Mumbai recently played host to a unique culinary event that marked the official introduction of the new season's sustainably grown French apples to the Indian market. The Interprofessional Association for Fresh Fruits and Vegetables (INTERFEL) organized a special tasting and workshop at Food Square, kicking off a major nationwide retail and consumer campaign.
A Taste of France in Mumbai
Guests at the Mumbai event were treated to a sensory journey through prominent French apple varieties, including the crisp Royal Gala, the tart Granny Smith, and the sweet Pixie. The apples were presented in innovative formats, moving beyond simple fresh tastings to creative tapas and delectable desserts. The evening also served to educate attendees on the journey of these fruits from French orchards to Indian tables, highlighting INTERFEL's pivotal role in representing growers and promoting high-quality fresh produce from France.
Chef Sushil Multani, who expertly curated the evening's menu, shared his enthusiasm: "Cooking with French apples was an absolute delight. Their perfect balance of bright tartness and natural sweetness shone through in every creation. This versatile trio paired remarkably well across the board, complementing seafood, cheese, and even lamb dishes seamlessly."
Innovation and Sustainability in French Orchards
The event went beyond tasting, delving into the robust agricultural backbone of the French apple industry. French apples are renowned for their consistent taste and firm texture, a result of stringent quality systems and advanced orchard management. The sector demonstrates remarkable resilience, with 2025 production estimated at 1.485 million tonnes. This figure represents a 4% increase over 2024 and is 3% higher than the three-year average, showcasing stability despite global climate challenges.
While classic international varieties like Gala and Golden remain stable, club varieties such as Pink Lady and Jazz are projected to grow by about 2%. Traditional French favourites and emerging new varieties are also on the rise, with innovations expected to yield around 145,000 tonnes this season.
This success is rooted in over 25 years of dedicated work in sustainable farming. French growers employ precision irrigation, advanced soil management, and eco-friendly pest control methods. Their core mission is to maintain a natural balance in the orchards while preserving vital water and soil resources for future generations.
From Apples to Kombucha: A Flavourful Workshop
A highlight of the evening was an interactive kombucha workshop led by specialist Vikram Mittal of Mavi’s Pantry. Mittal demonstrated the versatility of French apples beyond the fruit bowl, incorporating them into fermented beverages and foods.
"Indians have a deep love for apples, whether for their visual appeal or in our pies," Mittal noted. "The French Pixie variety gave an extra sweet punch to our kombucha, while the Granny Smith was perfectly suited for sauerkraut. I must confess, I couldn't stop snacking on the Royal Gala either."
Following the successful Mumbai launch, the campaign is set to expand across India. French apples will soon be available at major supermarkets nationwide. The rollout will be supported by engaging in-store tastings, interactive promotions, and roadshows designed to invite Indian families to experience the distinctive flavour and culinary versatility of French apples firsthand.
