India’s humble banana is making a global splash — from fruit stalls in Baghdad to bakery shelves in Dubai. In a significant milestone, bananas surpassed grapes to become India’s most exported fruit in FY25, riding a wave of soaring demand and price competitiveness.
Key Highlights:
- Top Fruit Export:
Bananas were India’s leading fruit export in FY25, reaching $377.5 million in shipment value.
- Massive Growth:
Banana exports rose 29.7% YoY and have increased 7X since FY18 — a dramatic shift from grapes, which saw only a 16% increase in the same period.
- Middle East Drives Demand:
- Iraq emerged as the top importer, accounting for 47% of India's banana exports — a 108% YoY increase.
- Other major buyers: Iran, UAE, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar.
- New Market Expansion:
- Uzbekistan doubled its banana imports, becoming India's second-largest banana market in FY25.
- Grape Market Trends:
Despite losing the top spot, grapes still saw solid demand from Europe, with Netherlands, Russia, and the UK together buying 60%+ of India’s grape exports.
- Fruit Export Dominance:
Bananas and grapes now represent 59.2% of India’s total fruit exports — up from 44.4% in FY18.
- Export Value Boom:
India’s overall fruit and nut exports rose by 53%, growing from $806.9 million in FY18 to $1.24 billion in FY25.
- Raisins & Berries on the Rise:
- Raisin exports doubled to $72 million from $37 million.
- Exports of strawberries, cranberries, and raspberries have also risen steadily.
Why It Matters for Logistics & Trade Stakeholders:
- The surge in banana exports signals growing agri-export potential, especially in the perishable logistics sector.
- Cold chain infrastructure, port connectivity, and Middle East trade lanes will play a crucial role in sustaining this momentum.
- With India pushing for enhanced food safety compliance, new export opportunities to the U.S. and Europe may soon open up for fresh produce like bananas, grapes, and pomegranates.
