Dry fruit prices are rising sharply in India ahead of the festive season, with several varieties becoming more expensive due to supply disruptions, higher freight costs and weaker crop yields. Retail prices of several dry fruits have increased 15–30% year-on-year.
Pistachios have seen one of the steepest increases, with prices rising around 30–40%. Disruptions in supplies from Iran, along with higher container freight rates, have pushed up costs. Almond prices have also increased by around 10–20%.
The price pressure is encouraging consumers and businesses to look for relatively affordable alternatives. Cashew prices have remained largely stable compared with other dry fruits, making them more attractive to retailers and sweet manufacturers.
Traders are increasingly using cashews in products such as kaju katli as consumers become more price-conscious. Whole cashews are currently selling at around ₹900–₹1,000 per kg, while broken cashews are priced at around ₹800–₹900 per kg.
The higher prices could also affect overall festive-season demand. Traders expect dry fruit sales to decline by around 10–15% as consumers cut back or switch to lower-cost options. Importers are also exploring alternative sourcing markets to manage supply risks.
Pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds and makhana are emerging as other alternatives as retailers and consumers adjust to higher dry fruit prices.
