Hyderabad: Imported fruits are making it to the Dawaat-e-Iftar in the city for it has become a status symbol at high profile functions in the city. These fruits are costlier than the regular varieties available locally and are known for their quality and taste. Apples, berries, kiwis, oranges, dragon fruits, avocados, dates, guavas and cherries are imported from various countries by the fruit merchants here and supplied to the Iftar parties.
“Select people place orders with us for huge quantities as the imported fruits are costly. Generally, people buy the exotic variety in small quantities for personal consumption or to gift someone,” said M. A Khadeer of New Golden Fruit Agency.
Apples are imported from China, Australia, America, Italy, France, Greece, Iran and other countries. Oranges come from Egypt and dragon fruits from Thailand. The traders import peaches, kiwi and grapes from Iran.
These fruits are mostly imported during off-season, packed and stored to increase their shelf life. Mohammed Qamar, a fruit importer said apples are imported in huge quantities owing to its demand. "Local apple is available only in the winter season. So apples from foreign countries are imported in huge quantities to cater to the local demand", he said.
