MEWA India 2025: Driving Growth in India’s Nuts and Dry Fruits Industry
The recently concluded MEWA India 2025 trade exhibition, held from February 11- 14, 2025 at the Jio World Convention Centre in Mumbai, marked a significant milestone for India’s burgeoning nuts and dry fruits sector.
Organized by the Nuts & Dry Fruits Council of India (NDFCI), this second edition of the event brought together industry stakeholders from over 50 countries, including key players from the Middle East, the Americas and Australia. The exhibition served as a dynamic platform for showcasing innovations, discussing market trends and fostering international collaborations.
The NDFCI spearheaded MEWA India 2025 with the vision of unifying India’s fragmented nuts and dry fruits industry. Under the leadership of President Gunjan Jain, the council aims to address industry challenges, streamline operations and capitalize on the growing demand for healthy snack alternatives among Indian consumers. Mr. Jain, who is also the CEO of VKC Nuts Pvt Ltd, emphasized the importance of such initiatives in bridging industry gaps and promoting sustainable growth.
Industry Statistics: A Growing Market
India’s nuts and dry fruits market is on an upward trajectory, driven by increasing health consciousness and changing dietary preferences. The market is projected to grow by 6.55% between 2024 and 2029, reaching a volume of approximately USD 12.73 billion by 2029. This growth is attributed to factors such as rising disposable incomes, urbanization and a shift towards plant-based diets.
Despite being one of the largest producers of dry fruits globally, India also relies on imports to meet domestic demand. The import and export dynamics are influenced by seasonal fluctuations, quality control standards and global market trends. While specific figures for 2024 are not readily available, the overall trade balance in merchandise, which includes agricultural products, was reported at a deficit of USD 8 billion in June 2024.
International Participation: Bridging Continents
MEWA India 2025 witnessed robust participation from international companies and trade associations, particularly from the Middle East, the Americas and Asia Pacific. Over 300 exhibitors from countries such as the USA, Chile, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Australia showcased their products and innovations.
The Middle East, known for its rich variety of nuts and dry fruits, had a strong presence at the exhibition. Companies from Iran, Saudi Arabia and Turkey displayed premium products like pistachios, dates, and apricots. These nations with their favourable climatic conditions, are key suppliers to the Indian market and their participation at the event underscored the importance of bilateral trade relations.
The United States and Chile, prominent players in the global nuts and dry fruits market, also marked their presence. American companies highlighted products such as almonds, walnuts, and pecans, emphasizing quality standards and sustainable farming practices. Chilean exhibitors focused on raisins and prunes, aiming to tap into India’s expanding market.
Australian firms showcased a range of offerings, including macadamia nuts and sultanas. Their participation aimed at strengthening trade ties and exploring opportunities within India’s growing health food segment.
Key Highlights and Discussions
The exhibition featured a series of panel discussions, workshops, and B2B meetings. Topics ranged from sustainable sourcing and supply chain optimization to innovations in product packaging and marketing strategies. Culinary workshops featuring celebrity chefs demonstrated the versatility of nuts and dry fruits in various cuisines, appealing to the diverse palate of Indian consumers.
A significant focus was placed on addressing challenges such as quality control, storage infrastructure, and the impact of climate change on production. Stakeholders deliberated on strategies to enhance domestic production, reduce dependency on imports and boost exports by adhering to international quality standards.
SME Communities interacted with few exhibitors like Aditya Corporation & Thakker Mercantile during the three-day event. “As a first-time exhibitor at MEWA India 2025, we are excited to connect with industry leaders, distributors and international buyers”, said Mr. Prashant Thakkar, Managing Partner at Aditya Corporation. He added, “This has been a fantastic opportunity for us to showcase our premium range of dry fruits and expand our reach in domestic and global markets. We also got the opportunity to meet with few corporate buyers for our offerings in the branded gifting solutions segment.”
Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) play a pivotal role in the Indian nuts and dry fruits industry sector, contributing to production, processing, packaging and distribution. However, despite their immense potential, SMEs in this industry face multiple challenges, including supply chain inefficiencies, financing constraints and regulatory challenges. With the government’s focus on Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) and various initiatives to support MSMEs, the sector is poised for substantial growth.
MEWA India 2025 successfully provided a comprehensive platform for industry players to converge, collaborate and chart the future course of India’s nuts and dry fruits sector. The event not only facilitated business opportunities but also fostered a deeper understanding of global market dynamics. As the industry continues to evolve, such exhibitions play a pivotal role in driving growth, innovation and international cooperation.