European apples are a gift hit in Asia

The growing demand for European apples in India and Vietnam is becoming one of the most important trends in the premium fruit market in 2025, opening up new sales opportunities for importers. In both countries, apples from Europe are increasingly appearing in gift baskets and premium sets, which are gaining popularity among the middle and upper classes, especially during the festive season and during family and business visits.

In India, the increase in interest is due to growing consumer awareness, with consumers paying attention to origin, food safety and product appearance. Apples from Europe — including Gala, Red Delicious, Golden, Idared and Pink Lady — are perceived as a more stable product in terms of quality, aesthetics and suitability for elegant gift sets, especially during Diwali, Raksha Bandhan and corporate gifting. Retail chains and premium stores are increasingly relying on supplies from Europe due to predictability, certification, attractive colours and uniform fruit size.

In Vietnam, especially during Tet – the Vietnamese New Year – demand for imported fruit increases several times over, and consumers choose high-prestige products. Apples from France, Poland, Italy and Spain are valued for their ease of transport and sweet taste, and their European origin inspires great confidence among local buyers. The most popular varieties are often sold in ready-made gift sets and are now increasingly available in e-commerce.

In both countries, there is a strong tendency to choose apples as gifts, as consumers perceive them as a product with many nutritional qualities, prestigious and ‘Western’. a product that adds value to a gift basket. Market forecasts indicate that apple imports will continue to grow between 2025 and 2027 – by around 10-15% per year in India and 12-18% in Vietnam – with the largest growth occurring in the gift and corporate segments. For importers, this means an opportunity to expand their offerings, enter the premium segment and build more stable supply chains based on European producers whose products meet both current consumer preferences and the growing culture of giving high-value fruit.