Mahabaleshwar Strawberry

Name: Mahabaleshwar Strawberry
Brand: Mahabaleshwar Strawberry Grow Co-op

Registry facts for Mahabaleshwar Strawberry
GI number	GI-44
Typical price	₹100 - ₹300 per kg
Verified cooperatives	Mahabaleshwar Strawberry Grow Co-op
State	Maharashtra

About Mahabaleshwar Strawberry

Mahabaleshwar Strawberry is the strawberry crop grown on the cool hill plateaus of Mahabaleshwar and Panchgani in Maharashtra. The berries are known for a bright red colour, a fragrant, sweet-tart flavour and a juicy texture. Fresh strawberries are sold at roadside stalls, and the region also produces jams, syrups and ice cream, making them one of the state's best-known hill-station products.

Heritage and place

Strawberries were introduced to the hill stations during the colonial period, and farmers gradually took up the crop, building a large industry in the Sahyadri hills. The cool climate and red soil are well suited to the plant. A GI recognises Mahabaleshwar as the origin of these berries, so fruit grown elsewhere and sold at tourist stalls cannot claim the same identity.

How it is made

Farmers plant runners from certified nurseries in raised beds covered with plastic mulch, which keeps the fruit clean and reduces weeds. Harvest runs through the cooler months, and berries are picked by hand at the right colour, then packed carefully in small trays. Because strawberries are delicate and perishable, growers sell most of the crop quickly, especially to visitors and nearby cities.

Registry record

Mahabaleshwar Strawberry is listed in this catalogue as GI-44, a Geographical Indication tagged product of Maharashtra in the agricultural category. The name is legally protected: only producers within the notified region may sell under it. Confirm the entry in the official GI Journal before relying on it commercially.

◈ How to spot a fake Mahabaleshwar Strawberry

What to check

Choose berries that are fully red, glossy and fragrant, with fresh green caps. Avoid soft, leaking or pale fruit, and check the bottom of the tray for crushed berries. Buy in season, typically from the winter months into early spring, and eat within a day or two. Wash gently just before eating. Buying from growers or reputable stalls in Mahabaleshwar helps ensure the fruit is local.

Conical shape, dark red exterior, deep red pulp with small prominent seeds on the surface; chemically altered berries look oversized but taste sour.

Price to expect

Genuine Mahabaleshwar Strawberry typically sells in the range of ₹100 - ₹300 per kg. Prices far below that range are a common sign of an imitation.

Where to buy

Look for authorised sellers such as Mahabaleshwar Strawberry Grow Co-op, or government emporia and cooperatives in Maharashtra.

Catalogue record

Catalogue record: GI-44 · Maharashtra · reviewed 2026-10-02

Frequently asked questions

What is the GI registration number of Mahabaleshwar Strawberry?

This catalogue lists Mahabaleshwar Strawberry as GI-44. Registration numbers should be confirmed against the official GI Journal before commercial use.

Where is Mahabaleshwar Strawberry made?

Mahabaleshwar Strawberry is produced in Maharashtra, in the agricultural category of this catalogue.

Can Mahabaleshwar Strawberry legally be made outside Maharashtra?

No. GI protection means only producers within the notified region of Maharashtra may legally sell goods under the name “Mahabaleshwar Strawberry”.

What does genuine Mahabaleshwar Strawberry cost?

Genuine Mahabaleshwar Strawberry typically sells in the range of ₹100 - ₹300 per kg. Prices far below this range are a common sign of an imitation.

How can I spot a fake Mahabaleshwar Strawberry?

Conical shape, dark red exterior, deep red pulp with small prominent seeds on the surface; chemically altered berries look oversized but taste sour.

Where should I buy genuine Mahabaleshwar Strawberry?