Exporters in Uttar Pradesh are finding fresh opportunities in the UAE market as delays in sea freight and concerns over the quality of arriving consignments drive demand for air-freighted Indian green chillies.
Amroha-based Aamiya Farm Fresh has stepped up shipments to the UAE, dispatching around four to five consignments a week from its pack house. The company, which began green chilli exports recently, is routing shipments primarily through Abu Dhabi, where airfreight rates are comparatively lower than Dubai.
The company sources green chillies from Rampur and Bareilly, focusing on three varieties – 6013, 078 and Eagle. The 6013 variety, known for its longer shelf life, is considered particularly suitable for sea transportation.
Traditionally, exporters from Maharashtra and Gujarat have dominated the UAE market through established sea-freight channels. However, the current shipping disruptions are creating opportunities for northern Indian suppliers to expand their market share through air cargo.
Despite strong demand, higher seasonal airfreight rates and limited cargo space remain key challenges, particularly at Delhi and Lucknow airports.
Beyond green chillies, Aamiya Farm Fresh has also expanded its vegetable export portfolio to include okra, bottle gourd and bitter gourd, supplying the UAE through Sharjah. The company is also exploring potato exports from Sambhal through sea freight.
For the remainder of 2026, the exporter aims to increase vegetable shipments, explore additional Asian markets and consider trial sea-freight consignments when transit times and market conditions improve.