With the winter chill having finally descending, the fate of dry fruits appears the same as city dwellers continue to feast upon the traditional winter delicacy despite astronomical prices.
“Despite the hike in prices, the demand of dry fruit remains unaffected, rather I think more people have purchased dry fruits this year, which might be due to colder weather”, said a dry fruit shopkeeper. He said people were both visiting more frequently and purchasing more individually compared to last year. Pakistan Today observed bustling dry fruit shops, with consumers demanding all varieties. “Winters and dry fruits have a great relationship with each other”, said Rashidah Farooqi, a mother of two, “One without the other is incomplete.” She said the intense weather had compelled her to purchase dry fruits twice this season. She said dry fruit were good for her little children in the cold weather. Akbari Mandi, situated near Mochi Gate, is reputed in the trade of pulses and dry fruits. Consumers visiting the market in search of dry fruits showed dissatisfaction over prices but still purchased the winter delicacy. The prices of individual dry fruits have increased by 10% to 50% each. The price of peanuts has increased by 25%, pistachio by 10%, cashew nuts by 45%, pine nuts by 20% and walnuts by 25% this year. Nevertheless, consumption has not dropped.
“Last year the demand was less. This year, with flood-hit areas are recovering, both demand and supply of dry fruit supplies has been up”, said shopkeeper Ashfaq.
“I never thought that pine nuts would be Rs 2,400 per kilo, but if the rate is up then it is up. It’s cold and I’ll have to purchase them,” said Akram, while bargaining with a shop keeper. “It seems dry fruits are just for the elite only”, said Uzma, a mother of two.
Sellers attributed the rise in dry fruit prices to increased petrol prices. “The hike in petrol prices was a major factor in the price increase,” said Shehzad, a shopkeeper. A Pakistan Today survey revealed dry fruit prices this year are: almonds: Rs 800-1200 per kilo, walnuts: Rs. 300 – 400 per kilo, pistachios: Rs 1000-1200 per kilo, peanuts: Rs 200-300 per kilo, cashew nuts: Rs.1000-1600 per kilo, while pine nuts were observed to be ranging from Rs. 2400- 2800 per kilo.
All flock to the dry fruit market
