New Delhi, Dec. 25 -- India's $8.5-billion dry fruits and nuts market is undergoing a structural transformation, moving away from its traditional dependence on loose and unprocessed trade towards value-added, branded and compliance-driven products.

Rising consumption, driven by changing dietary preferences, higher prosperity and growing health consciousness, has reinforced the need for a robust, compliant and value-driven dry fruits and nuts ecosystem.

"Processing is now emerging as the core growth driver across the dry fruits and nuts ecosystem, reshaping supply chains, retail formats and consumer behavior," said Nitin Sehgal, chief executive officer (CEO) of industry body Nuts and Dry Fruits Council (India).

"Over the last few years,...