Fyffes is reported to have embarked on a 50-50 joint venture with Indian fruit suppliers Suri Fruit Agency.

The jv will see the two companies set up a plant in Himachal Pradesh for preserving fruits, local Indian media reported.

“The JV company is planning to set up a plant in Himachal Pradesh and we are identifying sites for the same purpose,” Sudhir Suri, md of Suri Fruits Agency, told reporters.

The joint venture company- Suri Agro Fresh Pvt Ltd- will specialise in the procurement, distribution and marketing of high altitude fruits, particularly apples.

Eugene Caulfield, Fyffes md for strategic development, said: “The jv will also open the ways for Indian fruits to enter into the European market and other SAARC countries.”