Bengaluru’s upscale supermarkets are seeing a sharp rise in demand for exotic fruits and vegetables, driven by a cosmopolitan, health-conscious consumer base. From heirloom tomatoes from Spain to blueberries from Peru, imported produce is now a staple in high-end stores like Simpli Namdhari’s, Nature’s Basket, Fresh Fruits, and Foodstories.
According to Simpli Namdhari’s, 35% of its customers seek exotic items. Top-sellers include avocados from Tanzania, kiwis from New Zealand, and Murcott oranges from South Africa. Prices range from ₹200 to ₹600 per kg, depending on seasonality and origin.
Nature’s Basket reports weekly imported produce sales worth ₹15–20 lakh, with demand surging for dragon fruit, sweet potatoes, and celery from Europe and Asia.
Foodstories on Lavelle Road has carved a niche, offering ten tomato varieties, including five heirlooms priced at ₹3,400/kg, and chillies and berries from the Netherlands. Their strict cold-chain sourcing ensures quality, says in-house farmer Abhinav Gangumalla.
Some retailers are blending global with local. Gourmet Garden, while importing fruits like blueberries and kiwis, notes that demand for imported vegetables remains low, with customers preferring Indian greens like soppus and mustard leaves.
Still, nutritionists urge moderation. Dr. Priyanka Singh advises prioritising local produce over imported. “Imported fruits lose nutritional value during transport. Local alternatives often offer similar health benefits, minus the preservatives,” she warns.
While Bengaluru’s palate continues to globalise, the ‘eat local’ ethos remains a sound choice for health, sustainability, and economic resilience.
Read also: