Yupaa, an Indian importer of fresh fruits and vegetables, is awaiting its first shipment of Spanish apples this week. The company, based in Bombay, has quickly arranged a trial shipment after the signing of the import protocol that will allow the entry of Spanish apples in the Indian market.
The Indian firm explained to Asiafruit that it is looking forward to receiving the cargo, since the same Spanish company had previously supplied them with stonefruit. The shipping time takes an average of 29 days, but they are confident that the product will arrive in the best conditions. If the results are optimal, the Indian firm will continue to establish trade relations for the marketing of Spanish apples in India.
Mr Parth Karvat, company director at Yupaa, told Asiafruit that they are happy to be able to develop the market by introducing European imports. In fact, they conducted some trial imports of Polish apples last season and this campaign they have strengthened this program. He expects the same development for Spanish apples.
Manel Simon, director of the Business Association of Fruit Growers of Catalonia (Afrucat), said earlier this year that the opening of the Indian market has been very positive for Spanish producers, as India has great potential for the consumption of fruit and vegetables and is closer and more accessible than the Chinese market.
Indian apple imports from the EU have increased significantly in recent years. The latest data of ITC Comtrade show that they already reached 18,750 tonnes in 2015, which is 9 percent of the total volume of apples imported by India. Italy is the main supplier (60 percent), followed by Belgium (30 percent) and France (8 percent).
