Europe’s Pink Lady apple crop is set to hit 100,000 tonnes for the first time this season, as the late apple’s campaign gets underway.
The premium apple is grown in South Tyrol in Italy, Catalonia in Spain and France - the primary source of Pink Lady apples.
The first French product hit packing lines last week and quality is said to be “excellent”.
Pink Lady’s popularity continues, with the apple having increased in volume each year since its commercial release in 1995.
France contributes 52 per cent of European volumes, Italy accounts for 42 per cent of European production and Spain contributes the remaining six per cent.
Good weather conditions in France this year - a small amount of rain and a good differential between day and night temperatures - have helped produce a bumper crop.
Mélanie Bordet, product co-ordinator at Pink Lady Europe, told freshinfo: “There has been no frost affecting crops this year and the difference in temperature has been perfect for growing Pink Lady.
“Pink Lady volumes are always increasing as we have some young orchards that are beginning to produce each year. We are hoping for 100,000t, as has been predicted.”
The total European Cripps Pink crop is set to stand at around 130,000-140,000t - 75 per cent of which will be Pink Lady-branded.
Andy Macdonald, managing director of Pink Lady licence manager Coregeo Ltd, told freshinfo the premium apple was in a good position. He said: “Everyone has been hit by the recession, but we are of the opinion that you have to invest even more to ensure you stay strong long term and maintain the high standards of the brand.
“We have to keep demand ahead of supply by creating a brand that people want. Some growers have said this is their best year ever in terms of quality and quantity.”
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