Koyambedu fruit market witnesses dip in sales

CHENNAI: Even as adequate supply arrived, fruit prices remained stable at the Koyambedu wholesale market and the market reported a drastic dip in sales for Ayudha Pooja this year. Traders stated that only 20 per cent of the public visited the market to purchase and for the third consecutive year the Pooja sales had been dull.

“The pandemic affected the sales during the last two years, and this year, the sales were poor too. Several small companies were closed and usual customers were missing this year. With restrictions lifted, we expected brisk sales and around 250 fruit vehicles arrived. The majority of customers would be from the organisations who distribute it to their employees, but the sales were dull,” said R Ramesh, a wholesale trader at Koyambedu market.

He added that this year the market received fewer customers compared to pre-Covid days. Nowadays, companies have also shifted to distributing gift boxes for all special occasions. Even for weddings, people give away plants and gift materials replacing the fruits.

Earlier, traders at the fruit market made at least Rs 20 lakh profit. This year the business has decreased dramatically and only Rs 5 lakh was earned. However, the market did not witness huge quantities of waste,” market sources said.

“Even though there was no sale, we managed not to waste the fruit except pumpkins and banana plants, which cannot sustain for a long time. Other fruits such as apples can be stored during shortage situations. So, the fruits were sold at a lower price to clear the stock,” said K Udhaykumar, another trader.

At present, apples sold for Rs 800 – Rs 1,000 (10 kg), sweet lime Rs 25 per kg, guava Rs 4,000 (25 kg), pineapple Rs 45 per kg, pomegranate Rs 150 per kg, and grapes for Rs 40 per kg.