Welcome Ceremony for Tessa Apple in Beijing Together with the Dutch Embassy
Historic milestone for Dutch apples on the Chinese market
Beijing, 9 February 2026 – Following the arrival of the first container of Dutch Tessa apples in China, an official welcome ceremony took place in Beijing last weekend in the presence of the Dutch Embassy, FruitMasters, the Chinese importer and the retail partner. The ceremony marked a historic milestone in the introduction of the Tessa apple to the Chinese market and underlined the importance of this development for the trade relationship between the Netherlands and China.
Symbolic moment ahead of Chinese New Year
The welcome ceremony took place in the run up to the Chinese Spring Festival and the Year of the Horse. With its deep red colour, the Tessa apple closely aligns with Chinese traditions, in which red symbolises happiness, prosperity and joy. This makes the apple a strong fit for the premium and gift segment, which plays an important role during this period.
From left to right: Yan Su, Agricultural Adviser at the Dutch Embassy in Beijing; Tsjeard Hoekstra, Deputy Ambassador; Erik Smidt, Agricultural Counsellor; Fabien Dumont, FruitMasters; and Karel van Bommel, Agricultural Counsellor.
Tessa apples in special packaging for Chinese New Year
During the ceremony, attention was given to the historic milestone. For the first time, Dutch apples have officially been granted access to the Chinese market. Tsjeard Hoekstra, Deputy Ambassador of the Dutch Embassy in China, highlighted the importance of this development:
“This event marks an important milestone. For the first time, Dutch apples have gained access to the Chinese market. It highlights the importance of food within Chinese culture, the quality of Dutch products, and the role of China as our most important agrifood market outside Europe.”
Result of bilateral cooperation
The introduction of the Tessa apple is the direct result of the apple protocol signed by the Netherlands and China in 2025. This protocol provides Dutch apple growers with access to the Chinese market. Fabien Dumont, Director Sales International at FruitMasters, commented on the importance of this first export to China:
“The long awaited arrival of the first Dutch apple in China represents an important milestone within the strong and sustainable relationship between our two countries. It shows how cooperation, trust and mutual understanding contribute to the prosperity and well being of the Chinese population.”
With this next step, the foundation is laid for a sustainable and long term cooperation, focused on high quality and healthy products for the Chinese market.
