India's coir substrate market remains stable with buyers prioritizing supply reliability over short-term pricing, says Tharun Kumar of M2Balu Export, an integrated manufacturer of coir-based substrates. "Demand continues across export-oriented segments, but this period is more about operational preparedness and long-term positioning than volume-driven growth for us."
Tharun highlights moderate improvements in husk availability late 2025, owing to better weather stability in southern India which aids in collection and drying. "For integrated manufacturers like M2Balu Export, structured raw material yards and aging processes absorb seasonal fluctuations without impacting production," he explains.
© Alysha Fernandes | HortiDaily.com
According to Tharun, a significant share of demand comes from greenhouse vegetables, berries, nurseries, and hydroponics. "Beyond crop expansion, buyers prioritize technical performance in terms of uniform EC across batches, stable moisture retention, sand or impurity control, and predictable expansion ratios. This focus reflects a maturing market where substrate behavior directly impacts yield consistency," he notes.
Prices softened earlier in the year but are stabilizing now, Tharun mentions. "Export-grade 5kg block prices dropped from 25-30% from peak December levels before stabilizing recently. This looks like a market adjustment rather than structural weakness, with buyers now valuing consistency and reliability." He adds, "Adoption continues to rise in India for berries like blueberries, raspberries, strawberries; tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers; leafy greens, herbs, nurseries, ornamentals, forestry, and avocados.
© M2Balu Export
"M2Balu Export is currently investing in structural readiness and the timing could not be better as EU-India trade talks align. Recent moves include solar power integration for sustainability, a 120,000 sq ft polycarbonate drying shed with mechanical systems for monsoon consistency, and process upgrades targeting near-zero sand and tighter quality specs," Tharun highlights, underscoring the importance of consistency and transparency that helped in developing long-term partnerships with distributors and substrate blenders across Europe, the Middle East, Latin America, and Asia, including markets such as Spain, the Netherlands, Peru, China, and the UAE.
Tharun sees opportunities for prepared exporters as European buyers evaluate compliance over price. "Today's buyers are a lot more selective, favoring integrated production, batch traceability, seasonal reliability, and quality documentation. Trade agreements encourage early system investments in quality control, documentation, and sustainability."
Looking ahead, the next 4 to 8 weeks look stable, with demand holding across markets and renewed Asian interest as post-holiday buying resumes. "Our approach is to scale responsibly through quality discipline and relationships, not short-term volume," Tharun concludes.
For more information:
Tharun Kumar
M2Balu Export
Tel: +91 90 92 429 900
Email: [email protected]
www.m2baluexport.com
