Ladakh apricots head to UAE via LuLu Group; 1,000+ MT targeted this season

Ladakh begins UAE apricot exports under an MoU with LuLu Group, targeting over 1,000 MT this season after a 5 MT first consignment. A GST cut from 12% to 5% aids sourcing and value-added retail products. Region produces 15,789 tonnes (62% of India) across 2,303 hectares, supporting 6,000 farming families.

— Source publishedWed, 15 Jul, 2026, 14:04 IST·First seen Wed, 15 Jul, 2026, 14:30 IST·Source Business Today · Latest

What happened

Lulu Group · Ladakh begins UAE apricot exports via MoU with UAE-based LuLu Group, targeting 1,000+ MT this season. GST on apricots cut from 12% to 5%, aiding

Key facts

  • 5 MT first consignment
  • 1,000+ MT this season
  • GST cut 12% to 5%
  • 6,000 farming families
  • 15,789 tonnes production (62% of India)
  • 1,999 tonnes dried apricots
  • 2,303 hectares

Why this matters

Ladakh's MoU with LuLu Group signals a proven route-to-market template worth replicating with other Himalayan produce categories and additional Gulf retail partners.

What to watch

  • Actual cumulative MT shipped vs 1,000 MT target by season end
  • Rejection/quality-rejection rates at UAE port
  • Farmgate price realization for the 6,000 families
  • Follow-on MoUs with other Gulf retailers or new value-added contracts
  • Air-freight cost trends and any subsidy announcements
  • GST/policy stability on food-agri exports
  • LuLu locks shelf space and private-label branding for Ladakh apricots across UAE stores
  • Cold-chain, grading and pack-house investment near Leh/Kargil to reduce spoilage
  • State/UT push for air-cargo subsidies or dedicated freight corridors
  • Value-added SKU development (dried fruit, kernels, oil) to smooth seasonality
  • Farmer aggregation via FPOs to guarantee volume and quality consistency

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