The ongoing West Asian conflict has disrupted India’s dry fruit supply chain, leading to a 10–20 per cent rise in prices of Iranian pistachios, dates etc over the past two months.
Rahul Kamath, Vice President of the Nuts & Dry Fruits Council of India, said that Iran is a key global supplier of these products and due to unrest the availability has dropped by around 30 per cent. However, the impact on India has so far been limited because this is not the peak consumption season. Demand typically rises from June–July ahead of Diwali, and the market is expected to stabilize by then, he said.
India’s pistachio market is estimated at ₹5,000 crore, while the dates market is around ₹3,000 crore. Iranian products remain highly preferred across the country, he said.
Industry sources pointed out that higher price have already led to subdued sales. Import challenges have intensified due to disruptions in Iranian shipping routes and the Afghan trade corridor. Switching to air cargo is possible but increases costs significantly. Some traders are considering sourcing almonds from the US to offset shortages.
Small-scale smuggling
There have also been reports of small-scale smuggling of dry fruits from Iran, but such routes are risky due to strict monitoring in the Strait of Hormuz. Besides, Iran’s export restrictions on dry fruits have contributed to shortages in both Indian and European markets.
J. Rajmohan Pillai, Chairman and Managing Director of Beta Group, which owns the brand NutKing, said the global dry fruits market continues to grow and is expected to reach $11.06 billion by 2026. While demand for premium and healthy snacks remains strong, supply chains are currently under pressure due to geopolitical issues.
In contrast, India’s cashew market remains stable due to the ongoing harvest season, which concludes in May. Wholesale prices are around ₹12,800 per quintal. However, rising freight costs and the possibility of a weaker monsoon could push prices higher for popular grades like W240 and W320 in the coming months.
He also highlighted a shift in consumer behaviour, with quick commerce platforms driving everyday consumption of dry fruits rather than limiting them to festive occasions.
Published on April 28, 2026