I don't know why finding excellent Pate de Fruit is so hard. I recall having them first time about 10 years ago and you got FRUIT and then sugar..now I get a lot of sugar and then some fruit flavor. The apricot is nondescript but the raspberry is better. But I think they're fine, if you've never tasted them in Paris.
And I know I could make them-the reason I pay a premium is that it's a lot of work and in the winter there is really no great fruit. They are best with really vibrant berries and stone fruit like plums. And yea, I'm a lazy chef...I'M RETIRED!!!