Despite carrying a hefty price tag, the sale of imported fruits and vegetables is impressive than local fruits at department stores in the town.[break]
Srijana Lamichhane, salesperson at Bhat Bhateni Department Store at Bhat Bhateni, said the sale of imported fruits have outsmarted the sale of local fruits despite the price of former going up by about Rs 60 this year. “While local fruits like oranges sell for Rs 50 per kg, imported oranges sell for as much as Rs 300 per kg. Even though, many consumers prefer the imported ones,” Lamichhane added.
Gajendra Neupane, manager of Big Mart at City Centre, echoed Lamichhane. “Both local consumers and foreigners buy imported fruits at our stores. Apart from expatriates and star hotels, Nepali people, who have seen and tasted fruits abroad, are our major consumers,” Neupane said, adding that Nepali consumers are also helping expand the popularity of imported fruits here.
Staffers at department stores in the town have to replenish their shelves almost twice a day, thanks to the increasing consumption of imported fruits. Neupane said they replenish their shelves twice a day.
Department stores import most of the fruit varieties from Thailand, China, Australia, India, Japan and Pakistan, according to Lamichhane.
Thailand supplies Giant Bangkok Guava, Cherries, Red Grapes, Kiwi, Bangkok Litchi also known as Rambhutan and Red Apples, while Fiji Apple comes from Australia. Likewise, Pears come from countries like China. Sweet Melon comes from India, while Japanese Melon is imported from Japan.
“Sometimes mangoes come from Pakistan also,” Lamichhane added.
Besides, vegetables such as cabbage and spinach are mainly imported from China.
Big Mart also showcases fruits coming from places like India, Korea, California, Australia, New Zealand and dry fruits such as Dates from the Arabian countries.
Fruits such as Australian Strawberries sell for Rs 500 per kg, while American Red Apple cost Rs 300 per kg. Kiwis and Plums are priced at Rs 500 kg each, while Black Pears are priced at Rs 620 per kg. Likewise, Bangkok Guava sells for Rs 450 for a two-piece pack and Japanese Melon sell for Rs 650 per kg. Mango Steam from Bangkok sells at as much as Rs 800 per kg.
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