NZ apple sector sets up centre of excellence in India under new FTA

What happened

New Zealand's apple industry is sharing expertise with growers in Himachal Pradesh, India's main apple-growing region in the western Himalayas, through a centre of excellence being established there. The project is a co-operation commitment under the India free trade agreement, which comes into effect on 20 October. The centre will feature an orchard with different apple varieties, a research centre, and online resources, and will foster collaboration with New Zealand experts to help expand India's domestic apple production. Plant and Food Research scientists have already been sent to the region to help improve production. New centres for kiwifruit development will also be established. Danielle Adsett, chief executive of New Zealand Apples and Pears, led the trip in late September and early October alongside special agricultural trade envoy Nathan Guy. She said the project was offered as part of negotiations that secured New Zealand tariff concessions and quotas. India was New Zealand's fourth-largest export market for apples and pears in the year to June, worth about $100 million. Under the FTA, the first 32,500 tonnes of apples enter at 25 percent tariffs during India's off-season (April to August), with the 50 percent tariff applying above that volume. The quota will expand to 45,000 tonnes at 25 percent tariffs over six years. Pear tariffs will drop to 16.5 percent with no quota limit, and kiwifruit will face duty-free access for 6,250 tonnes annually, expanding to 15,000 tonnes by year six.

Why it matters

The India free trade agreement was ratified by New Zealand and India on 21 September 2026 after passing Parliament's final vote on 17 September. This visit and establishment of the centre of excellence represents the first concrete implementation of the deal's co-operation commitments ahead of its entry into force, demonstrating how the agreement will operate beyond tariff reductions to include technology transfer and capacity building for Indian producers.

Follow the whole thread: India FTA negotiations

Key facts

• FTA comes into effect 20 October 2026
• Himachal Pradesh, western Himalayas, India
• First 32,500 tonnes of apples enter at 25% tariff during India's off-season
• India was NZ's fourth-largest apple and pear export market, worth $100 million year to June
• Quota expands to 45,000 tonnes at 25% tariff over six years

What happens next

The FTA comes into effect on 20 October 2026.

Primary source: New Zealand-India Free Trade Agreement

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