Pioneering fresh produce distributor Yupaa is the first importer to launch the proprietary US apple, Autumn Glory, in India.
The bi-coloured variety, which is exclusively grown and shipped by Washington-state-based grower-shipper Domex Superfresh Growers, is this season being trialed in the market to assess its potential, Yupaa import director Parth Karvat tells Fruitnet.
Yupaa and Domex fully expect Autumn Glory to enjoy broad appeal among Indian consumers, thanks to its sweet and juicy flavour with cinnamon and caramel tasting notes. And both believe the bi-coloured variety’s eating quality will win over Indian consumers who traditionally favour block-red apples.
“We are already hearing great feedback on how much Indian consumers are enjoying Autumn Glory,” says Jeff Webb, Domex sales and marketing.“
“It’s a bi-coloured apple with bright red blush over a yellow background,” adds Domex’s Kailan Elder. “We expect the red colouring of the apple to continue to appeal to the Indian consumer, especially as they taste the flavour and experience its uniqueness.”
Based on this feedback, Yupaa and Domex believe that Indian consumers will be willing to pay a premium for this exclusive variety. They add that campaigns to promote Autumn Glory will be planned once the test phase is complete.
Commenting on the India launch, Karvat says Autumn Glory is the latest new and exciting import initiative pioneered by Yupaa; one that his company is proud to be part of.
“We are glad to associate with Domex, who have developed this unique variety and share the same vision as us, which is to constantly keep trying to add value to customers and consumers by offering something better, new and unique,” he says.
Washington-state production of Autumn Glory, which was first commercially grown in 2011, is set to increase over the next ten years.
The Fuji/Golden Delicious hybrid is also exported to Vietnam, China, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, Cambodia and Indonesia.
