perpiece; mini oranges fromAustralia at Rs 360-400 perdozen;avocadosfromTanzaniaat Rs 120-140 per piece; mangoes from Nepal at Rs 400-500per kg; and red grapes fromChile were sold at a price of Rs400-800 per kg. Meanwhile, bananas, pomegranates, apples, and custard apples arealsoenjoyingdemandbecauseof the festive season.