Nepal has imported dry fruits worth Rs 1.37 billion in the last three months of the 2024/25 fiscal year, coinciding with the Tihar festival, known for its high consumption of these products. This year’s imports are about Rs 90 million more than the Rs 1.27 billion imported during the same period last fiscal year.
The majority of dry fruits consumed in Nepal are imported, with seasonal fluctuations impacting trade volumes. As the Tihar festival approaches, traders are stocking up on essential items for celebrations.
Following Dashain, the festive spirit of Tihar takes hold in Nepal, with traders noting a surge in sales of daily consumables. Popular items during this time include flowers for garlands, food gifts, new clothing, and precious metals. Among these, packaged dry fruits, often referred to as ‘bhai masala,’ are the most sought-after.
Notably, walnuts, almonds, pistachios, dried figs, cashews, and raisins are among the top imported dry fruits, typically included in the ‘bhai masala’ package. According to the Department of Customs, Nepal imported 8.4 million kilograms of these dry fruits from mid-July to mid-October.
Import data reveals that during this period, walnuts accounted for approximately Rs 376.5 million, coconuts Rs 316.4 million, almonds Rs 190 million, betel nuts Rs 121.8 million, cashews Rs 119.2 million, and raisins Rs 90 million.
Additionally, the statistics show imports of fresh-shelled cashews worth Rs 19.8 million, apricots worth Rs 15.4 million, and dry figs worth Rs 13.9 million. Nepal also imported various dried fruits, including dates, different types of walnuts, and dried oranges and apples.
Interestingly, even oranges, which are largely produced domestically, are also dried and imported. In the past three months, imports included dates valued at Rs 11.9 million and dried and fresh oranges worth Rs 194 million.
