CANDINE Dish and Juliet Dish 
LIFE

The Pinoy Christmas spread includes French apples

Pauline Joyce Pascual

Apples are now a staple in Filipino tables, especially at Christmas, where its red color brings an instant celebratory feel along with jamon, lechon and queso.

With their crisp texture, juicy flavor and eye-catching colors, French apples are poised to make a strong impression in the Philippines. As consumers across the country increasingly seek high-quality, health-conscious and globally-inspired food choices, France introduces its finest apple varieties — a combination of tradition, innovation, and care in every bite.

Strong and diverse harvest

This year, France anticipates a satisfying apple harvest of 1.485 million tons, an increase of fourpercent compared to 2024 and 3 percent above the three-year average.

Well-known international varieties such as Gala, Golden, Granny Smith, Fuji and Red apples remain stable (-1%), while premium “Club” varieties like Pink Lady, Jazz, Joya and Juliet are up by 2 percent. Traditional local varieties like Chantecler, Canada and Boskoop, on the other hand, have increased by three percent.

A major highlight this season is the rise of new-generation apple varieties, expected to reach 145,000 tons in 2025 — a significant +51 percent growth year-on-year. Meanwhile, the total European harvest is at its lowest since 2017, estimated at 10.45 million tons, highlighting the strength and resilience of the French apple industry.

Growing appetite for quality

The Philippines is emerging as an exciting and dynamic market. With increasing demand for nutritious, diverse, and high-quality products, French apples are perfectly positioned to become a favorite among Filipino families.

“The Philippines is a key partner in our international development. With its dynamic and discerning consumers, this market represents a true opportunity to share the excellence and diversity of French apples. We’re excited to bring them to the Philippines, where there’s a strong appreciation for healthy, high-quality food. Beyond trade, we aim to build a lasting relationship based on quality, trust and sustainability,” said Daniel Soares, international director at Interfel.

French apples are grown using eco-responsible practices, with a strong commitment to biodiversity, traceability and varietal richness. As Filipino consumers continue to seek food that aligns with both taste and values, French apples offer a perfect fit — delivering freshness, flavor and sustainability in every bite.