India Is Obsessed with Cranberries Right Now And Here’s Why
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From health to heritage, cranberries are becoming embedded in India’s evolving food culture
Once considered a Western staple, cranberries are now starring in everything from fusion biryanis to summer lassis.
From kitchen experiments to wellness routines, cranberries have become India’s new go-to superfruit. Once considered a Western staple, the tiny tart berry is now starring in everything from fusion biryanis to summer lassis.
The Cranberry Craze Is Real
India’s cranberry imports witnessed a substantial surge between FY 2021-22 and FY 2023-24. The country’s overall cranberry imports grew by 52.28%, rising from 2080 metric tons (MT) to 3166 MT during this period. Notably, imports of US cranberries saw an increase of 61.85%, with volumes rising from 1390 MT in FY 2021-22 to 2245 MT in FY 2023-24. This upward trend underscores the growing demand for cranberries in India, with the US emerging as one of the key suppliers. Source: DGCIS, Ministry of Commerce, Govt. of India
Much of this growth has been fueled by strategic market development efforts by US Cranberries Industries. The organization, which spearheads cranberry research and international promotions, is actively engaging with Indian stakeholders across sectors—from foodservice and retail to nutrition and wellness advocacy. Through chef collaborations, trade shows, and influencer partnerships, they are helping reposition cranberries in India from an exotic berry to an everyday superfruit.
Sumit Saran, In-Country Marketing Representative, The Cranberry Institute, remarked, “India is a growth market for US cranberries. We have seen tremendous demand for both dried US cranberries and cranberry juice in India as more Indian consumers are discovering this amazing berry. Dried cranberries are not only being used as an anytime snack but also as an ingredient in various Western and ethnic dishes.”
“US cranberries are easily available both with retail dry fruit sellers and on e-commerce platforms,” Saran added.
Here’s Why Everyone from Chefs to Health Experts Is Stocking Up
1. From UTI Remedy to Superfood Star
For years, cranberries were pigeonholed as a remedy for UTIs due to their anti-adhesion properties. But new clinical insights have broadened their appeal: rich in antioxidants, gut-friendly fibre, and polyphenols that support heart health, cranberries have become a functional food for modern lifestyles. As The Indian Express dubbed it, they’ve gone from niche to “superfruit status.”
2. Cranberries in Indian Kitchens
The beauty of cranberries lies in how well they adapt to desi flavours. Indian home cooks have made them their own with innovative yet familiar twists:
Cranberry Coconut Laddoos – The humble laddoo gets an upgrade with a tart cranberry centre, balancing sweetness with zing. Perfect for festivals or guilt-free snacking.
Cranberry Pulihora (Tamarind Rice) – A tangy twist on a South Indian staple. Dried cranberries replace tamarind to offer a sweet-sour punch that pairs beautifully with mustard seeds and curry leaves.
Cranberry Murabba – Think amla murabba, but with a twist. This preserve adds a pop of colour and antioxidant goodness to your paratha platter.
Cranberry Paneer Tikkis – Paneer patties dotted with cranberries for a juicy surprise with every bite—ideal for evening snacks or appetisers at house parties.
3. Celebrity Chefs Join the Movement
When renowned chefs experiment, people follow. The culinary world took notice when chefs like Manish Mehrotra began showcasing cranberries in signature dishes like Cranberry Bhel Puri. “You get tang, crunch, and colour—it’s the triple threat,” he said. Since then, high-end restaurants have introduced their own cranberry fusion creations, and food festivals now include cranberry tastings on their menus.
4. Social Media Buzz
The #CranberryLife is all over your feed. On Instagram, influencers are making cranberry desserts and cocktails; YouTubers are showing how to meal-prep with cranberry biryani; TikTok has seen the rise of the cranberry ladder challenge (yes, that’s a thing). From nutritionists to home chefs, everyone’s sharing how they use cranberries to eat better and brighter.
5. Health-Conscious Millennials Embrace Cranberries
Label-savvy consumers are reading past “natural flavouring” and going straight for nutrient-dense, functional ingredients. Cranberries deliver: Vitamin C, dietary fibre, manganese, and proanthocyanidins for immune and urinary health. Urban millennials now top up their protein oats, smoothie bowls, and snack jars with dried cranberries, looking for food that works and looks good.
6. Market Growth Reflects Demand
Backed by consumer behaviour and institutional support from organisations like The Cranberry Institute, the numbers paint a clear picture:
The dried cranberry market in India is expected to grow at a 10–15% CAGR between 2025–2032 (Coherent Market Insights). Major brands now sell cranberry-flavoured trail mixes, sweets, biscuits, teas, and even paan.
7. Summer’s Coolest Superfruit
With temperatures soaring, cranberries offer a refreshing reprieve. They hydrate, nourish, and cool the body while adding a tangy kick. Some easy summer picks:
Cranberry Chutney – Fresh and spicy, pairs beautifully with rotis or rice.
Cranberry Lassi – Chill it, blend it, and sip your way through the afternoon.
Cranberry Salad – Mix dried cranberries with moong sprouts, pomegranate, cucumber, and a dash of chaat masala.
From health to heritage, cranberries are becoming embedded in India’s evolving food culture. With institutional push from organisations like The Cranberry Institute, growing imports, and rising awareness, the berry’s future in India looks bold, bright and popping!
Swati Chaturvedi, a seasoned media and journalism aficionado with over 10 years of expertise, is not just a storyteller; she’s a weaver of wit and wisdom in the digital landscape. As a key figure in News18 Engl…Read More
Swati Chaturvedi, a seasoned media and journalism aficionado with over 10 years of expertise, is not just a storyteller; she’s a weaver of wit and wisdom in the digital landscape. As a key figure in News18 Engl… Read More
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