INTERFEL, the Interbranch Association for Fresh French Fruit and Vegetables, has introduced a range of sustainably grown French apples in Mumbai. Indian consumers can now enjoy popular apple varieties such as Red Delicious, Golden Delicious, Royal Gala, Granny Smith, and the unique Kissabel®, a red-fleshed apple available only during the French season. These apples will be sold in leading retail stores across the country, accompanied by consumer engagement initiatives over the next few months.
Sustainable Cultivation Amid Global Challenges
French apple orchards have been resilient despite the extreme frosts that have battered agricultural yields in Eastern Europe. European apple production is projected at a low of 10.2 million tons in 2024, but France is expected to maintain stable yields at 1.463 million tons. This stability is due to sustainable farming practices, such as precision irrigation and eco-friendly pest management, which ensure high-quality produce with minimal environmental impact.
INTERFEL’s commitment to sustainable agriculture is part of global efforts to combat climate change and support consumer health. Innovative cultivation techniques have helped French apple growers produce premium-quality fruits while addressing environmental concerns.
Showcase in Mumbai—Exclusivity
To launch the apples in the Indian market, INTERFEL organized an exclusive event on December 1 at IFBE, Mumbai. This showcase was a carefully selected culinary experience that demonstrated the versatility of French apples. It allowed guests to taste different dishes that highlighted the flavor diversity of each variety, thereby presenting the culinary potential of these fruits.
The event also enabled industry stakeholders to experience the dynamic Kissabel® and other traditional apple varieties. This reflects INTERFEL’s strategic focus on promoting fresh fruit consumption and meeting market demands through innovation and quality.
Retail Rollout Across India
Major retail chains in India now have French apples available for consumers to experience firsthand. INTERFEL intends to engage customers through activities in the stores, including tasting and interactive games, so that Indian shoppers can be introduced to the flavors and benefits of French apples. Roadshows in key cities will further popularize these apples, underlining INTERFEL’s commitment to fostering connections between producers and consumers.
About INTERFEL
INTERFEL was established in 1976 and embodies the whole of French fresh fruit and vegetable production, distribution, and consumption. It supports more than 1,300 apple producers and is involved in ecological agriculture. The sector has 75,000 companies and 450,000 jobs connected with it; INTERFEL helps move agriculture towards a more sustainable model and respond to supply with global demand.
The activities by INTERFEL help to provide high-quality fresh produce and lobby the interest of the sector on national and international platforms. Their activities are therefore coupled with research, innovation, and responsible consumption.
Conclusion
This is an important step to further the relationship between Indian customers and sustainable agriculture in France. Due to their quality and varieties, these apples have the chance to become favorite apples among shoppers in India as they promote the cause of sustainable farming.
Source: NRDPL