Kashmir apples in UAE supermarkets this year

Premium Kashmir apples are considered to be one of the highest quality apples harvested mainly from September to October.

Kamal Vachani, director and partner of Al Maya Group, noted that this is the peak season for apple harvesting in Kashmir, and he is pleased to announce the availability of freshly harvested apples in his supermarkets.

“We are delighted to announce that freshly harvested apples are available in our supermarkets in the UAE,” he was quoted as saying by PTI.

UAE-based business group Al Maya Group has more than 50 supermarkets in GCC countries (Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE)), among other operations.

Customers at supermarkets in the UAE said it was the first time they had eaten Kashmiri apples here. “Although I have tried apples from many other countries, the taste and freshness of Kashmir apples are different. As a mother, I would love to recommend these Kashmiri apples,” said Yasmina Zara, an Arab national and mother.

Mir Syed Shahid Ahmed Kamili, chairman of the Federation of Kashmir Industries, said India ranks seventh in the world’s apple production and only has a 3 percent share of all fruit crops.

“Kashmir accounts for about 80 percent of India’s total apple production. We are grateful to the Indian government as we are receiving substantial subsidies and support to facilitate exports of Kashmir products,” he said.

(with PTI input)