Bengaluru's Tender Coconut Prices Surge Early Amid Rising Temperatures
Even before summer has officially begun, Bengaluru's beloved natural coolant, tender coconut, is already becoming more expensive. Prices have started to climb across the city, with vendors attributing the increase to rising temperatures. Retailers warn that if this trend continues, prices could reach Rs 70 per piece during the peak summer months.
Current Pricing and Market Dynamics
As of Tuesday, larger tender coconuts were selling at Rs 60 each, while smaller ones were priced between Rs 25 and Rs 30. The wholesale prices at the Maddur Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC) market in Mandya district, considered one of India's largest tender coconut markets, ranged from Rs 30 to Rs 35. Bengaluru vendors source most of their stocks from Maddur, making this a key indicator of local price trends.
Despite peak summer demand not yet in full swing, vendors report that sweltering afternoons are already driving brisk sales. Interestingly, arrivals at Maddur have surpassed last year's supply due to good rainfall in 2025. Maddur APMC secretary Satish noted that daily arrivals range from 2 to 5 lakh coconuts, sometimes touching six lakh on busy days.
Wholesale Trends and Regional Distribution
Satish explained, "The current wholesale price has touched Rs 35 per nut. Considering demand from Karnataka and other states, it may cross Rs 40–45 soon. Top-quality coconuts are sent to markets like Delhi, Chandigarh, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal, while the second-grade and leftover stocks are sold locally." Traders added that second-grade coconuts, bought at Rs 20–30 wholesale, are retailed in Bengaluru for Rs 50–60. Smaller leftovers, purchased at Rs 8–10, are sold in the city for Rs 25–30.
Vendor Insights and Consumer Preferences
Giri J, a vendor near Banashankari, shared, "We are selling the large ones at Rs 60 and the small ones at Rs 25–30. Prices may touch Rs 70, but customers hesitate at that rate. Some coconuts disappoint with less water and more copra, so many prefer smaller ones." This highlights consumer concerns about quality and value as prices rise.
Market Statistics and Supply Chain
The market dynamics reveal significant trade volumes:
- Coconuts traded at Maddur market: 9.3 crore in 2024-25 and 9.5 crore in 2025-26 (till February).
- Coconuts sent to north India: 80-90 truckloads (10-14 wheelers) daily.
- Coconuts sent to Bengaluru: 40-50 truckloads (smaller trucks) daily.
- Coconuts sold in Bengaluru: 4-5 lakh daily, with small coconuts accounting for 1-2 lakh.
- Farmgate price: Rs 25-35.
These figures underscore the scale of the tender coconut market and its impact on local pricing in Bengaluru.
