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.”
