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There has been a significant increase in the demand for fresh and premium quality vegetables all across the globe. And one particular product that has become almost everybody's favorite, specially of the health aficionados is Indian drumstick, which is also commonly known as moringa pods. India is one of the largest producers and suppliers of drumsticks and the country has been exporting tons of fresh and processed drumsticks and its related products every year. For countries like the UAE where there is a strong Indian, Pakistani and African diaspora, the demand for fresh drumsticks is seeing a consistent rise.

The global population has an increased awareness about good eating and living. The popularity of moringa based products is therefore seeing the rise because there are multiple health benefits associated with it.

As drumstick export from India continues to grow rapidly, it offers huge opportunity for exporters and importers alike. Let's have a detailed look at the current market demand situation, export potential, prices and understand. Let's understand why the UAE remains one of the strongest markets for Indian drumstick suppliers.

Accelerating market demand for drumsticks in the UAE

When you have to think of one of the top importers of fresh fruits and vegetables, especially those that are used in Indian and South Asian cuisines, the UAE is one of the top names. Drumstick is a staple ingredient in sambar, soups, curries and traditional wellness drinks. As there are a large population of Indian and South Asian expatriates in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, the demand for high quality drumsticks is continuous. But beyond the traditional use, there is also an uprise in its demand because of the following factors -

Moringa is seen as a superfood

Moringa, as mentioned the common name for drumstick tree, is globally known for its nutritional as well as medicinal benefits. It has vitamin A, Vit C, iron and is filled with antioxidants. UAE's health conscious consumers and wellness brands are increasingly preferring the moringa pods, powder and leaves.

Growing food service and HORECA sector

Cloud kitchens, hotels, restaurants and catering companies in the UAE regularly need imported fresh drumsticks from India because they always provide a consistent, high quality product and it is important to have the right availability in these chains.

Year-round consumption

Unlike seasonal fruits, drumstick is a stable food throughout the year so Indian exporters can benefit from the steady demand and long term contracts.

India - the leading name in drumstick export market

India has the largest moringa cultivation area in the world; particularly when you look around Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. This makes India one of the most reliable supplier for fresh drumsticks globally and continuously. The reason drumstick export from India is getting popular internationally is because of the following reasons -

• There is an abundance of production capacity
• There are high quality varieties such as PKM 1, PKM 2.
• The pricing is competitive as compared to the other countries who are exporting it.
• Advanced packaging solutions available for the cold chain logistics
• There is a strong trade relationship with UAE importers.

Given all these strengths, the UAE importers prefer sourcing drumsticks from India over the other countries who expose them, like Egypt, Pakistan or Philippines.

Price trends for drumstick export from India

There are several factors that decide the price of drumsticks for export, such as the size, quality, season and packaging standards in world. On average -

• FOB India price: USD 350 – 700 per tonne
• CIF UAE price: Slightly higher due to freight and handling
• Peak demand season: November to April
• Lower price availability: May to September

Exporters who maintain consistent quality grading and proper packaging can get higher margins and also secure long-term contracts. The prices also vary depending on -

• the freshness and shelf life of the drumsticks,
• pod sizes which are preferred between 45 to 60cm,
• cold storage and temperature control
• volume of the bulk orders.

Indian exporters offer premium quality, pesticide free and organic certified drumsticks and therefore the UAE market not just sticks to our country for the import, but it is the quality that also makes the difference.

Opportunities in the UAE market for drumstick exporters

Rising demand for the organic vegetables is seen not just UAE, but all across the globe. There is an increasing shift in the organic produce. The exporters need to offer organic vegetables for them to have a strong international vegetable market. Exporters offering organic drumsticks can tap into premium retail chains as well as into various health stores.

Expansion of processed moringa products

Apart from the fresh drumsticks, the demand for moringa in various other forms are also seen such as in powder, tea leaves, capsules etc. This means that there are multiple revenue options and streams available for Indian exporters.

Strong trade infrastructure between India and UAE

There can be multiple weekly shipments with low freight time and excellent logistics that make the UAE one of the easiest and strongest markets for vegetable exporters.

Opportunities to supply at supermarket and hypermarkets

There are multiple retail chains such as -

• Lulu Hypermarket
• Carrefour
• West Zone
• Nesto
• Safeer

who regularly look for Indian drumsticks. The exporters with the right certification can get direct supply contracts for them.

Long-term B2B partnerships

UAE importers prefer suppliers who can provide consistent quality, good pod size, proper packaging and excellent cold chain management. This allows Indian exporters to build a stable and long term business relationship.

Why choose Harvest Food EXIM for drumstick export?

When you have to look for one of India's most trusted suppliers of premium quality fresh vegetables, including drumsticks, Harvest Food EXIM is one of the most popular names. There is a strong sourcing network that offers advanced grading systems and has export standard packaging to ensure that there are premium and farm-fresh drumsticks delivered to the UAE market.

The commitment to quality and punctual delivery makes us the most preferred exporter for the UAE wholesaler market, retailers as well as for supermarkets.