"I am pleased to announce this new sale of Crown's 2015 apple crop into the highly competitive Indian produce market," Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe said in a statement.
"After opening the Indian apple market for Virginia producers last year, it was important that we continue that momentum and push hard to expand those sales," he said adding that export deals like this one will play a vital role in generating additional revenue and jobs for the State.
"We have focused on India as an important strategic market for Virginia agricultural and forestry products since launching the export growth initiative in 2011," said Todd Haymore, Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry.
"Virginia has emerged as the second largest apple exporting state to India, and we are working continuously to drive more sales and make new introductions between our producers and Indian apple importers," he said.
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In 2014, Virginia exported about apples worth USD 1.6 million to India, up from zero in late 2011, when Virginia opened its representative trade office.
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 per cent of this year's total apple exports.
"Virginia apples are already earning a solid reputation amongst Indian produce buyers for their high quality, sweet flavour and overall value," said Tarun Arora, CEO of IG International.
"Apples are in high demand in India, and I am pleased to have found a great new source for quality apples in Virginia and the Crown Orchard Company," he said.