New Delhi: Delhi is set to witness a slice of Meghalaya’s rich agricultural heritage as the fourth edition of the Meghalaya Pineapple Festival gets underway
at Dilli Haat, INA. Running from July 10 to 12, the three-day event celebrates the state’s famed Kew pineapples while bringing together farmers, consumers, retailers and food businesses under one roof. Organised by the Meghalaya government, the festival goes beyond showcasing fresh produce.
Visitors can savour the distinctive taste of organically grown Kew pineapples, enjoy cultural performances, explore authentic handicrafts and regional spices, and learn about the farming practices that have made this variety popular across the country. For its naturally sweet flavour, and nutritional benefits, the Kew pineapple continues to earn a loyal following among fruit lovers. Here’s all you need to know about the festival and Kew pineapple.
Meghalaya Pineapple Festival 2026
Meghalaya Pineapple Festival 2026 highlights
The festival aims to bring together culture, commerce and community while creating new business opportunities for the state’s pineapple growers.
The initiative connects rural farmers directly with consumers, retailers and food businesses, helping improve market access and ensuring growers receive better returns for their produce.
The three-day festival offers visitors a chance to sample farm-fresh Kew pineapples through free tasting sessions, alongside organic products such as juices and jams.
Cultural performances by artists from the Chief Minister’s Meghalaya Grassroots Music Programme add to the celebrations, while exhibitions showcase Meghalaya’s traditional handlooms, handicrafts and premium regional products, including Lakadong turmeric.
The event also focuses on expanding market opportunities for farmers through partnerships with major retailers, strengthening supply chains and reducing dependence on middlemen. By combining agriculture with music, dance and local crafts, the festival also promotes Meghalaya as an eco-tourism destination.
How to reach Dilli Haat
Visitors can reach the venue conveniently via the INA Metro Station, an interchange on the Yellow Line and Pink Line of the Delhi Metro. The station has a dedicated exit that leads directly to Dilli Haat.
Why Kew pineapples stand out
- Kew pineapples are primarily cultivated in Meghalaya’s Ri-Bhoi, East Khasi and Garo Hills, where farmers follow organic cultivation practices without using chemical fertilisers or pesticides.
- The fruit develops over 18 to 25 months, depending on local growing conditions, with farmers carefully nurturing the crop throughout its cultivation cycle.
- The variety is known for its Total Soluble Solids content of 12-14° Brix, giving it a naturally honey-like sweetness with very low fibre. It has an oblong shape that tapers gently towards the crown and turns a bright yellow when fully ripe.
- One of its distinguishing features is its pleasant aroma, which can often be noticed even before the fruit is seen.
- The light yellow flesh is exceptionally juicy, sweeter than many commonly available varieties and contains less outer fibre, making it less acidic in taste.
Nutritional benefits of Kew pineapples
- Kew pineapples are rich in Vitamin C, potassium and bromelain, a digestive enzyme that helps break down proteins.
- They also contain antioxidants and manganese, nutrients associated with heart health, balanced blood pressure and stronger bones.
- The fruit supports collagen production, which contributes to healthier skin and stronger hair while also aiding wound healing.
- Its nutritional profile may also help support eye health, including better night vision.
Easy to peel and versatile to use
- Weighing around 2 to 3 kilograms, Kew pineapples are recognised for their broad eyes, making them much easier to peel than many other pineapple varieties.
- Their uniform shape and absence of a fibrous core have also made them a preferred choice for the food processing industry.
- They are widely used for canning, juices and jams, while also being enjoyed fresh or added to popular Indian dishes such as bhel puri and raita.
- Despite their premium quality, Kew pineapples remain affordable at approximately Rs 36 per kilogram, making them one of the most accessible varieties available in the market.
Mixing agriculture, culture and commerce, the Meghalaya Pineapple Festival offers visitors an opportunity to experience one of the state’s finest produce while supporting local farmers. For anyone visiting Dilli Haat this weekend, the festival promises fresh flavours, cultural performances and a closer look at the celebrated Kew pineapple.
