Gundruk is a familiar taste in Nepali kitchens, rarely missing from households. Traditionally made by fermenting and drying green leafy vegetables, this food was once considered “wilted or leftover vegetables.” However, in recent times, its market value has risen significantly.
Today, Gundruk is sold with proper labeling and packaging—from small local shops to large departmental stores like Bhat-Bhateni and Big Mart—linking its traditional identity with economic opportunity. Not only is it a popular gift item for Nepalis living abroad, but it is also increasingly featured in star hotels, restaurants, and even fairs and festivals as a specialty dish.
Market Price and Consumer Interest in Gundruk
Gundruk, the dried and fermented form of traditional leafy greens from the hilly regions, is now establishing its identity as an opportunity for income and business rather than just a cultural tradition. The significant increase in both its price and sales in recent years has excited farmers and small business owners. Due to growing awareness about health and nutrition, especially because it is nutritious and can be stored for long periods, there is a high demand from Nepali consumers both in Nepal and abroad.
In markets like Kalimati, New Baneshwar, and Pokhara, Gundruk sells for between NPR 300 and NPR 1,250 per kilogram. Branded and packaged Gundruk is available in large departmental stores, supermarkets, and online platforms, while its sales are also increasing in small shops and fairs.
Note: Market prices can change according to time and place. The data and analysis presented here are based on various sources and provide a foundation for business decisions. Please make your own investment decisions.
Prices Received by Farmers and Businesses (Per Kg.)
Key Messages:
Health and Nutrition: The protein, vitamins, and benefits derived from fermentation in Gundruk are continuously increasing demand among health-conscious consumers.
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Direct Sales and Export Opportunities: Small farmers and entrepreneurs can bring their own products to market, reducing transportation hassles. With 90% of Gundruk being exported abroad, the international market opportunity is strong.
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Production Revival: Gundruk, which was traditionally only for household use, is now transforming into commercial production, showing the potential to increase the income of small farmers.
Gundruk Production Analysis – District Case Studies
In recent years, with the growth of awareness regarding health and nutrition, its demand has increased significantly in both domestic and international markets. Gundruk, which has become a preferred gift choice for the Nepali diaspora abroad, has now also secured a place on the menus of star hotels and restaurants.
One kg of Gundruk requires 20-22 (In Kaski) KGs of raw materials (Saag in this context), which costs NRS 20-40 per kg. The labor along with other costs equal to NRS 700 per kg, which can be sold within 800-1200 with a net profit of 100-500 per kg.
In the Nepali market, the price of gundruk ranges from NPR 600 to NPR 1,250 per kilogram. For export, the price of branded gundruk reaches up to NPR 1,000 to NPR 2,000 per kilogram.
District / Area | Per Kg Raw Material Required | Per KG Raw Material Cost | Production Cost (NPR/kg) | Selling Price (NPR/kg) | Net Profit (NPR/kg) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Kaski | 20–22 | 30–40 | 700 | 800–1,200 | 100–500 |
Lalitpur | 18–20 | 35–45 | 650 | 700–1,200 | 50–550 |
Morang | 16–17 | 35–40 | 700 | 1,000–2,000 | 300–1,300 |
Ilam | 16–17 | 35–40 | 700 | 1,000 | 300 |
Hetauda | 16–17 | 35–40 | 700 | 1,000 | 300 |
Kathmandu | 20–22 | 25–35 | 250 | 300–400 | 50–150 |
Source: The Rising Nepal 22/08/2025; Setopati 27/12/2023; PaschmNepal 4/11/2025; Himalaya Times 18/1/2024; PradeshKhabar 21/2/2026; AllStocksInfo 9/11/2025; ekantipur 8/4/2024; onlinekhabar 26/4/2025
Calculation Transparency
Based on this table, the ROI stands at:
- Kaski (Low Scenario): (800-700)/700 = 14.3%
- Kaski (High Scenario): (1,200-700)/700 = 71.4%
It means for every NPR 100 invested, you earn about NPR 14.3-71.4 as profit.
Business Insight:
In Morang and Ilam, branding and export-focused production offer the potential for high profits.
In Kaski and Kathmandu, local retail markets provide moderate profits.
The quantity and cost of raw materials play a decisive role in production planning and pricing.
Market Access and Consumer Demand: From Village to Abroad
Gundruk, which was
once imagined never to leave the home kitchen, has today established its
presence from major departmental stores in the country to international
markets. Previously known as “fermented leftover vegetables,” Gundruk is now
becoming a reliable source of income for everyone, from farmers to large
entrepreneurs, through branding, packaging, and export. Its market availability
and consumer demand have taken Gundruk on a journey from traditional food
culture to commercial production.
