Indian consumers will soon be able to buy imported apples from Germany. IG International, a fruit importing firm, is importing a new origin apple called ‘Jonagold’ from Veos, a German company
Tarun Arora, Director, Finance and Operations, IG International Pvt. Ltd. told BusinessLine: “Apples from Germany were not allowed to be imported in India till now. The protocols are discussed between the countries and it takes a minimum of two years to apply and execute the same. Both the Indian and German embassies worked towards granting this.”
The company will be importing 1,000 tons from Germany initially. Jonagold is similar to ‘Red Delicious’, imported from the US and Italy, and the most common variety among imported apples. While the variety remains the same, Jonagold signifies a change in origin. The first arrival of the shipments will be in five weeks’ time and the apples will be priced at ₹135 (€1.71) per kg, similar to that of other origins.
The other popular varieties of apples the company imports include Royal Gala from the US, Italy, New Zealand and Chile, as well as Granny Smith from the US and Italy.
IG International Ltd’s portfolio comprises of 65 per cent apples, which is around 57,000 tons of apple imports out of the total of 80,000 tons of fruit imports. After apples come kiwi, pear and citrus, which contribute 25,000 to 30,000 tons of total input volume. Apples have been witnessing organic growth of 10-15 per cent year after year for the company, said Arora.
