Diwali 2026: Pistachio And Date Prices Double, Making Festive Gifting Costlier In Mumbai
Mumbai, October 22: Diwali gifting is getting more expensive this year, with pistachio and date prices doubling and several other dry fruits becoming costlier by up to 35% compared with last year. Rising import costs, supply disruptions and higher transportation expenses are prompting corporate companies to reduce gift basket quantities and consider seeds as more affordable alternatives.…
Mumbai, October 22 - Diwali gifting is becoming more expensive due to doubled prices of pistachios and dates, along with other dry fruits increasing by up to 35% compared to last year. Factors such as rising import costs, supply disruptions, and higher transportation expenses are driving these price hikes. Corporate companies are responding by reducing gift basket quantities and exploring cheaper alternatives like seeds.
The cost of pistachios has jumped from Rs 900 to Rs 1,800 per kg, and dates have risen from Rs 250 to Rs 500 per kg. Other dry fruits like almonds, cashews, walnuts, and figs have also seen price increases. Shankar Thakkar, national secretary of the Confederation of All India Traders, attributes the price rise to geopolitical tensions, supply disruptions, higher freight charges, and a weakening rupee.
Corporate buyers are opting for healthier and more affordable seeds as gifting items, with demand for seeds up by around 30% compared to last year. Despite the price surge, traders expect Diwali sales to remain similar to last year, although higher costs and market competition may squeeze profit margins.
Written by urgent.news from Free Press Journal's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