There is high demand for Gundruk in party palaces, star hotels, and Thakali hotels and restaurants.
Bhagwan Chandra Upreti - Trader - Cited in The Rising Nepal 22/08/2025
Currently, two
factories are operating in Rang Rural Municipality, producing 1,500 kg of
gundruk annually. Two more factories are under construction, after which
the annual production capacity is expected to reach 5,000 kg. The
gundruk produced here is being exported to Canada, the USA, and Australia.
One kilogram of gundruk sells wholesale for NPR 1,000.
Similarly, in
Kanepokhari Rural Municipality of Morang, a gundruk industry has also been
established.
We have already set up a packaging industry. Demand for Gundruk is very high, but without a dryer machine, we have not been able to increase production.
Gundruk Business: Associated Risks
Although the Gundruk market and its potential appear attractive, this business is not free from challenges and risks. Being an agriculture-based product, it depends on the weather and the availability of raw materials. Additionally, to succeed commercially, it is necessary to balance quality control, technical infrastructure, and market competition.
Raw Material Supply Risk: Producing 1 kg of Gundruk requires 16–17 kg of raw leafy greens. Since green leafy production depends on weather, seeds, and fertilizers, disruptions in the supply chain may occur. In Kanepokhari, delays in seed distribution affected production.
Infrastructure Risk: For commercial production, a dryer machine (solar/electric) is essential. In Kanepokhari, the cooperative lacked a dryer, which limited production capacity. Importing such machines may cause delays in procurement.
Quality and Certification Risk: For large markets and exports, food technology certification (license) is mandatory. This process takes time, and if the pH level of 3.5–4.2 is not maintained, the product may be rejected. Entrepreneurs in Hetauda received their license only after four months.
Market Price and Competition Risk: In Kalimati, the price of gundruk is only NPR 300–400, while branded gundruk sells for NPR 800–1,250. To compete with cheaper domestic gundruk, continuous investment in quality and branding is required.
Consumer Preference Change Risk: Demand for gundruk has been declining in Darjeeling, India. This indicates the long-term risk that changes in consumer tastes and preferences could impact the market.
Final Conclusion: Is There a Future in the Gundruk Business?
The growing market for gundruk has created opportunities for everyone. However, to translate this opportunity into reality, different strategies are required according to each stakeholder’s role.
If You Are A Farmer,
Go for Contract Farming: Make agreements to supply leafy greens to different entrepreneurs. This helps ensure a guaranteed market for your produce.
Set Prices According to the Season: During the peak season, the price ranges from NPR 25–30 per kg, while in the off-season it can reach up to NPR 40 per kg. Plan your production accordingly.
Focus on Quality: The example of Rong Rural Municipality shows that high-quality leafy greens produce better Gundruk, which in turn fetches better prices.
If You Are An Entrepreneur,
Diversify for the Local Market: Offer Gundruk in small packets (100g, 200g) made from mustard greens, radish leaves, and other leafy vegetables. A mart operator in New Baneshwor sells 10–15 kg per month in this way.
Branding and Certification for Large Markets: To enter stores like Bhatbhateni and Bigmart, food technology certification (license) and attractive packaging are mandatory. Acharya’s “Harilo Brand” in Pokhara is an example of this.
Quality and Packaging for Export: For exports, use vacuum packaging and maintain the product’s pH level between 3.5 and 4.2. Many entrepreneurs export 60 percent of their production using this approach.
If You Are in Local Government,
Invest in Infrastructure: Look at the example of Kanepokhari Rural Municipality. Production has been limited due to the lack of a dryer machine. Support cooperatives and entrepreneurs in purchasing such equipment.
Promote Collective Branding: Rong Rural Municipality in Ilam established the “Rong Gundruk” brand and expanded it to international markets. Such initiatives help build a distinct identity for local products.
Provide Technical Support and Training: Like Hetauda Sub-Metropolitan City, provide training to entrepreneurs and assist them in obtaining food technology certification. This helps open pathways for market expansion.
The market for gundruk has now risen far beyond the local kitchen. Whether it is a gift sent abroad, retail trade in urban markets, or international export, each sector has its own specific demands and standards. To succeed, it is essential to adopt strategies aligned with your target market, focus on quality, and obtain the necessary certifications. By also utilizing the support provided by local governments and various projects, gundruk can make a significant contribution to promoting Nepali agricultural products in the global market.