KOCHI: Surely, you already know oranges are not the only fruit.
However, if you have a thing for the juicy citrus fruit, this is the season to indulge your cravings. The early stirrings of winter showers had a telling effect on the orange produce across the country.
The markets across the country are flooded with oranges and the story is no different in Kochi.
A veritable smorgasbord of oranges from across the country has made its way to the queen of the Arabian sea. The spillover effect has turned oranges the new dime-a-dozen.
Now, on the price front, the rates have fallen around 50 per cent. Thanks to the excessive harvest in Maharashtra. The demand is huge for oranges from Nagpur and Amaravati on account of their durability and high quality.
“The limitless availability of oranges from different parts of Maharashtra has made the difference,” said Latheef, a vendor at Broadway.
The oranges have been brought in bulk quantities, which in turn slashed the retail price to a great extent. While the apple and grapes set you back at `80 and `50 per kg respectively, you get oranges at `100 per 4 kg in the retail market. However, it’s a whole different ball game in the wholesale front. Oranges cost around `15-18 per kg for bulk purchases.
By the look of things, the price phenomenon is here to stay. At least for a while. The demand for oranges is set to go up, especially when the vendors unanimously testify to the consignment’s high quality.
On the flipside, the sale of orange juice in shops has nosedived. “Though a lot of oranges get spoiled during transportation we are least bothered. We have enough loads landing here every day and the balance sheets are looking up,” said Rasheed, a retail vendor at Kaloor.
People renting out vehicles to sell oranges is a commonplace sight in the city.