Leading Indian fruit importer IG International has added a new signature US Washington State apple variety to its diverse offer.
The firm marked the arrival in India of the first-ever container of Stemilt apples packed at Hansen Fruit Company, which was recently acquired by Stemilt Growers, with a cake-cutting ceremony in Navi Mumbai on 4 June.
Aloma Fernandes from container shipping line CMA-CGM; Dhruv Kotak of JM Baxi group; and Adam Branson, senior agricultural attaché to the USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service, were present at the unveiling ceremony.
Commenting on the launch of Stemilt apples, Tarun Arora, director – IG International, said: 'I want to congratulate the Hansen family on this occasion of the arrival of the first container to India. I also would like to thank our partners CMA CGM and JM Baxi for helping us making this first container arrival so memorable.”
The USDA’s Branson added: 'Today's celebration is about the promise and potential of the Indian market for apples from the State of Washington. It is also a tribute to the success of the great partnerships that can be forged between Indian and American businesses like IG, Hansen Fruit, and Stemilt who care about quality, nutrition, food safety, plant health, and who want to support the development of the Indian market.”
IG International said the launch of Stemilt apples will add another feather in its cap.
“With fresh produce procurement spanning 22 countries and handling capacities of over 31 varieties of fruits, IG International has established its mettle in delivering on the diversified tastes of the Indian markets,” a company spokeswoman said.
