Japan will begin exporting apples to India for the first time and on a trial basis. The latter nation is one of the world's largest consumers of the fruit. Initially, Japan will make 10 shipments. The deliveries will begin as early as later this month. The country received approval for trial exports from the Indian government earlier this month. Permission was granted after 10 years of negotiations.
Japan can launch full-fledged exports if India confirms that Japanese apples are free of diseases, pests, and other problems. Japanese apple growers are trying to boost exports, as domestic consumption is not increasing. Among the growers are those in the northern prefecture of Aomori.
The biggest importers of Japanese apples now are Taiwan and Hong Kong. Market analysts see India as one of the most promising markets, as it has a population of 1.3 billion.
