Cold weather drives up dry fruits demand

Express Tribune

27-01-2025

ISLAMABAD:
The demand for dry fruits has surged in the federal capital as the winter season continues to become cooler with each passing day.
Some people use dry fruits in dishes specially prepared in the winter season, like 'Gajar ka Halwa' (a sweet dish made of carrots), sohan halwa (a sweet made with all-purpose flour, milk and dry fruits) etc.
Bakeries and sweet shops also incorporate dry fruits in sweets to make them tasty and healthy.
Regardless of price, the demand for dry fruits was at its peak as a rush of customers was spotted at several dry fruit shops.
A dry fruit seller, Pervaiz Khan, said, "The demand for dry fruit is at its peak" because people love to eat them in winter, and it also reduces the effect of cold air on the body. He also said that as compared to last year, the prices of most items have increased due to an increase in the prices of services used for the cultivation of dry fruit and also to reach the end users, like transport, labour, etc.
On inquiry of prices, the shopkeeper said that prices of dry fruits vary depending on quality and origin. As almonds range from Rs4,800 to Rs5,600 per kg, while walnuts cost Rs1400-1,800 per kg, Khan said adding that cashews, figs, and pine nuts are priced at roundabout Rs3,600, Rs4,000, and Rs14,000 per kg, respectively.
He specifically called peanuts the most affordable and best-selling product whose prices depend on the type of area where they were produced.
He said peanuts were produced in mainly three regions of the country including Parachinar, Chakwal, and Gujjar Khan, with prices of Rs1200, Rs720, and Rs640 per kg, respectively.
A customer, Muhammad Ahmed, said that winter was the best season to consume these dry fruits as they gave enough energy and also reduced the effect of the cold weather.
A female customer said, "I want to purchase these dry fruits so that I can use them in deserts, taste and health perspective.
The sale of sweets in which these dry fruits were used was also enhanced due to the effect of the season.
The online sale of dry fruits has also seen a boost, with e-commerce platforms offering competitive prices. However, some online sellers face challenges with cancelled orders and increased costs.
An online store owner said, "Online selling of dry fruits is very appealing during winter." Adding, "We offer very affordable and competitive prices."
"Most customers order online but when goods reach the addresses people usually cancel the order which raises the cost of the goods," the owner added.
The supply of dry fruits involves sourcing from various regions, including Gilgit-Baltistan, Balochistan, and Punjab. Suppliers have reported increased costs due to transportation and farming expenses reason behind the rise in the prices of dry fruit.
Supplier of dry fruit from Gilgit Baltistan, Wazir Hashmat told APP that he supplied dry fruit items from all parts of the country and sent them to Lahore, where the main market of dry fruits exists.
He also said that prices of dry fruit items increased at farmers' end while other costs associated with transportation also enhanced its value.