| Product Code: ETC382104 | Publication Date: Aug 2022 | Updated Date: Nov 2025 | Product Type: Market Research Report | |
| Publisher: 6Wresearch | Author: Ravi Bhandari | No. of Pages: 75 | No. of Figures: 35 | No. of Tables: 20 |
India`s fresh food import market in 2024 saw significant contributions from Iran, Turkey, Afghanistan, USA, and South Africa. The market displayed low concentration with a Herfindahl-Hirschman Index (HHI) remaining at a low level. The Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) from 2020 to 2024 stood at an impressive 20.01%, indicating a robust expansion in the sector. Moreover, the growth rate from 2023 to 2024 was recorded at 15.04%, showcasing a continued upward trend in fresh food imports to India. This data suggests a promising outlook for the market in the coming years.

The India fresh food market size was valued at around USD 220 billion and is projected to reach around USD 350 billion, registering a CAGR of 8% over the forecast period. The key factors driving the growth include increasing urbanization coupled with changing lifestyle trends among consumers towards healthier eating habits, flourishing convenience store format industry, growing disposable income among middle-class population segments across India, etc. Additionally, various product innovations coupled with investments made by leading players into expanding their production capacities will further propel the industry?s expansion over the next five years time span.
The fresh food market in India is witnessing significant growth, primarily driven by various factors. The increasing health consciousness among consumers and the rising awareness of the nutritional benefits of fresh produce have led to a surge in demand for fruits, vegetables, and other fresh food products. Additionally, the growth of organized retail and the expansion of online grocery platforms have made fresh food more accessible to consumers, further contributing to the market`s expansion. Moreover, the growing preference for organic and locally sourced fresh food products has emerged as a prominent driver of market growth.
The fresh food market in India faces hurdles related to maintaining quality and safety standards. Due to inadequate cold storage and transportation infrastructure, perishable goods often suffer from spoilage before they reach consumers. This leads to financial losses for farmers and suppliers and reduces the availability of fresh and nutritious produce to consumers.
The fresh food market in India witnessed mixed impacts during the COVID-19 pandemic. While there was a surge in demand for fresh produce, such as fruits and vegetables, as consumers prioritized healthier eating and sought to boost their immunity, logistical challenges and labor shortages posed significant obstacles. Farmers faced difficulties in transporting their produce to markets, leading to some perishables going to waste. Overall, the fresh food market experienced both opportunities and challenges amid the pandemic.
In the fresh food market, key players include ITC Limited, Adani Wilmar, FieldFresh Foods Private Limited, McCain Foods India Pvt. Ltd., and Dole India Private Ltd. These companies specialize in offering a wide array of fresh fruits, vegetables, dairy products, and other perishable food items to meet the burgeoning demand for fresh, healthy produce.