February
25, 2026, Mumbai, India : Building on the recent announcement of Chef
Vikas Khanna as Global Brand Ambassador, the India office of The
Cranberry Institute hosted an exclusive media and trade interaction in
Mumbai. The event marked the beginning of this collaboration and brought
together prominent voices from the culinary community, along with importers,
retailers, nutrition specialists, and members of the media, for an afternoon
focused on the flavour, versatility, and health benefits of US Cranberries.
A
standout moment of the event was a live culinary presentation by Chef Vikas
Khanna, where he demonstrated creative applications of cranberries across both
Indian and international cuisines. Through his showcase, Chef Khanna
highlighted how cranberries can transition effortlessly from festive spreads to
everyday cooking, adding colour, taste, and nutritional value.
Speaking
at the event, Chef Vikas Khanna said, “Food,
for me, is about balance, nourishing the body while celebrating culture and
joy. Cranberries carry that duality beautifully, they are rich in health
benefits yet equally vibrant in taste and colour. I am honoured to partner with
The Cranberry Institute to share their story across borders and inspire people
to bring them to their tables in new and meaningful ways.”
The
programme also featured insights into recent scientific findings. Addressing
the audience, Dr. Jignesh Gandhi, Professor of Surgery and Robotic &
Gastrointestinal Surgeon at Gleneagles and Fortis Hospitals, Mumbai, said, “H.
pylori bacterial infection is a major health concern in India, affecting nearly
60% of our population and contributing to conditions ranging from chronic
acidity to stomach cancer. This latest research highlights that consuming
cranberry juice twice daily for eight weeks can reduce H. pylori infection
rates by 20%. Such results indicate a promising, natural, and complementary
strategy to manage this persistent infection alongside conventional medical
treatments.”
Sharing
his perspective on the association, Mr. Sumit Saran, India Representative for
The Cranberry Institute, said, “We are very delighted and honoured to be
associated with renowned culinary maestro, Chef Vikas Khanna. His extraordinary
talent and passion for food have not only elevated Indian cuisine on the global
stage but have also inspired countless food enthusiasts. His ability to connect
health, heritage, and gastronomy makes him the ideal ambassador for the fruit.”
Mr.
Saran also noted that US Cranberries are now easily available through dry fruit
stores as well as leading e-commerce platforms.
The
event concluded with curated tastings and interactive sessions, allowing guests
to experience first-hand the adaptability of cranberries across both sweet and
savoury preparations.
For
more information, please visit: https://uscranberries.in/
About
The Cranberry Institute
The
Cranberry Institute is a not-for-profit organization established in 1951 to
support the success of cranberry growers and the broader industry across the
Americas. It works through health, agricultural, environmental stewardship
research, along with cranberry promotion and education initiatives. The
Institute is voluntarily funded by Supporting Members who handle, process, and
sell cranberries. These members are represented in national and international
regulatory matters, and research initiatives are conducted on their behalf.
Growers contracted with Supporting Members are automatically represented by The
Cranberry Institute and receive regular grower communications. The Institute’s
Board of Directors comprises nine members representing their respective handlers
and/or processors.
