Did you know that the total export value of Indian bananas was 7.4 billion INR ? Due to their superior quality, irresistible sweetness, health benefits, and competitive pricing, Indian bananas are becoming the top choice among health-conscious individuals and food enthusiasts worldwide.
The demand for natural, healthy food surges globally, and Indian bananas are consistently delivering. Thanks to India’s excellent weather conditions, which are suitable for high-quality banana production.
If you’re an exporter and want to export bananas globally, know that the global demand for Indian bananas is high.
India’s Banana Export Landscape—A Brief Overview
Known as Musa acuminata, bananas are often referred to as the "king of fruits." It’s one of the most consumed fruits globally. The health factor of ripe bananas compelled people to consume them. According to a study, ripe bananas have a low GI of 51. On the other hand, partially ripe bananas have a GI of 42.
Due to India’s diverse geographical and climatic conditions, the country is renowned as the "vegetable and fruit basket of the world." On that note, the cultivation of bananas involves over 25,000 farmers. Subsequently, it has led to 50,000 individuals connecting with the supply chain due to the global demand for Indian bananas. Some of the popular varieties are Poovan, Robusta, Red Banana, Nedran, Yelakki, and Malbhog.
Here are some interesting statistics about the recent banana export landscape:
- According to GTD, or Global Trade Data, the international banana market was valued at $13958.38 million. It may reach $14540 million by 2028.
- Banana export data claims that banana exports from India were $176 million in 2022-23.
- Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, and Maharashtra are the lead banana-producing states in India.
- In FY25 , bananas outperformed grapes to become India’s top fruit export. Since FY18, it has expanded sevenfold, indicating consistent demand for fresh banana exports.
- According to Statista , global demand for Indian bananas has jumped from 26 crores to 213 crores.
- According to DD News , India exported bananas worth $300 million in FY 2023-24, which is a leap from $176 million in the same year.
Let’s hear it from BV Patil, president of the Banana Growers’ Association of India. “The low cost of Indian bananas has helped exports extensively. The increased interest from Middle East countries inspired us to push the farmers for continuous production.” According to the Ministry of Commerce, Iraq was one of the major buyers of Indian bananas. This marks a 108% increase from the previous year. Other major buyers are Oman, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia.
Top 10 Export Destinations for Indian Bananas
Fresh banana exports from India continue to grow, making it a profitable venture for exporters. In terms of import value and market demand, we will boil down the top 10 export destinations for Indian bananas.
1. UAE
It’s one of the largest importers of Indian bananas due to its ongoing demand. According to a report , India exported 19,235 shipments by 560 Indian exporters. Primarily, Robusta and Cavendish bananas are exported to the UAE through ports in India.
2. IRAN
Banana exports from India experienced a significant shift in 2025. The main reason is that the other countries are importing from India. Likewise, Iran is one of the second-largest markets for fresh banana exports. Due to changing dietary habits and increased health awareness, Iran is also relying on Indian bananas, similar to the UAE.
3. IRAQ
According to the OEC , India exported $69.2 million worth of bananas in 2023, making it one of the largest exporters of bananas. Indian bananas are affordable, possess high quality, and have a longer shelf life. Due to these reasons, the people from Iraq have a fondness for Indian bananas. The Cavendish variety is one of the popular exports from India due to its flavor, size, and disease resistance.
4. OMAN
The reasons for the demand for this fruit are multiple, including its health benefits and taste preferences. Additionally, locals use this fruit to prepare a variety of scrumptious dishes.
5. SAUDI ARABIA
According to a study , Saudi Arabia imported $5.08 million of bananas from India to meet the growing demand for them as a staple food. As the domestic banana production is limited here, this country largely depends on imported bananas.
6. NEPAL
Due to its strong customer purchasing power and large population, Nepal imports a significant number of bananas from India. Additionally, the well-established infrastructure and the efficient supply chain networks make it an excellent choice for banana exporters.
7. QATAR
This fruit is popular among the Qatar population due to its taste and health benefits. The efficient logistics policy and distribution network ensure a steady supply of fresh bananas to meet consumer demand across Qatar.
8. MALDIVES
There are multiple factors why the Maldives imports bananas from India, including year-round availability, high production, a seamless supply chain, competitive pricing, and long-standing trade relations.
9. KUWAIT
The growing demand for bananas in the Middle East is prompting India to export this royal fruit to Kuwait. India offers a wide range of bananas to Kuwait, including Nendran, Cavendish, and other local types. In 2023 , Kuwait imported $10.3 million of bananas from India. This denotes the ongoing demand for this fruit around Kuwait.
