<p>Gujarat has seen a 15-18% increase in the demand for various dry fruits compared to 2023. This rise is driven by the increasing popularity of dry fruits for health benefits, corporate gifting, and a significant demand increase from the hotel, restaurant, catering, namkeen, and ice cream sectors, according to the All India Spices Importers Federation.<br /> Bulk buying by these sectors contributes around 50% of the total dry fruit demand in the state, which was less than 30% pre-Covid, said sources.<br /> Dry fruit demand remains strong during the festive season despite almond prices increasing by 12-15% and cashew prices increasing by 10-12% due to various reasons.<br /> Hiren Gandhi, the secretary of the All India Spices Importers' Federation, said, "Cashews and almonds are used in premium varieties of namkeen and other rich snack mixes. Around 15% to 20% of total cashew usage in Gujarat is attributed to the namkeen industry only, while around 8% to 10% of total almond usage goes to premium namkeen items. Namkeen manufacturers prefer using cashews over almonds due to their distinct flavour and texture in traditional snacks."<br /> He added that the restaurant and catering segment has also seen an increase in dry fruits usage, with cashews and almonds used in various dishes such as gravies (kaju curry), desserts (badam halwa), and garnishes. "Approximately 25% to 30% of total cashew consumption in Gujarat is from restaurants and catering, while for almonds, it is around 10-15%."<br /> Mohanlal Jain, the past president of the Gujarat Cashew Processors' Association (GCPA), said, "We have seen that over the years, the usage of cashew in namkeens, hotels, restaurants, and catering has increased strongly, and according to estimates, it is around 50% of total consumption in the state. Demand for cashew from sweets manufacturers is also high. Institutional demand for cashew has increased from below 30% ahead of Covid to around 50% now."<br /> According to Gandhi, Gujarat's almond consumption is on the rise, with about 40,000 tonnes expected for 2024. Besides, about 55,000 tonnes of cashews are consumed annually in Gujarat. The state consumes 8,000-10,000 tonnes of pistachios, about 4,000 tonnes of walnuts, and 1,200 tonnes of figs annually. All the dry fruit variety prices have increased by around 7% to 15% in the last year, he said.<br /> "This price hike is primarily due to supply constraints from countries like the US and Afghanistan and growing domestic demand. India imports 65% of its almonds from the US, while cashew is imported from Vietnam, Tanzania, and Mozambique. Various countries have seen climate change, and it has affected production. Also, demand has been high, so dry fruit prices have increased," said a leading dry fruit retailer.<br /> Photo Quote:<br /> "Over the years, dry fruit demand has increased in the state, and high usage in catering, namkeen, and sweets is the primary reason. These segments now contribute around 50% of the consumption for some dry fruits."<br /> -Hiren Gandhi, secretary, All India Spices Importers' Federation<br /> </p>