A new deal between a major U.S. producer and I.G. International will see year-round supplies of Virginia apples in the Indian market.

The Crown Orchard Company has signed a contract with India’s leading fruit supplier to import more than 1,000 metric tons (MT) of Virginia varieties to be sold in major retailers such as Reliance, Walmart and Hypercity across metro cities including Delhi, Mumbai and Bangalore.

The contract was recently signed by IG International director Tarun Arora and Crown Orchard Company owner Henry Chiles in an event also attended by the Governor of Virginia, Terence McAuliffe as well as other U.S. dignitaries.

"Virginia apples have earned an enviable reputation amongst Indian produce buyers for their high quality, sweet flavor and overall value," says Arora in a release.

"Apples are in high demand in India and we are pleased to have found a new source for quality apples in the Crown Orchard Company."

The Indian market has been cited as strategically important for Virginia.

Eleven major apples varieties are grown in Virginia. The Red and Golden Delicious varieties are the most popular, with harvesting usually beginning in July and extending through early November.

Virginia Apples are exported to more than 20 countries worldwide and this new Indian deal signals expansion in a key market for the U.S. company.

"Indian has been a very important market for us and we are extremely pleased to expand sales for our 2015 crop," says Chiles.

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