The first-ever shipment of Argentine lemons has arrived in India, following the approval of market access earlier this year.

IG International, India’s largest fresh fruit importer, will be importing fresh lemons from Argentina supplied by San Miguel.

The opening of the first container of this season’s lemons was graced by the representatives from San Miguel, the Consul General of Argentina and the representatives of the Argentina Embassy in New Delhi.

IG International will be currently importing around 500 metric tons (MT) of Eureka lemons, which will mainly be sold in Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore.

“India is a grower of limes and this variety of lemon is currently not grown in India. The Indian consumer has become very diverse and wants to try anything new," said Tarun Arora, director of IG International.

"IG International represented almost 86% of the total imported lemon market in India. Though the volume is really small we are really keen to work on lemons to grow this category in India for the future."

Arora adds that IG can increase Argentine lemon import volumes to around 2000MT in the next three to five years.

“We were very happy to learn that a company with the credentials of I.G. International has chosen the Argentine lemons. As you well know you are getting a world-class product so you won’t disappoint your sophisticated clientele,” said Guillermo E. Devoto, Consul General, Argentina.

"I would like to congratulate I.G. International for this first shipment and look forward to seeing the Argentine lemons in the best Indian supermarkets."