“Fruit Attraction is a strategic event for us, and this year it has a very special significance as we celebrate the association’s 50th anniversary,” says Daniel Soares, International Director at Interfel. “For this edition, we wanted to go beyond the traditional institutional space and offer visitors a genuine ‘French experience’.”
The 1,024 m² area will bring together a total of 50 exporting companies and will include a restaurant, kitchen and demonstration stand. The interprofessional organisation will also offer activities such as pétanque, caricatures and a photocall.
New markets and logistical challenges
Although Europe remains the main destination, accounting for 80% of exports — 2.23 million tonnes and €3.38 billion in 2025/26 —, Interfel is seeking to diversify its markets.
The opening of the Mexican market to Gala apples in 2025 made it possible to export around 300 tonnes. However, progress in Asia has been even more significant. Exports to the region increased by 18%, reaching 32,700 tonnes, with notable growth in India — from around 3,600 to 7,600 tonnes — and China — from 1,500 to more than 3,000 tonnes. The Middle East, led by the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, is another priority market.
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“The challenge is not only to open markets, but to turn sanitary and phytosanitary access into stable commercial relationships. Geopolitics is also forcing us to strengthen logistical resilience,” Soares explains.
Supporting climate adaptation
Recent episodes of high temperatures and drought have once again highlighted the need to accelerate the French sector’s adaptation to climate change. “The summer of 2026 was exceptionally difficult in France. Climate adaptation has become a structural issue for us,” says Soares.
Promoting consumption and looking ahead
With fresh fruit and vegetable consumption in Europe still well below recommended levels, Interfel continues to invest in promotional campaigns aimed at younger generations.
Under the slogan “produce, adapt and win consumers back”, Interfel is looking ahead to the coming years with the aim of preserving production capacity, encouraging generational renewal and maintaining the sector’s economic viability.
