IG International, India’s largest fresh fruit importer, will be importing fresh lemons from Argentina since the access to import has been granted. These lemons are exported by San Miguel, Argentina’s biggest growers and exporters of lemons.
IG International will be importing around 500 MT (2020) for consumption majorly in Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore among other cities. Eureka lemons are large, averaging 5 centimeters in diameter, with an oblong shape. They have a vibrant yellow skin with sunken oil glands, resulting in a textured surface. The rind is full of volatile oils, providing an intense citrus aroma. Eureka lemons have a pronounced blossom-end knob, called a mammilla, and a medium-thick white pith. The juicy, yellow flesh contains few to no seeds and offers a tart and acidic flavor.
“India is a grower of limes and this variety of lemon is currently not grown in India. The Indian consumer has become very diverse and wants to try anything new. IG International represented almost 86% of the total imported lemon market in India. Though the volume is really small we are really keen to work on lemons to grow this category in India for the future,” said Mr. Tarun Arora, Director- IG International Pvt. Ltd.
“We have complete confidence in the quality of lemons imported from Argentina and are positive that we can increase the quantity of lemons imported to India from the current 100MT to around 2000MT in the next 3-5 years,” Mr. Arora added.
Lemons are known to lower the risk of heart disease and cancer, according to some studies. In today’s time, people consume lemon due to its content of Vitamin C which helps in improving digestion, weight loss, skin quality, burns among others.
“We were very happy to learn that a company with the credentials of I.G. International has chosen the Argentine lemons. I would like to congratulate I.G. International for this first shipment and look forward to seeing the Argentine lemons in the best Indian supermarkets.,” said Guillermo E. Devoto, Consul General, Argentina.
IG International imports 31 global varieties of fruits to India from across 22 countries. It uses its outstanding Pan-India distribution network to cater to multiple cities including Mumbai, Bangalore, Delhi, Ahmedabad, Chennai, Pune, Ludhiana, Jalandhar, Hyderabad, Lucknow, Kolkata, Cochin, Patna, and Nagpur. The company also has global offices in Belgium, the Czech Republic, Hong Kong, China, and the US.
