South African apple brand celebrates milestone as demand grows in eastern markets
Just six years after its debut on the international stage, South Africa’s homegrown apple brand, Flash Gala, has reached a notable milestone.
For the first time, more than 1mn cartons were exported in a single season – an achievement that reaffirms the country’s position as a leading apple exporter in the Southern Hemisphere.
“We’re handling the largest Flash Gala crop in history, and it’s also the season with the fewest quality issues,” said Calla du Toit, procurement manager at Tru-Cape Fruit Marketing and BigBucks Growers’ Association chairperson.
”We’re undoubtedly making great strides with the variety.”
The story of Flash Gala began in 2011, when renowned horticulturist Buks Nel discovered a promising mutation in a Corder Gala orchard at Oak Valley in the Elgin Valley.
“I found BigBucks Gala – Flash Gala’s variety name – on 18 January 2011, to be exact,” Nel recalled.
”The apple already had a vibrant red colour, even though Galas are typically harvested in February.
“At the time, there was a gap in the market for full-red Galas, and BigBucks Gala filled that perfectly,” he noted.
Word of the new discovery spread quickly, and now he can reflect on the variety’s journey.
“I’m rather chuffed, to say the least,” Nel said.
Commercial orchards were planted in 2017, and export trials followed in 2019. By 2020, substantial volumes were shipped abroad.
“South African apples benefit from our sunny climate, resulting in higher sugar levels and excellent flavour,” explained du Toit.
”Flash Gala exemplifies this – brilliant colour and superior eating quality.”
Tru-Cape noted that when US red apples became less available in India, it created a ”golden opportunity” for South Africa’s Flash Gala to establish itself – which has since become its largest export destination.
The brand is also thriving in China, Vietnam, Africa, and Russia.
“The potential for growth in India and China remains enormous,” du Toit added.
