Governor Terry McAuliffe announced new export sales of Virginia apples by Crown Orchard Company to an Indian importer during his trade and marketing mission to the Middle East and India.
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The deal is a significant development that strengthens Virginia’s partnership with one of the world’s largest economies and population bases.
The Governor met with IG International, an Indian produce importer and distribution company, while in Mumbai and witnessed the company's signing of a Memorandum of Agreement to purchase apples from Crown Orchard Company of Covesville.
In addition, First Lady Dorothy McAuliffe visited several Mumbai fruit and vegetable markets with IG International leadership to promote the growing Virginia apple trade with India.
Agricultural and forestry exports from Virginia reached a record high of $3.35 billion in 2014. While currently a relatively small market for these products, the Indian market is growing and holds strong potential for Virginia’s agricultural and forestry industries.
For example, exports to India were just over $5 million in 2013 and last year were valued at more than $6 million. In 2014, Virginia exported about $1.6 million in apples to India, up from zero in late 2011, when Virginia opened its representative trade office. As of September of this year, the Commonwealth has exported $1.2 million in apples to India.
Exports to India in 2014 represented more than half of the state’s total apple exports worldwide, while the year-to-date sales as of September to India account for more than 60 percent of this year's total apple exports.
Crown Orchard Company, which was introduced to IG International last year when the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) sponsored a reverse trade mission to Virginia for Indian apple buyers, is one of Virginia's largest apple producers, wholesalers and exporters.
The company has been owned and operated by the Chiles family since 1912 and also grows peaches, nectarines, cherries and other fresh produce. The Chiles family also runs Carter Mountain Orchard, a popular destination for pick-your-own apples and seasonal festivals. ■
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