New Zealand’s premium Rouge apple debuts in Indian market at APMC Vashi
On the right Graham Rouse, New Zealand Counsel General and Trade Commissioner India and South Asia with Rohan Satish Ursal
The premium Rouge Apple from New Zealand was officially unveiled at the APMC Fruit Market, Vashi, on Thursday marking its first-ever entry into the Indian market and underscoring the strengthening of agricultural trade between India and New Zealand.
The launch event was attended by Graham Rouse, Consul General of New Zealand and Trade Commissioner – South Asia; Irfan Jaffer, Deputy Trade Commissioner, India and South Asia; Vrunda Sonawane, Business Development Manager, NZTE; Chandrakant Dhole, President of the Fruit Traders Association; Sanjay Pansare, Director, APMC Vashi; Rajendra Konde, Deputy Secretary, APMC Vashi; along with senior leaders from the fruit trade community.
The Rouge Apple launch was hosted by D B Ursal and Grandsons, in partnership with Bearsley Exports New Zealand, Don Limon Germany, and Scion Agricos India.
Rohan Satish Ursal of D B Ursal and Grandsons linked the debut to high-level momentum, recalling: “When Prime Minister Luxon and Prime Minister Modi identified agriculture as a top priority in their discussions, it gave entrepreneurs like us the confidence that our work is fully aligned with national priorities. Today’s Rouge Apple launch is not just a business milestone but also a reflection of how Indo–New Zealand ties are deepening at both government and grassroots levels.”
Speaking about the product, Ursal added “Rouge Apple is a bright red, crunchy, and naturally sweet variety that ticks all the boxes for Indian consumers. Early feedback from traders and buyers has been overwhelmingly positive, and we are confident that demand will only grow further.”
Graham Rouse said “It is commendable that within just six months of participating in the Asia New Zealand Foundation delegation, Rohan and his partners have successfully introduced Rouge Apple to India. New Zealand regards India as one of the most promising and strategic markets for its growers. The scale and potential here represent the biggest opportunity today for New Zealand’s fresh produce sector.”
The event concluded with the ceremonial unveiling of the first crate of Rouge Apple and an Apple Toast.
Published on September 4, 2025