10. UZBEKISTAN
India is actively involved in exporting bananas to Uzbekistan, offering fresh, hygienic, and tasty bananas. These are grown by experts who incorporate eco-friendly fertilizers and follow good agricultural practices.
When it comes to exporting bananas from India to Uzbekistan, the supply chain plays a crucial role. This ensures that the perishable food reaches the final destination. This involves sending the bananas from farm to consumer, including harvesting the seeds, sorting, packaging, and storage.
5 Reasons Why Other Countries Prefer Banana Exports from India in 2025
India is one of the largest banana exporters for several reasons. Here you go-
1. Maximum Strength
When it comes to the largest banana producer, India is one of the names that can’t be understated. Due to fertile soil, tropical climate, and precision farming techniques, India produces a significant number of bananas every year.
2. Varieties
Multiple banana varieties are available to meet the international demand. Some of them are-
- Nendran: Like other fresh Indian fruits, this variety of banana is also in demand in the Middle East due to its rich flavor. To ensure the quality, banana shipping logistics companies comply with HACCP , GAP , and ISO certifications.
- Red Banana: Popular in foreign markets due to its unique taste and health benefits.
- Cavendish: This is one of the most widely exported varieties due to its long shelf life.
3. Competitive Pricing
India exports bananas to certain markets, especially in the Middle East and Asia, due to multiple factors, including low-cost production, government incentives, and favorable trade agreements.
4. Effective Transportation
Fast and cost-effective global shipments facilitate the export of bananas to various countries. To maintain quality during transportation, Indian exporters utilize ethylene ripening chambers, reefer containers, and export-grade packaging to meet international standards.
5. Government Support
The Indian Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) plays a pivotal role in boosting banana exports by:
- Organizing trade fairs and business meetings to connect exporters with buyers.
- Providing monetary support for packaging, cold storage, and logistics to help the exporters increase banana shelf life .
What are some of the challenges in fresh banana exporting from India?
Although the profitability of exporting bananas is high, the challenges are still relevant when it comes to exporting bananas from India:
1. Supply Chain
As the bananas are perishable, they need to be shipped quickly. Multiple factors are affecting the supply chain. This includes delays in transport, adverse weather conditions, and unprofessional handling. This leads to damaged fruit, making it hard to meet the demands of foreign markets.
If you’re an exporter and facing this challenge, Citrus Freight is here to help you! Book a reefer container through the app to ensure the unaffected quality of perishable goods.
2. Non-Compliant International Standards
Every country has its own set of food safety standards. Sometimes, Indian banana exporters fail to comply with the same. As a result, the shipments got rejected even after spending on logistics to send the containers from India.
3. Price Fluctuations
Based on labor cost, weather, and international demand, the cost of bananas fluctuates. For this reason, exporters face difficulties in maintaining steady profit margins. Additionally, the cost of packaging and shipping materials varies, which contributes to the overall cost.
What are the opportunities in the banana export industry?
Despite the challenges, global demand for Indian bananas is on the rise. Here are some opportunities:
1. Expanding New Horizons
The exports of Indian bananas are not limited to countries in the Middle East and Southeast Asia. With new agreements, the opportunity to explore new markets is higher. This creates a new field to play in without much competition.
2. Organic Banana Market
The growing demand for organic bananas can help exporters expand their business footprint. For example, they can offer organic bananas to health-conscious customers who are ready to pay more for organically grown fruit.
3. New Technology
The application of modern technology can enhance the efficiency of fresh banana exports from India. For instance, better supply chain management can reduce the waste and increase the shelf life of bananas.
Future of Banana Export from India
According to a recent report by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, India has witnessed a significant rise in the exports of fresh bananas over the past decade. This growth reflects India's agricultural strength and global opportunities. The banana growers in different states are provided subsidies as incentives to motivate them to cultivate more high-quality bananas. Over the past decade, banana cultivation has increased. Furthermore, advanced farming techniques and superior varieties are continually enhancing quality and yield.
If you’re an exporter, the growing demand for banana exports in India is enriched with high potential. With the right quality assurance, support, and commitment to excellence, you can be a successful banana exporter. For seamless banana shipping, consider Citrus Freight , as they keep things simple for perishable exporters. Chat with one of our consultants to learn how competitive freight rates and leading shipping lines can ensure your cargo stays secure and fresh.